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 1 through 10 of 154.00

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  Solid Commuter - 2006 Saturn ION
  By berne1 - August 29 - 8:23 am

  I bought this car strictly on price. Got a 24 mo lease w/17K miles per year for $222. I was expecting to be underwhelmed, but I found this vehicle to be a pleasant surprise. I got the 5- speed because I prefer a stick, and got an addl $250 rebate. This car would not be fun with an automatic. The engine pulls strong in the powerband. The interior is quieter than I expected. It only took a few days to get used to the center-mounted gauges. I dont know that Id put them there, but they work just fine. The only time it seems weird is at night, when there is no light from the gauges directly in front of you.

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  Good Car - Great Price - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Patrick - July 8 - 9:06 am

  In my opinion, any lack of performance has more to do with the class of car (i.e., 4cyl, econonmy). This is my second Saturn and the best way to descibe it is a B+ car with A+ service and price. I know with the "Global Economy" it might not matter (I am impressed with Hondas and Toyotas), but I just cant even walk into their dealerships. I surely dont think American cars are perfect, but based on whats written on-line and in magazines, I must be the only person who knows of a fair amount of people with problems with Toyotas and Hondas etc. My only point being, are Japanese cars better in general, probably. That much better? Maybe Im lucky.

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  The Redline Lives Up to Its Name - 2006 Saturn ION
  By SaturnTuners - April 26 - 11:36 pm

  I have had my car for over a year now, and put nearly 19,000 miles on it. It is by far the best car you can buy for the price. I got mine for around 20k, with a killer trade in deal on my last car. This car beats 03 Mustang GTs no problem, and it gets twice the mileage! The supercharger whine is amazing, especially with the intake. I also got the thermal R&D exhaust, and it sounds really nice; unlike a Civic hatch. If you are looking to pick up a really good deal, now is the time. You can get a very high performance grocery getter for around 15k loaded.

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  its all new to me - 2006 Saturn ION
  By DJ - February 21 - 8:36 pm

  well just bought it but so far so good, its a big change for me cause i fianlly got rid of my 93 roadmaster with a 350-5.7l..so to go to a 4cyl its a change. the car looks great feels great and sounds great..the center dash is nice once you get used to it. it was worth it though for myself, my wife and 2 kids...happy driving..and go try one it wont hurt..lol

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  so far so good - 2006 Saturn ION
  By bowtieguy4 - February 6 - 8:03 am

  hello, i owned a 2006 cobalt prior to this car and i had 65,000 miles on it. i had some of the same problems as other saturn owners had. i do however i enjoy the saturn more than the cobalt. it seems to be a better built car and drive better, the sound system is much better it has a dome light big improvment.I hope the power steering dont go out like on the cobalt that is a expensive fix,the center dash is a very nice design.the performace is better that is a nice upgrade. this car has a r title to it only paid 6000.00 for it in very good cond,will give more updates as i drive it more.

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  Lacks - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Terie - December 14 - 3:40 pm

  This is our 5th Saturn. Weve had mostly SC2s and a SL. This car just doesnt feel as solid. It feels cheap, like a Kia or a Neon. When I drive my bright yellow 2001 SC2, theres just more there. The doors feel tighter, the interior is better appointed.The seats arent as comfy and front visability is a problem for a shorter person like me in the ION. Those big columns on either side of the windshield are a hazard. Paint has always been an issue with our Saturns, and it still is. My car is black, so you see every little thing.The yellow car always had paint issues to I dont think Saturn is the car it once was. Dont think a 6th Saturn is in our future.

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  Did well with my second Saturn - 2006 Saturn ION
  By MIKE - November 11 - 10:56 pm

  I had a difficult choice to make for an automobile that was good on gas and comfortable to drive. I found it in the Saturn ion 2. The interior is a good size with all the items that I need to haul around. The mileage is better than expected. The ride is great even on rough roads. The ION rides as if it was heavier than it really is. Changing the oil is a breeze when compared to my previous automobile. I had to jump my wifes car and it was easy to figure out where to place the cables on the ion. The fold down back seat is a real plus when hauling. The visibility is great with the positioning of the dash and the front window position. I am very happy with my purchase, the price sure was right

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  Have an 06 Quad coupe......... - 2006 Saturn ION
  By dartyvagrant - June 19 - 3:09 pm

  This has been a fairly good vehicle. The anti-theft system is always a cloud over our heads. Never know when its going to engage and have to be reset. Wife driving-39-41 MPG, my driving at 80-85 MPH down to 32 MPG. The rear suspension is a joke! The same beam axle as the Citation of years ago. NOT independant rear suspension, ride in cramped rear seat not good. Front seats A-OK. A Chevrolet Cobalt in drag, and more money. The local Chevrolet dealer has performed all the campaigns (ign switch, power steering motor).

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  Really Happy! - 2006 Saturn ION
  By branman102 - May 27 - 6:04 am

  Might as well start with the problems. AC compressor went, but was under warranty, the alarm is activated in cold weather due to thick lubricant in the ignition cylendar (common problem) and the clutch that is auto adjusting is set too close to the floor for my liking. Now the good stuff. Good looking car. Better looking than the comperable Japanese models in my opinion. Good gas mileage. I upgraded my plugs, keep it well maintained, use Lucas products, adjusted my driving habits and get about 20% better mileage than the EPA rating. Comfortable with plenty of room in the back for my kids. Lots of trunk room. Lots of pep in the city and on the highway when you need it.

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  Im happy with my Saturn ION - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Kayla - February 2 - 12:16 pm

  Ive had my 2006 ION for about a month now. Decent on gas. The pick up is a bit slow but otherwise I love my new car! Its reliable, comfortable and cute!