Overview & Reviews

The entry-level Ion 1 trim level has been dropped for 2006. Wheel designs have been revised, OnStar is now standard across the board, and air conditioning has moved to the options list for the Ion 2. Upgraded performance is available via an optional Enhanced Performance package, which includes antilock brakes, a sport-tuned suspension and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 170 horsepower.

• Limited rear legroom, center-mounted instrumentation takes some getting used to, below-average interior materials.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 154.00

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  Would not buy another Saturn - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Kathy - December 9 - 2:10 pm

  The car only got about 17 MPG in town. Hwy mpg was what it was supposed to be. At 40,000 miles, the car would not start after filling up with gas. After a couple tries, had to push on gas pedal to start. Also, at 45,000 miles, ignition went completely out and had to replace! Looking to trade car asap.

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  Beware: Horrible Car!!! - 2006 Saturn ION
  By gibbys1 - December 8 - 12:55 pm

  My 2006 Saturn Ion has been nothing but a money pit. Sure the first couple years were great...no problems. Then, the issues started. My car now has 59,000 miles on it and I have had to replace the track in the drivers door because my window actually fell down into the door and wouldnt come back up. It has no A/C because no one can figure out whats wrong with it. I have also had to replace the brakes numerous times, replaced sensors because the lights would stay on (the car thought the doors werent shut) and now I have an issue where the car doesnt want to start on cold mornings. This car just is not worth it anymore. Im frustrated, poor and just cant take much more!!!

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  I will not buy another Saturn. - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Charles - April 5 - 12:26 pm

  I bought this car new. I have the key stuck in the ignition problem. The car wouldnt turn off. I could not remove the key. The car is less than three years old. The warranty has passed because of the mileage. The dealer refuses to even look at it unless I agree to pay. The ignition switch does not wear with mileage. This should not break within three years. I have searched the internet and this seems to be a common occurance with this car. This should be a recall but isnt. If you want me to buy a new car from you then stand behind the broken one you already sold me!! I am looking for a new second car. I was going to buy the Vue, but now it wont be a Saturn.

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  HAPPY WITH CAR, BUT... - 2006 Saturn ION
  By squeegie - December 25 - 4:47 pm

  I bought a 2006 Saturn ION 3 with 5 sp manual transmission back in Aug 2010. I love the car when there are no problems, but boy, when there are problems, there are problems! I had to replace the ignition switch cos of a bad sensor. The PassLock system wouldnt let me start the car because of this. It "thought" the car was being stolen so the engine wouldnt start. 2 days ago, the power steering light came on & I lost my power steering. The book said to take it to the dealer, so I did. That is when I found out that there is a recall from GM. Fortunately, my car has less than 100k miles, so the price of the repair was covered under the recall.

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  Disappointed soon after purchase - 2006 Saturn ION
  By SaturnDriver - October 8 - 2:43 pm

  I purchased this vehicle to remain a domestic car driver and enjoyed the hassle-free purchase at a decent cost. Since then, Ive continually been disappointed by a brand that used to be so strong. Most recent issues that has caused me to post this review is the failure and consequent $1000 cost to repair my power steering. I have learned that hundreds of 2006 Saturn Ion owners have had the same issue and hope any who read this will lodge complaint in order to encourage official recall (and reimbursement for cost of your repair).

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  Why is my car knocking? - 2006 Saturn ION
  By readingteach - September 28 - 4:16 pm

  I owned an SL2, and it went almost 150,000 miles until I traded it in for my current car, a 2006 I0N 3. The quality of the ION 3 is much poorer than with the SL. Its obvious that Saturn cut corners with the ION, which may account for its short run. Like others, Ive noticed that the interior seems cheaply made, and the material does easily stain. The biggest problem is that the car keeps surging when Im idling at a stop sign or a red light. Ive taken it to the dealer multiple times, and they cant find anything. I was originally very proud to own a Saturn since the company took a lot of pride in its products, but the company obviously doesnt care about quality like it once did.

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  Good Commuter Car - 2006 Saturn ION
  By epic_sandwich - August 24 - 6:36 am

  Ive owned my 06 Ion for 4 years, purchased used from a Saturn dealer with 22k on the clock. It just passed 80k the other day and thus far has been a good car. Average 33mpg, over 40 on trips. Issues thus far: AC compressor failed (replaced under warranty), power steering motor failed (out of warranty, dealer wanted $1300 to fix, I bought a used ps motor off eBay and did it myself for $80 bucks), ignition module failure (twice, $82 part at AutoZone), and now the front right wheel has a bad bearing and is causing excessive road noise. Most of the problems are easy and quick to fix, no car is 100% failure proof and I think this car is a good trade-off. People have unrealistic expectations.

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  Saturn ION2 - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Sara - August 14 - 2:10 am

  With only 35,000 miles i already had to replace a gas cap and vent and valve because it did not pass emmissions. I cannot believe that I am already putting money into this car. I will make sure not to buy another Saturn again.

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  Ignition Switch etc - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Gary - March 7 - 3:23 am

  Saturn had always held themselves up to be a "different car company" and well, they are. Ive owned probably 20 cars in my life and never seen a company ignore a known severe problem (the ignition switch failure) leaving consumers to pay $700 or more to have repair work done. I marvel at the prior reviews - people posting here after they bought their Saturns. The fact is after a few years (we now have 45000 miles on our car) the thing begins to fall apart. Windows falling off, ignition wont turn off, bearings failing, its a real piece of you know what. I understand things fail but what is irritating is that known severe failures should cause the company to recall or reimburse.