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 Basic Vehicle - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Doug - February 27 - 11:50 am

  I orignally purchased this car for one of my kids, but needs changed and Ive ended up driving it. Its a nice basic vehicle. It has adequate power and handles nicely, although the traction control doesnt deal with deep snow as well as it should. Gas mileage is pretty good, about 23-25 mpg in the city and up to 35 mpg on the highway. It provides reliable, economical transportation. Certainly deserves a better rating than the Edmunds Editors gave it.

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  crashed - 2003 Saturn ION
  By re-buy - February 25 - 2:00 am

  The wife survived a 45 mph full frontal collision with our 2000 SL2 and walked away from it unscratched. These cars with their space-age cages do work. Thats why we went out and bought a ION3.This new ION3 is a vast improvement over the SL2s. We liked our previous vehicle. We love this one even more.Your gettting a well equipped, comfortable,well built and safe car for the money .Just ask my wife.

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  Started every day, outdoors, in Twin Cities winter - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Tommy Boye - February 10 - 12:23 am

  hard to get into and out of.

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  Very Happy - 2004 Saturn ION
  By saturn guy - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I love the car. I bought it knowing it was not a "Diet BMW." If you want a great car that performs well and wont break the bank, this is DEFINATELY the car for you. Also: I have owned 5 new cars and my experience at the Saturn dealership was the best by far.

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  2003 green ion 2 - 2004 Saturn ION
  By flinch - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I drive a lot every day. This has been a comfortable car with a large trunk and the seats are easily adjustable for many combinations, The offset dash is easy to read with controls user friendly. The interior is spartan but not unattractive. Not enough storage space around the front seat and you have to have a lighting package to get anything but a overhead dome light. I have 11,000 miles on it and have not been sorry for one minute. A great little car.

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  Awesome car! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Neefer - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I just recently bought a new 2004 Saturn ION 3 Quad Coupe. Ive only had this car for about 2 weeks now and I absolutely love it. I have a VTI transmission and it is one of the smoothest rides youll ever take. The car is very roomy and very dependable. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Cheepest $20k toy around! - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Onesmith - February 4 - 1:26 am

  I like the fact this car does not sell well because I would hate for some one to discover Saturns best kept secret! I like being the only one around with this car. It is all mine. Not like a Mustang or Civic or SRT4 Neon. Its rare and its fast, yet nimble. I have the carbon fiber dash kit wich adds some pizazz to the interior! I allso have GMPP stage 2. A non-voided performance upgrade from GM. The best thing is the supercharger whine! The noise the car makes under full load is amazing. I cant forget the dent resistant body panels. Going to the mall or just leaving the car in the yard I know its going to be dent free! Best car around for the price. Too bad its in its last year of production.

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  Im happy with my Saturn ION - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Kayla - February 2 - 12:16 pm

  Ive had my 2006 ION for about a month now. Decent on gas. The pick up is a bit slow but otherwise I love my new car! Its reliable, comfortable and cute!

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  Saturn Ion - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Matt Ryan - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I have only had my Ion 2 for a month or so, but so far Ive had no problems with it. The only thing that Ive noticed is that it idles a little louder than other cars in its class.

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  Family Car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By 6326 - January 28 - 10:00 am

  great power and handling for a family car - 2004 has a nice interior and good ride - great gas mileage - aftermarket wheels/stereo round out the deal - great potential for a smooth family ride