Overview & Reviews

The Saturn Ion was the brand's entry-level car from 2003-'07. Aimed at younger buyers, the Ion got what Saturn considered unique styling and design features, and a strong 2.2-liter engine. We never thought very highly of it, however, and took issue with its poor interior quality, unimpressive driving dynamics and bizarre styling inside and out. The Ion gave way to the vastly superior Astra hatchback.

Most Recent Saturn Ion

The Ion launched in 2003 as a replacement for the now-defunct S-Series. Throughout its lifespan, Saturn was vigilant about making minor improvements (particularly for 2005) to the quality of the ride, interior and overall refinement, so we suggest more recent model years if you've really got your heart set on a used Ion (although we hope you don't).

The front-wheel-drive Saturn Ion always came in two body styles: a four-door sedan and the "Quad Coupe." The Quad Coupe was styled like a two-door coupe but actually had two rearward-opening doors similar in style to an extended-cab pickup. For each body style, there were three primary trim levels: a base 1 (dropped for '06), 2 and 3.

All trims came standard with a 145-horsepower 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine. For '06 and later, the Ion 3 sedan gained an optional 2.4-liter four-cylinder with variable valve timing, which was good for 175 hp. It was part of an Enhanced Performance Package -- only available with the Ion 3 -- that also included antilock brakes, traction control and a sport-tuned suspension. A five-speed manual transmission came standard on these main trims, but most used Ions you'll come across will come with the optional four-speed automatic or an earlier continuously variable automatic transmission.

There was an additional performance trim for the Quad Coupe called the Saturn Ion Red Line. It was powered by a supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which bumped power up to 205 hp. The Ion Red Line came exclusively with a close-ratio five-speed manual transmission, 17-inch wheels, upgraded disc brakes and a track-tuned suspension package.

One of the Ion's few strong points was its amount of cargo room in all trims. The front passenger seat folded flat, and trunk space was among the largest in the segment. The base Ions came pretty bare-bones, without standard air-conditioning or power mirrors and windows. You had to step up to the Ion 3 for these features, as well as 16-inch wheels and tires, cruise control and an upgraded CD/MP3 audio system. Given the Ion's significant depreciation, we suggest keeping your search to the Ion 3.

In road tests and comparison tests, our reviewers found the Saturn Ion to be among the lower performers in the entry-level sedan and coupe classes. Despite the strong engine, the Ion lacked liveliness, and overall performance was conservative at best. The steering was overly heavy. Even with the continuous interior improvements made throughout its lifespan, the seats were uncomfortable and offered little support. Overall, we suggest looking elsewhere for an economy car.

User Reviews:

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  Bobs Best - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Bobs Best - January 31 - 7:20 pm

  There is no doubt but that this is the best car I have ever had in terms of quality. I have 19,000 miles on it and have not had a significant repair. All work done on the car has been routine maintenance. My son-in-law has the same car but without the fancy features and his experience is similar to mine.

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  thats a whole lot of car for my value!!! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By stevek3476 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I dont know why but there is a lot of articles that put down the saturn cars. Call me crazy but unless you go and see the saturn difference and experience what it is like to buy a car and realy be in control and have fun, you have never bought a car. My experience was so awesome Im going to send all of my faimly to see my sales person and we are going to buy many more saturns from him.

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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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  2007 Saturn ION 2 Sedan - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Orbit9090 - January 22 - 5:30 am

  Our Saturn ION 2 sedan automatic 2.2L is very quiet and smooth riding. It is noticeably quieter and smoother than our 2007 Toyota Corolla LE automatic, especially when accelerating from a stop. The IONs handling is excellent. Headroom and legroom is impressive for this class of vehicle. Average fuel mileage (27 mpg) is not as good as our Corolla (30 mpg), but the ION feels much more spacious and comfortable inside. The IONs standard steering- wheel mounted cruise-control performs perfectly.

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  saturn ion - 2003 Saturn ION
  By mihai - January 21 - 2:00 am

  great driving experience, very reliable and fun to drive car, offered at a very fair price, no hassle.

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  Great car-despite the critics! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By DaisyNJ - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. She drives like a dream-smooth, great handling and WAY more pick up than the other sedans I have owned. Despite the critics comments that the back seats are uncomfortable-I have had 6 people comment and how great they are. I love the instrument panel in the middle-it makes your drive so much easier. No more looking through the steering wheel to see your speed. The roomy interior is one of the best features. My 64" buddy can join me with no problem. My only complaint is the interior fabric. The stains do not come out BUT luckily, they have fixed that for 2004 modfel year. Overall, this is the best car I have owned.

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  Happy ION Owner - 2004 Saturn ION
  By brumilcar - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Good dependable car, fun to drive, good handling in traffic.

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  I love my ION!!! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By daisy3509 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  My Ion is such a great investment. As a college student i find it as an awesome vehicle to get around campus and to and from school. Its so fun to drive, and I get TONS of compliments on it!!

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  This car has my name! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Ione - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I first saw this car on a bill board in St. Louis. I was trying to decide what kind of car I should buy and then here is this pretty, sporty car on a bill board saying, Here is your new car ION,- ------------------ by Saturn. My name is IONE and at first glance I thought that is what the sign said. I did not run right out and buy the car, I waited a few months. I love it, it is so much fun to drive, but it is small, but then I am single!

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  Very happy owner! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By ebeaudoin - December 31 - 11:46 am

  Bought this car in March 2013 with 132,000 miles, now has 145,000 and I am very happy with it! Does great in the snow with All-Seasons. I commute 44 miles round trip a day, 5 days a week and this car just keeps on going and serving me well. Sure, I could find issues with it, but I think any issues are mostly due to its two previous owners and the fact that its 11 years old with 145,000 miles. By the way, super glad I found one with a manual. So much fun!