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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Buy at your own risk - 2005 Saturn ION
By Suzanne - September 14 - 1:53 pmIn the past three years, my car has been in the shop 11 times. Each time for a different reason. The following things have been addressed: driver window leakage, gas pedal module, 4 valves replaced at 40k which then leaked oil, multiple electrical issues, driver visor, computer reprogramming- twice, emission control sensor replaced. There are more issues that I dont care to list at this time. This car has a cheap plastic feel all around, and the seats were uncomfortable. I do not suggest that anyone buy a car of this type.
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i love it - 2004 Saturn ION
By Nate cool - September 11 - 10:00 amthis is the best car in the world.iwould never
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3 days with ION - 2003 Saturn ION
By cdavidhess - September 7 - 2:00 amThe ION is frisky and fun to drive. The ride is very composed---even at 80 mph. I achieved 30 mpg on my first tank of gas (half were highway miles). I was initially put off by the interior, particularly the center mounted instrument panel. It took me about 5 minutes to get used to it. I visited the Syracuse Auto Show yesterday and sat in a lot of cars. I was struck by the fact that I found myself thinking over and over again: This cars instrument panel is really strange. It is hidden behind the steering wheel. I actually find myself preferring the center mounted instrument panel. It gives you a clear view and is kind of funky.
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Saturn Rocks! - 2003 Saturn ION
By My1stSaturn - September 7 - 2:00 amI bought my car on December 23rd, 2002 at the Saturn of Birmingham AL dealership. The folks were freindly, and very helpful. It had 8 miles on it when i drove it off the lot. As of today, February 9th, 2003, it has 2400 miles on it. I drive my car everywhere!!! So far... this car is awesome! I would reccomend it to anyone and everyone. I find it to be very trendy, sporty, and it drives very nice and smooth. Plus- it is very spacious.
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Saturn ION - 2006 Saturn ION
By Do not buy this car! - September 6 - 11:36 pmI bought this car for my daughter on 12/05. The Saturn ION is junk! She has been stranded THREE times with the key stuck in the ignition and the engine still running. The lift motor in the driver side window broke. Now, the passenger rear window is broken. The car was leaking copious amounts of gas until it was unsafe to drive. Ignition cylinder has been replaced three times. The car only has 45,000 miles. I am so upset with this car that I am thinking of trading in my 2009 Silverado and NEVER buying a GM product again! Will be lodging a formal written complaint with the LA Attorney Generals office and recommend that others follow suit!
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Nice car - 2006 Saturn ION
By Elizabeth - August 26 - 10:56 amI had a 2006 Ion quad coupe, and absolutley loved it. I would buy the car again, and the only reason I dont have it now is because I flipped the vehicle into a ditch and totaled it. I like the dent resistant doors, and the funny part was none of my doors were damaged in the accident where it landed on its right side. I think its a great little car, people need to give GM more credit. It was a heck of a lot better than the Toyota I was driving before it.
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Best car Ive had - 2004 Saturn ION
By tbachli - August 10 - 2:00 amIve owned Saturns for many years now. Saturn seems very committed to my satisfaction. I had hardly any problems with my old one, which was 10 years old and had 150,000 miles on it, and when I did it was inexpensive to fix. My new one is awesome.
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2004 ion 3 - 2004 Saturn ION
By nataliewud - August 10 - 2:00 amTHIS IS THE BEST SATURN WE HAVE DRIVEN. EVEN BEFORE WE HAVE 600 MILES ON THE VEHICLE WE ARE GETTING 30 MPG. LOVE IT.
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Love this car! - 2007 Saturn ION
By Renee - August 2 - 3:53 pmI love this car. I bought it new and kept it for 10 years. With regular maintenance, the only problems Ive had have been covered under recall. Ive gone through several routine break repairs. My only complaint is the components used to make this car are cheap. Seals and other plastic parts have not held up well. I had to reseal the windshield because the seal went bad and it started leaking. Im also concerned about a possible leak in the sunroof. I also drove it under snowy conditions and it handled well. Lots of room on the cabin and it had plenty of space for packing for travel. I was often amazed at how much we could fit in this vehicle when we traveled. I also fit a 6-foot ladder in it.
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Great, Modern Car - 2003 Saturn ION
By AdmTom - July 27 - 2:00 amThe ION is an excellent example of a modern ecomomy car. It has lots of power for a four-banger, the interior is surprisingly roomy, there are plenty of nice options, and everything seems to be of good quality. When driving it, youd think you were driving a small V6, not a four. With the DOHC engine and 16-valves, along with more than enough horsepower, my ION gets off stoplights quicker than most of my friends V6 equipped cars. With the independent suspension, it rides and corners nice. Overall rating-9.
