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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  Bought w/ Salvage title - Great Car! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By dhallization - November 13 - 7:30 am

  I traded in my big SUV for this little thing 4 years ago. It had a rebuilt salvage title (flipped over in accident) and 75k miles. Im up to 120k and we still love it. 30+ mpg and minimal repairs. The only things weve had to do are: keep relays on hand for when the electrical steering goes out. At first this was a monthly occurrence, it has been 2 years since weve had to replace them. We did struts and brakes at 110k. A fuse for the cigarette lighter. Then of course the normal things, battery, oil changes, spark plugs, etc. We plan to drive this car until our family doesnt fit!

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  Always in for repair. Poor Service. - 2007 Saturn ION
  By MadMatt - November 12 - 9:46 pm

  Took my ION 2 in for service 2 weeks after the initial 30 day exchange period. Major vibration, accompanied with various rattles from engine compartment. Remount power train. No change. Took it back a week later. Foam insulated my Washer Fluid tank, remount Engine. No change. 3 months later (trying to let prob get worse) foam reattach fan shroud (rattled lose) flash entire car computer. No change, gas mileage drops to 18mpg city. Foam insulate passenger headlight (now cockeyed) prior to getting home that day. Corporate insisted that 4 times isnt enough, take it to another shop. This shop now wants me to come get, and bring back next week for parts. 6 times in shop. 2600 miles. Avoid!

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  Great Little Car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By camille - November 6 - 3:10 pm

  I took it on a 6000 mile trip and averaged 33mpg. It handles extremely well on icy streets and mountain curves. I am a 3rd time Saturn buyer.

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  High Maintenance for a Cheap Car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Saturn User - October 31 - 10:36 pm

  Any options that are standard on other vehicles cost extra (power anything, auto transmission), boosting the price out of a moderate range for the car. 3 recalls in first year. The brakes squeal loudly all the time, and yet Saturn says this is normal. Goes into overdrive after just a few starts and stops - the engine intensifies. Steering wheel feels like a toy, seats stain easily, seats are hard and uncomfortable. Replaced radio three times because of defective products. Pros: Huge trunk space; reliable to always start up; warning message for low fuel, oil change; plastic body allows for some give and take with bumps and bruises; moderate prices for replacement parts.

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  Best purchase ever! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By garrettham - October 31 - 10:41 am

  I purchaed this car around one year ago adn it has been nothing but a charm! The 2.2 has decent pep when you need it to, and even with my very agressive driving i still average 36 mpg! With 4 Blizzaks this car controls amazing in snow! My car is the 2 with no options but a spoiler in silver. The only bad things about the car are that with the manual mirrors the passanger side one is fixed, so you cant adjust it. Also the head lights are VERY dull, but some new bulbs will do the trick. The only other thing is it used to sometimes not start in the cold, but all you need is a good mechanic to cut some wire in the ignition. Over all if youre at all interested, purchase one, theyre honestly great

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  Fabulous car at a great price. - 2003 Saturn ION
  By zborgerd - October 28 - 2:00 am

  The car is first in its class in terms of options. You cant find a Civic with ABS on the basic model. The Delta Platform is superb, as is the Ecotec 2.2. The manual is fast and the auto is peppy, especially in its "I" mode, which equates to an overdrive mode. The center IP seems seems totally natural. Cars SHOULD be made this way. Overall, the handling, accelleration, and ride wquality is better than any sedan that I have ever owned. Frankly, I feel that there is no better car for a 20-something that wants reliable transportation that looks good. And the price is just right. You can get a good ION 2 for little more than $200 per month with a small down payment.

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  not bad for its price - 2003 Saturn ION
  By rabbit2003 - October 23 - 10:00 am

  It is a nice car. But since this is a new design, it does have some defects, such as the interior parts. But I like the 2.2L engine, really powerful for such a small car. The 5speed auto tranny is a bit not smooth enough in low speed.

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  Worst Car Ive ever bought - 2005 Saturn ION
  By ION "Worst Car" - October 22 - 2:56 am

  My 2005 Saturn Ion3 is the worst car I have ever owned, I currently owe $7000.00 on the car and its engine is shot along with the rear main seal multiple attempts to fix the sunroof, drivers window, IGNITION (3times), HORRIBLE gas mileage and the worst customer service from GM ever. I wouldnt not recommend this car to my worst enemy!!! Sincerely Monica-

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  Fourth Saturn - 2003 Saturn ION
  By RevJLS - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This Ion replaced 2 SLs - one with 155000 miles. These are durable, fun cars. I look for the Ion to be equally durable. Fit and finish show an improvement over the SLs. Fun factor is high, and I love the center instrument cluster.

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  Pleased Ion owner - 2003 Saturn ION
  By flinch - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Have had it for 3,00 miles and cant find anything not to like.