Overview & Reviews

After 12 long years in production, Saturn is finally retiring its aging S-Series sedan and coupe in favor of the all-new Saturn Ion sedan and innovative quad coupe.

• Innovative rear-access doors on coupe, customer-focused dealers, numerous personalization options, great cargo capacity.

• Build quality not up to segment standards, unusual styling, lack of established service and repair history.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 280.00

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  Test drive of the Saturn Ion - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Mike25 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  To make a long story short, the ride was nice. The car handled very smoothly with adequate power for its class, without being too noisy. But the car fails miserably on comfort. The cockpit of this "roomier" Saturn can best be described as claustrophobic. The center console felt like it was digging into my right leg the whole time. It actually felt painful after my 3 minute test drive. I am 6 feet tall, but even the salesperson, who looked to be about 58" said he had a problem with it. How could Saturn produce a new model with such an obious shortcoming? Did anyone look at this thing before it was put on the market?

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  Saturn Ion 2 - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Bhill10 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this NEW Ion 2 in late May of 03, its now late July. During this time my hood release fell off, I had to take it back in to get it fixed. Then I put my key in the passenger door to unlock it and the little metal piece that you put your key in fell into the door, the dealership in Columbia, SC said "That seems to be a similar thing happening to the Ion". Yesterday the little change drawer came off, I managed to fix it myself though. My wife also pointed out that the gas door is getting crooked and needs to be tightened. It is reliable so far though as far as getting yout from A to B.

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  Worhtless - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Ion - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I havent had my Ion 3 for its first oil change yet, and ive already made 4 trips to the dealership for repairs. First the drivers door was falling apart. Then again for a 4 wheel alignment, but my car still pulls to the left.

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  You get what you pay for... - 2003 Saturn ION
  By car shopping - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I test drove this car for 24 hours. The editors review of this car is very accurate.

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  What Else Can Go Wrong?? - 2003 Saturn ION
  By gretchen1982 - October 15 - 5:16 pm

  Absolutely hate this car. During the warranty years I had most of the undercarriage replaced. Rear suspension was originally put in wrong. Then in the winter it started "not turning over." But yesterday when it had been parked in a garage (and it was a good 50 degrees out) it did it again. The seats stain easily from even water.

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  Appreciate at the pump - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Hessian - February 27 - 9:36 am

  This is the 8th Saturn Ive owned and it has been the best, fuel-wise and dependability-wise. We have driven it nearly 5 yrs. now and only minor problems. Our major complaint is comfort. The drivers seat is impossible for long drives. Little cushioning, hardly any lumbar support. And no room in the back seat. This is the car for those seeking dependable transportation at affordable prices. Itll get you where you want to go cheaply. Your pocketbook will appreciate it, even if your back doesnt.

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  O K car. - 2003 Saturn ION
  By leo - February 21 - 2:06 pm

  Owned since 8/07. Took some time to adjust to. Gear shifting is awkward compared to a Honda or Toyota. Great turning radius. Chronic ignition switch problem that shows up in winter. Wipers are plastic and are very delicate in cold weather with snow or ice. Fabric is cheap and stains easily. Seats not all that comfortable. Like car a lot but have been let down more than once.

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  not bad - 2003 Saturn ION
  By UTstudent - August 3 - 10:00 am

  The overall platform of the vehicle seems strong and stable, allowing for a better than expected ride. The 140 HP engine provides ample power. The steering is "quirky" (overly sensitive without the expected feedback). The position of the gagues may be impressive for young drivers but not for older ones. Overall seems to be a good car.

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  A Very Mixed Bag - 2003 Saturn ION
  By rdcarney - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I drive over 20K/year for work, and need a reliable and economical vehicle. The Saturn Ion specs out much better than the Cavalier that Im used to driving, plus my wife is in love with the Ions looks and features. What I didnt know is that the drivers seat would hurt my back so badly after driving for 30 miles or more. I would recommend NOT buying this car to anyone who has had any kind of back problems or tight muscles. Also, there is too little useable storage space within easy reach of the driver; there isnt even a safe place to put a cell phone with an earpiece attached. Im wondering what kind of individual they designed this car for?

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  Info - 2003 Saturn ION
  By HRC - September 17 - 6:16 pm

  Rides good, nice exterior style. The engine has enough power, big trunk. Ignition switch went bad twice and it seems to be going bad again. The interior panels fall off or come loose easily. The heater core went bad. Lots of rattles and wind noise. Radiator sensor went bad.