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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  Nice look, but... - 2007 Saturn ION
  By bmcewen1513 - April 19 - 6:03 am

  When i first learned to drive when I had my drivers permit my mom had a 2004 Saturn Ion 2, so I am familiar with the performance and drive of the vehicle. I love the way the car handles, smooth drive, and no noises. One thing I have noticed that I am not fond of is the MPG it seems to get. I had a 2001 Chrysler sebring Conv. with a 6 Cyl engine... it seemed that I got more MPG with that vehicle however it could be due to the fact that in the ION I dont notice when I am driving faster so I feel the need to push the gas harder. Id say for a 20 yr old college student its a great car for the money.

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  Watch out! - 2007 Saturn ION
  By JL - April 19 - 4:10 am

  I bought new in 10/07 and only after one month, problems arose. Poor gas mileage for city. It tries to stall while idle, multiple steering issues, vibrations, rattles, plus a knocking sound coming from the back of the car and now, poor acceleration with 4th gear. Replaced headlight, grill, fuel pump, whole exhaust system, power steering- column, shaft, four new tires (two tires separated (bubbled). Overall service received POOR. I just want the car fixed! No dealer will pay a descent trade value. Saturn wont fix tranx unless it codes on computer. "I have to wait for it to get worse before it can get better." I hate this car! BBB doesnt even consider it a lemon, because it hasnt stalled.

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  Saturn ION review - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Ron - April 12 - 12:23 pm

  The interior quality of the ION is poor. However, the engine runs well, is reliabile, and has fairly good MPG for a small car.

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  Love My Saturn, sad I 2 have to replace - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Mandy - April 10 - 12:33 am

  I bought my Saturn new with 4 miles on it, it now has 140,000. Never done a thing to it except change oil, new tires and 1 battery! I live in the country and this tiny car has no problems handling the dirt roads. Great in ice and snow too! Great gas milage. Sad they wont be making Saturn anymore. With 140K its time to replace it while I have the finances to.

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  2000 mile review - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Kurt M - April 5 - 12:06 am

  The Saturn has been a pleasant purchase. The car delivers its rated 34 mpg. I have checked the mileage with both high and low octane gas. No difference, so use the low octance. The manual shift is smooth, and the clutch is responsive. It keeps up with highway traffic at 70 mph. I do not find that the ride is rough or noisy. The car corners well. The instrument panel is easy to get used to. In fact, I like it better than the standard location. The interior is a little on the cheap side. The switches are easy to operate and read. It seats 4 comfortably on short trips. The trunk is spacious. For a low cost new driver or "drive to work" car, it has been worth the cost.

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  Ion2 is Awesome - 2003 Saturn ION
  By maestromartin - April 3 - 10:00 am

  The car is fun to drive and quite responsive. Its amazing to me how negative the official reveiw is...they need lessons in fun because thats what this car is! It is reliable, stylish, I WOULDNT HAVE BOUGHT THE CAR IF IT FELT CHEAP! Im a music teacher...the stereo/ cd player is great...especially on those huge symphonies. Handleing and stopping power are impressive.

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  Overall - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Lindsey - April 2 - 7:20 pm

  Overall, I am esxtremely happy with my purchase. The only things that bother me would be that there are no handles on the back doors so the passengers can let themselves out (someone else must do it for them). I also do not like the vents for the AC/Heater. The steering wheel seems to block some of the air coming out. Other than that, I couldnt ask for a better car!

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  Tough Compitition - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Cgr80 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Ion3 is in every way better than the past SL2. The SL2 gave the Escort a good run for the money...I thing that they needed to let "S- Series" go down in history, like the Cavalier has done. Since theyve changed it, it should stay that way. Standard features are those of a luxury car, and it makes me feel good to say to a stranger, oh, the lights cut off themselves, but thanks!

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  Of 10 cars in 10 years, this is favorite - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Derek T. - March 6 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive and handles well. It seems to me that too many people are nit picking with this and other lower priced cars. For the money, this is an excellent car! I plan on building this car into a tuner. That means new rims, body kit, race seats, interior mods, and engine upgrades. This car was made for this and for people who need a good car for little money. I am very happy with my new car purchase and look forward to owning it for a long time.

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  3k update - 2006 Saturn ION
  By John Korner - February 27 - 1:43 pm

  Hard to belive that 3000 miles have come and gone since my first review car car gets 22mpg and I have had no problems. driving it the last 3000 miles has verified that I made the correct choice, attended my first owner clinic yesterday, outstanding. If you buy one of these cars buy a radar detctor youll need it. If your looking for a small car this should be at the top of your list. If Gm would run all of their business this way they will have a future