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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  Love my ION - 2006 Saturn ION
  By R. Campuzano - August 12 - 1:10 pm

  This is my first compact car in a long time. However, I love the way this car handles, look and perform. Although I have the 2.2 L engine and an automatic, it moves. The steering is amazing: one of the smallest turn radious I have experienced. Everything works in the car. I love the travel package. The car has features of a bigger car, but packaged perfect for its size. Right now, I will not hesitate to buy another ION (or Saturn). I love the rust proof plastic panels.

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  Best Coupe in its Class - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Xanadu - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Exterior styling is excellent. Interior seating postion is great. By moving the gauges to the center and reducing the diameter of the steering wheel there is more room for tall drivers. Center armrest is larger than normal for this class of vehicle and slides forward. Engine is strong and CVT transmission is smooth and efficent. Very large trunk. Easy access to the rear seats.

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  power in VTI - 2004 Saturn ION
  By patsyfrom abfab - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Just want to make upgrades.

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  Saturn Did It Right! - 2005 Saturn ION
  By QuadCoopsterPoopster - July 23 - 4:23 am

  The Ion Quad-coupe 3 is a wonderfully fun car to drive, with good acceleration, wonderful handling, and responsive acceleration and steering, even for a 4-cylinder engine. All of the design flaws from the first ION have been resolved and improved upon (for instance, the NBA basketball- textured dash is gone), and even with the two rear suicide-doors, I was able to comfortably seat my elderly in-laws in the back seat comfortably for a long trip from Miami to Tampa and back. This is a truly wonderful car with a boatload of useable storage space in the trunk, and is also a real eye- catcher as well. Get the sunroof and the leather interior and ENJOY!

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  Worst Model Yet - 2003 Saturn ION
  By adida5796 - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my saturn ion for a little over a year. Its been in the shop 7 times now, the 7th tommorow. Its had a leaky motor, a broken cd player, a recall, the transmission slips and the RPMs race and the car jerks forwards, the brakes are terrible as they are going in tommorow because the car makes a creeking sound when stopping and maneuvering. I wouldnt recommend this car to anyone who wants reliability and comfort unless you like roadtrips cause you will be taking many of those back to the dealership to get repairs! The car has a lot of problems with noises and they are very annoying. Id get a Civic or Toyota! Too bad im suck in the lease!

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  2006 ION 2 Saturn Sedan automatic - 2006 Saturn ION
  By cynthia b. bouchard - July 16 - 7:00 am

  Handles very well, parks very well and has alot of pep. I have a 1992 SL2 which I kept and this 2006 ION 2 out- perfoms my 1992 twofold. Great trunk space

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  Love This Car! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By G-B - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. It is fun to drive, and always garners attention. I got a great deal from Saturn (4000 off) and had the best dealership experience I have ever had. And the battery is in the trunk!

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  This car is the ish - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Nite Rider - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I own a scion xb and was looking for a more powerful car. Im love camaros and mustangs but the gas mileage sucks and everone has them so i look around at sporty compact cars. I drove a SRT- 4,Scion tc, and this car and by far the car had the most performance. i know dodge claims that the SRT-4 can go 0-60 in 5 second but it sure dosent feel like it. Ive had the car 5 days and already raced a civc,trucks,suvs, and other modified cars and have beat them all. so in my mind i see no other car better than this one for the price. Cant wait to get some good aftermarket parts though saturn to pump up the power.

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  best bang for your buck! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By gianco - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I recently got my black redline with just the side curtain airbags and sound system and after $3000 rebate and a great customer voucher cash allowance I only paid $17,775 for my redline. What a steal this car is fast, fairly roomy, decent fuel economy and definetely a safer car than the SRT-4 neon + the styling is a lot better and has a sleeper look if you avoid the spoiler. no turbo lag

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  2007 Saturn ION 2 4 dr. - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Eric - July 4 - 9:53 pm

  I have owned this car for about three months now and have been very pleased with this car. I drive arond 100 miles a day and all interstate. I have been averaging between 30 and 33 mpg. The car drives and handles great and has surprising pep for a 4 cylinder. As of now, no problems and still enjoy driving the car.