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 101 through 110 of 152.00

• 

  Fun and efficient! - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Hi-Gloss - December 18 - 9:46 am

  Bought my Ion used, mainly for the gas mileage since I drive about 2500 miles a month. It doesnt disappoint, averaging 30 (mostly highway driving). Styling is a little quirky, but it works. The rear doors on the coupe are a big plus! Ive had no problems with the car; build quality is better than I expected from Saturn. Its quieter and better handling than most cars of its size, and comfort is about equal although the steering wheel is too far a reach. I sell cars for a living, and had my choice of several comparable cars. Im happy I chose the Ion.

• 

  Enjoying the Ion 2 - 2005 Saturn ION
  By miss_nicole - December 14 - 2:45 am

  I recently bought my 2005 Saturn Ion 2 in Febuary 2011 with 38k miles. and the only problem ive had with my car so far was the Coolant Sensor which i had to replace last month. Other than that i have had no other issues. It gets good gas mileage and drives smooth.

• 

  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.

• 

  Never will leave Saturn - 2005 Saturn ION
  By rich morgan - October 23 - 1:13 am

  I have leased an 05 Saturn ION now for over year now. I love it. It gets excellent gas mileage, takes the snow very well. Sometimes I even think Im in my on little SUV!! I will never go back to another car company again! I had not one recall or any problems with it yet. It did take a hile to get used to the dash offset now but it is much better veiwing of all the instrument panel. I am on my 2nd Saturn now. We are looking forward to the new sedan and convertible.

• 

  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.

• 

  My 05 Saturn Ion 2 experience - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Wonger - October 9 - 8:00 pm

  Ive made several trips to and from Michigan to San Diego and back. Gas mileage was 30+, however, the seating arrangement is awful and you will feel it on long trips. Very dependable and good value for the money. Only 2 problems occured that required warranty work that being bolts breaking off for the driver window and driver-side back window (both seperate occasions). Engine light has came on 2 times also, and was quickly extinguished on next fill ups of good quality gasonline. Very nice handling through snow and rain, but is hard to control at times in windy enviroments. The center dash is awesome as you dont have to look through the steering wheel to see how fast you are going.Roomy trunk

• 

  Ion 3, fingers crossed - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Craig - October 6 - 5:20 pm

  Bought it used at 29k now with 34k. Security system shut car down and I had to wait a little bit. I like the car a lot and have a lot of compliments on it. My best city mileage is 26mpg .

• 

  Fine cmpact for the money - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Phil - September 20 - 8:50 am

  I bought this car new and have had zero problems with it. It now has 47,000 miles on it. The second year I owned it we took a trip to Mackinaw City in the summer and we averaged just over 35 m.p.g. with our speed being between 75 and 80 mph. This winter we went to Florida in February and got 34+ mpg. I have a automatic with the 2.2 liter engine and its very quick. I change my own oil and it is easy to do with the filter on the top side of the engine. Around town with trips under ten miles I get just over 29 mpg. The polycarbonate body panels and paint still look like new and the clear coat really shines. I like the way the seats are higher than in the SL 1. I will need new tires this summer.

• 

  Nice Car - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Juhgail - August 30 - 1:13 am

  I never thought about a Saturn, but I was strapped and needed a car. I LOVE the car. It a little bigger than what Im used to (Honda Civic) but I really love it. Handles great, fun to drive, and I feel very safe in it.

• 

  ION 2 Sedan a Great Car - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Steve Plott - June 14 - 10:00 am

  The 05 Ion 2 5 sp manual sedan is a GREAT car. Ive owned a Saturn SL1 for 12 yr as well as mini vans and other sedans. This car is quiet, smooth on the road (the ION 3 with low profile tires is rough riding!), good pick up with 140 hp, great sound if you get the extra speakers and added amp, excellent gas mileage (29 in town, love the exterior styling too. Safety design is good and my insurance company says it is in their 5 star catagory (best rating = lower rates). It has roll cage frame and I added the side curtain air bags with ABS. Great value at +/- $16,000 after rebate. Not sure why the ION seem to "get no respect" vs the Japanese competition from Honda Civic and Toyota Corola.