Overview & Reviews

Significant changes accompany the Ion into 2005. A revised front fascia on sedans, as well as various other exterior trim and wheel upgrades, spruce up the Ion's outward appearance. Inside, new front and rear seats (on level 2 and 3 models) provide substantial comfort improvements, and a new steering wheel replaces last year's go-kartlike unit. Interior trim and materials have also been refined. Substantial improvements to noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) have been made possible through the use of Quiet Steel for the plenum and dash, an acoustic engine cover, and other powertrain and insulation enhancements. The electric power steering has been recalibrated, and various suspension revisions improve ride and handling. A four-speed automatic transmission replaces last year's five-speed unit and the coupe's CVT unit.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 152.00

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  Never Again - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Wilson - April 21 - 8:33 pm

  Ive had nothing but problems, security system wont always let me start the car, had to replace the wheel bareings @ 50000kms, engine light comes on and off for a misfire, but mechanics can find nothing wrong with it, something wrong with the front end that makes my abs kick in, but again, mechanics cant find anything. Had to have a bushing replaced on it...not a good car

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  Big Disappointment - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Frustrated - April 25 - 2:43 pm

  This car has had more issues than I can remember. Purchased new, now 30K miles. Manual transmission with many problems. Hesitates when accelerator is engaged. Stalls frequently when first started each day. Saturn mechanic even admitted to me that the 2005 ION is one of the worst cars Saturn has made and repairs are more frequent on this model. Wont buy from Saturn again.

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  Unreliable. Dont do it. - 2005 Saturn ION
  By pinktoes - January 2 - 5:03 pm

  Poorly made? Perhaps bad parts? I have had my horn replaced, the BCM replaced, and now the cruise control and gas gauge are not functioning properly. I cannot wait to trade this car in. I told myself I would keep it a year. One headache-filled year. I would not recommend Saturn or the ION. Not to mention the poor quality of the car, the salesmen and service department have been very disappointing.

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  You get what ya paid for - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Caligirl - September 4 - 6:36 pm

  I purchased this car with 50K for $7K. I really got my moneys worth which wasnt much. The right headlight refuses to work, it runs hard, the engine cant take going 70 mph, and the whole car seems to be made of cheap, cheap plastic. To top it off, my engine light turns on then after a few hours to a day it turns off by itself. And no one can figure out why it does that! Buy this car if you want a cheap compact gas saver.

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  Pathetic Car - 2005 Saturn ION
  By SamT - October 26 - 12:53 pm

  I had to get rid of my ION at 48,000 miles due to it needing more in repairs than the car was worth. At 48,000 miles, my transmission died due to a factory defect. SInce my car was out of warranty, Saturn wouldnt fix it for free. In addition to my blown transmission, I also needed a whole new valve body. The cost of the transmission and valve body was more than the car was worth. Im not a car expert but I know enough to know that cars shouldnt be done for before they reach 50,000 miles. My ION had other problems too, such as a faulty ignition starter that wouldnt always let me remove the key. Saturn wouldnt fix the problem or admit there was one. Terrible car, terrible company. Beware!

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  Good Value - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Breech - November 20 - 5:10 am

  Good performance for the price. Could be faster but poor transmission gearing and low rev limiter hold it back. Not a great car to tune or run at the strip. More of a jack of all trades, master of none type. Typical poor interior quality from GM. Handling and ride quality are good, not too harsh for a daily driver but not totally peformance oriented either. Have had some electrical gremlins and check engine light illuminates from use of aftermarket K&N air intake. Brakes are excellent although the stock rotors warp easily. Overall a decent little car with good perfomance, safety, and the ability to be used as a family car in everyday life. Not disappointed but not sure if Id buy again.

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  Another unsatisfied owner - 2005 Saturn ION
  By stranded in Il. - October 16 - 6:56 pm

  Bought car new in 2005 because it was relatively inexpensive compared to other makes and I put high miles annually so the new car warranty is desired. Soon found a significant problem, the ignition switch failure in cold weather within a year. Makes vehicle act as if battery is drained. Saturn replaced ignition once under warranty, but it is doing it again. They are well aware of the defective part by their own admission. This will be twice in a bit over three years and they claim "it is not a faulty part". I will never consider another Saturn after dealing with this poor design and manufacture denial. Beware.

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  My Last Saturn - 2005 Saturn ION
  By sfr - August 22 - 6:50 am

  This is my second and last Saturn vehicle. The ignition has been replaced three times in three years and is ready for a fourth replacement. Ive now developed a new problem where the power steering randomly cuts out but comes back if you turn the vehicle off and on again. I liked my first Saturn. The gas mileage is good - but there is a serious design flaw in the steering column architecture.