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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  LOADS OF FUN!!!! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Russell Buchholz - January 23 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely LOVE my ION. Everywhere I go, it turns heads and it is extremely fun to drive. The interior is well made,and it is quiet inside. Handling and steering is up to the par of much more expensive vehicles. Interior legroom is expansive however the rear legroom is non existent so if you have a family look elsewhere!! Acceleration is 0-60 in 7 seconds with the manual transmission, and the car is a BLAST to drive. All in All Saturn has a winner on its hands. And by the way YOU WILL LOVE THE DEALERSHIP EXPERIENCE!!

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  Good for the Money - 2003 Saturn ION
  By dmfreeland - January 17 - 12:56 am

  Overall I think the ION is a decent car, especially considering the price. There were a few downsides to buying a car the first year it was offered. 1)I had to deal with a few recalls 2)The ION back then was more expensive than the newer IONs . 3) OnStar (and I think satellite radio) were not options on 03 models. This is a fun car to drive and overall I really enjoy the ION. However, Saturn parts are more expensive than most other makes, some parts have to be ordered and while I do drive a lot, I have had to put an estimated $5,000 into repairs.

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  Great Car - 2007 Saturn ION
  By LuvinmySaturn - January 13 - 5:40 am

  This is a great car! It is the first Saturn that Ive ever owned and I love it! The mileage is great. I like the center dashboard and the responsiveness of the car. Currently, my car has a leaking problem, but the dealership gave me a loaner and I have confidence in them to fix it. Other than that, the car has been superb. I like the fact that if I need to accelerate quickly that it doesnt shift in to a "passing gear", but that it just accelerates!

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  My Saturn ION 3 - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Aimee Hagerty - January 9 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Saturn. My husband and I traded our 2002 s series for the larger ion because we are expecting our first child. We LOVE this car. But unfortunately, we have developed some problems with this model. We are told that these things can happen with a new model. Although Saturn is doing what they can to fix this. Its still been an upsetting experience. Still, we love the concept of the Saturn car company.

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  Red Ion - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Andy Cooper - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with this car. My previous car was a 93 Ford Ranger.

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  Yummy Car for Kids - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Sarah000 - January 9 - 10:00 am

  this car is wonderful for teen drivers, their every dependable and comftorble and stylish...i love it

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  Its different in a Saturn - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Sterling Fraser - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Love the 5 Speed Automatic good excelleration good Horse Power.Sporty and fun to drive. Excellent Sedan/Window visability.Comfortable,Smooth,Quiet.Good versatility with Trunk Space and Folding Seats.Fun Car to own and Drive.Really enjoying my Saturn ION2 - Looking forward to moving into a ION3 Coupe in a couple of years.

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  Excellent car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By JC2003 - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Love it, love it. Traded in a 1990 Pontiac Grandam which I was the original & only owner. Love this car more. Peepy engine. Engine feels more powerful then 140HP. Fun to drive. Roomy interior. Large trunk space. Excellent heating system. Enjoyed the buying experience. I see myself in the future buying another Saturn, possibly the VUE.

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  A Headache - 2007 Saturn ION
  By genine84 - December 20 - 8:45 am

  I purchased my 2007 Level 2 in Nov 2006 new... I did not have major problems with it until about two years ago when it began leaking gas... The fuel pump was recalled, but Saturn refused to fix it... Last year, I got a letter stating that the power steering could possibly go out on the car...Well, not long after I got that letter, it did. They still refused to fix it... Other than that, it gets great mileage and is somewhat dependable @ 190k miles...

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  Still Goin Great - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Carl Camann - December 15 - 9:30 pm

  A follow-up to my 10/07/05 review. Car now with 32K+ miles. Total repairs=$0. Total days out of commission=0. Total warranty work=1 minor brake adjustment. No rattles, minimal tire wear, consistent handling, interior materials holding up well, paint & exterior pieces still bright & shiny. Consistent 30+ mpg on road, low 20s around town. Everything as advertised. Selling dealer (and others used for service) have been tremendous when service and one warrantee item needed. I am as pleased with this car as I have ever been with any vehicle of any brand I have ever owned.