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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  Economy & Fun - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Road Kill - December 29 - 11:56 pm

  Great value bought for the gas mileage, but found it to be a fun car to drive. Great gas mileage, Good cargo space and fine power on highways and through mountains. Recommend

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  Stay away from this car - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Disenchanted - December 26 - 4:33 pm

  Fun to drive, fairly comfortable, and good gas mileage. But! Out of warranty repairs are extreme! You will pay for repairs that should have been recalls. Parts failing from poor design. And lots of them. From the bearings to the steering column to the ignition switch to the transmission to the ECM (doesnt like to start when its cold outside) to the bushings to leaks in your trunk to faulty wheel speed sensors. My my my it goes on and on. But other than that its a nice car. Saturn puts out many TSBs but refuses to pay for any of the repairs. Buyer beware! Besides your payment hold back about an extra $100 per month for repairs (if your lucky that is).

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  Fast sporty Ion manual - 2003 Saturn ION
  By JohnVanD. - December 22 - 10:00 am

  This car provides the pick up and go that other crappy cars like the base Jetta, and Civic do not provide. Its polymer panels help keep this car looking good and prevents dings.

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  Steering Lock up - 2007 Saturn ION
  By nothappy615 - December 21 - 10:30 pm

  I only purchased this car because it was affordable (I got a discount on the price through family and friends discount) and the reviews on it were decent. I have had problems with this vehicle since day 1. Everything from replacing both frt wheel bearings ( 5 mths after purchase) to now having the power steering to lock up. I am very dissatisfied with this vehicle.

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  Ion 2 - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Bradley Klein - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Well built car. My other Saturn had 250K with no problems.

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  nice surprise - 2003 Saturn ION
  By bobs000 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I just returned from a long trip in my new ion and it turned out better than I expected. The ride was smoother and quieter than my previous Honda, especially at 75MPH and beyond. I am quite impressed. I originally intended to use it for commute only. Now I drive it everywhere.

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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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  Bought in 2004, still love & own it! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By toms04ion - December 11 - 5:38 pm

  I bought this Ion new on 10/28/03 and have enjoyed the last 143k miles. Sure, in the beginning there were some bugs to work out, wiring harness, computer glich, shifter block and a few other small bulletin items that the Saturn dealer dilligently fixed. Other than general maintenance, the only thing replaced was the ignition switch. Each set of tires has gotten 55k, and the oem battery got over 5 years of use. The car has been extremely reliable. Since 25k, the car runs on Mobile 1 and a K&N filter, this has made a difference on mpg. Sometimes I think of selling to get a new car, cant justify it, do a comp with a Cruze, size, power,features, vertually same car! Not sexy, but delivers!

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  An afforfable car for a single lady - 2007 Saturn ION
  By sugababy - December 10 - 1:36 pm

  I purchased a Saturn because I could not afford a Toyota Corolla. However, my driving experience has been great. I drove this car from Alabama to Texas and back. It did not give me any problems. After I purchased my Saturn, one of my friends decided to purchase one. If you are in the market for an affordable and reliable car, I would strongly advise you to consider purchasing this vehicle. The monthly payments are extremely affordable too. If you are looking for luxury, honey you are looking in the wrong place. Remember that the cars main objective is to get you from point A to Point B. Thats it!

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  I love this my Saturn!!!! - 2006 Saturn ION
  By I love my Saturn - December 9 - 3:03 pm

  I highly recommend this vehicle. The price is right, it is cheap on gas, fun to drive, the interior is nice, reliable, handles well, the battery is in the trunk, it is a great car all around. I would not change a thing. I recommend this car to anyone who considers themselves a true North American. The car was built in Canada, the transmission was built in the city I live in. I like knowing that my car was built in Canada. I absolutely love this car! I only drive North American made vehicles and this is my favourite one so far!