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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The Ion - 2003 Saturn ION
By Ion Buyer - October 3 - 2:00 amI bought the new Saturn Ion in January, and I absoultely love it! It is cute, easy to drive, and fun. I am getting mixed reviews from my peers. They either love it or hate it. I have heard that the looks remind them of an Infiniti, Jetta, and Passat. Everyone agrees that the commericals are lame!! But, overall great car for the price.
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excellent - 2003 Saturn ION
By Kody - September 21 - 10:00 amI just got this car about three weeks ago and I still love driving it. I fell in love with the style the first time I saw it, and after I drove it, I knew this was the car I wanted. It is very good on gas, it costs me about $17 to fill the entire tank. And the gas mileage is also very good. I only use about half a tank of gas in a week. Everything, the air conditioner, CD player, cruise control, etc., is very easy to use. The remote keyless entry is also very helpful. Overall, the car is very comfortable, drives very smoothly, and is a lot of fun.
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Little Hot Rod - 2004 Saturn ION
By mytdawg - September 12 - 9:30 pmI always thought a supercharged 4 cylinder would be cool but nobody made one at an affordable price point. I saw one of the few advertisements for the Red Line and thought it would be cool. I found a demo model at 20% discount but I wasnt sold until I drove it. Most low end power Ive ever seen in a 4 banger. I was driving in 4th gear in a 25 zone and it wasnt lugging. They let me take it home for the weekend and I put 500 miles on it. I didnt want to give it back to get prepped. Stage 2 modifications made it even meaner. I drive it hard but store it through the winter. I have had no problems with it.
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Black Beauty - 2004 Saturn ION
By alex walker - September 8 - 2:23 amWe just traded our 2004 ION 1 in for a 2006 VUE. The ION was a great car and served our family of five well. We got up to 40 mpg on the freeway and were able to fit three car seats in the back and a double stroller in the trunk. Ours was an automatic and had plenty of punch to it when needed. Overall a great car which will be missed.
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Excellent for a $12,000 Car - 2004 Saturn ION
By The Bohemian - September 4 - 10:00 amThe Ion 1 is the "Deal of the Century" The no hassle buying promise is just that. I went into Saturn looking for a $12,000 car for $12,000. I got what I asked for. Other makes dealerships tried to fleece me $16,000 for a $12,000 car by adding $4.98 worth of options and telling me what a good deal I was getting. This car drives superb for an inexpensive vehicle and it is peppy, handles good,is quite, roomy and has good styling. Also the insurance companies love it and they will smother you with low rates.
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Awesome Car - 2004 Saturn ION
By Dolphin Can - August 24 - 10:00 amThe car is fun to drive. Great get up and go!! Ricaro seats! Beautiful wheels. Stiff suspension, amazing ahndling and cornering. The value for dollar is unbeatable! Love the doors on both sides. Mp3 Player is nice to have.
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Run Away from the ION - 2004 Saturn ION
By needanewcar5 - August 23 - 5:46 pmThe Ion is my 3rd Saturn it will be my last. #1 and #2 were great. Now they are just any other GM. Then the lemon is #3 The ION. This car seems to be in the garage more than on the road. It is 3.5 yrs old 42k and averages a repair about every 5k. 4 break issues including completly loosing all breaks while driving. Talk about a saftey issue. The rear lights shorted out, wiper arms needed replaced, now the wipers catch on the antenna, numerous heating and cooling repairs. The dealer has been awful, each issue takes multiple trips for the dealer to make repairs. I would not wish this experience on my worst enemy.
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Love my Saturn! - 2004 Saturn ION
By docsmilitarywife - August 22 - 1:43 amMy husband bought me my Saturn ION Sport with all leather trim, sunroof, 6 cd changer & everything for my birthday and I absolutely adore it! Its the funnest car I have ever driven. Its reliable, sporty, beautiful, and low maitenance. The only things about it I would change are I would like it if it got a bit better gas mileage and the back seat is kinda cramped. I highly recommend one for those whom have no children or only a small child. We have driven this car to GA & Tennessee multiple times and it has always proven reliable. I get compliments on it all the time. People really like it, though not as much as I do! It is a 6 cylinder, too so it has great pick-up and speed.
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Great car, great value! - 2003 Saturn ION
By Leaf - August 15 - 10:00 amI used Edmunds ratings when I started my new car search, and was surprised at how harshly they treated Saturn. My experience with them has been excellent, and so I gave the Ion a try. After driving the higher rated cars in this class, I came home to Saturn. The Ecotech engine is not new; theyve been using it since 2000 and its *very* good. The safety features just got a 5 star rating, and I love the styling, inside and out. No, its not a BMW, but for its class, its a terrific value and the standard features are impressive. Take the 24 hour test drive and check out the various Saturn newgroups.
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Great car. - 2004 Saturn ION
By Holyhandgrenade - August 14 - 2:26 pmThis is my first car and I absolutely love it. Its great for a teenager because it has awesome styling with good gas mileage and a peppy engine. I feel very sporty in mine which may be because its manual and red but either way the car is still fun to drive. I pride myself over my gas mileage which is nearly identical to my girlfriends 07 civic which is rated for much better mpg.
