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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  First New Car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Bee - July 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my 1st new car purchased. The ride is nice and quiet, one of the best I have had in my 15 years on the road. The drivers headroom is insane. I am pushing 6-4 and I could probably sport a cowboy style hat and still have room <--*havent tried this* The leg room could be a little more generous, and I dont think there is any hope in getting a passenger to sit comfortably in the driver-side rear seat. The car does not seem to handle as well as some in the snow. The ABS/Traction control which may have offered me better performance. Otherwise the power and handling are great. It did take a little getting used to the tight turning.

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  What I expected - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Kyle - July 17 - 2:10 pm

  I bought my Ion3 new in 2003. 0% interest and 3 mos deferred because I had just graduated college. Its no BMW 3 series, but its been good overall. 30 mpg on highway; 22- 24 in city (with hard driving). Have not had the build issues others reported -- recalls were done quickly and everyone was friendly. My CD player doesnt skip and noise is what Id expect for a car this size. Center console display is cool and looks much sharper than a Corolla from 2003. Plastic body means no dents; trunk is nice. 5 speed automatic is nice for extra oomph in passing or city accelleration. Would buy a Saturn again, but one a little more souped up. Good starter car.

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  ION IT!!!!! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By ndspelman - July 10 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR IS GREAT. THIS IS MY SECOND SATURN, I TRADED IN MY 1997 SL1 AS SOON AS THIS ONE HIT SATURN OF FORT MYERS IN MY COLOR, CRANBERRY. MY FIRST SATURN HAD ALMOST 110,000 MILES AND IT WAS STILL GOING, MY ION2 HAS 15,000 MILES AND IVE ONLY HAD IT SINCE FEBRUARY1. IT IS FUN TO DRIVE, EXCELLENT PICK UP, AND MARVELOUS ON GAS MILEAGE--EAT YOUR HEART OUT COROLLA!!!

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  I love my ION, but . . . - 2003 Saturn ION
  By RBH - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Great gas mileage. Have driven it from coast to coast. It handles well in the mountains. It did hydroplane a couple of times. The where you put the fuel in should be re-engineered so that the gas nozzle stays in when filling the tank. Yesterday (10/18) nozzle slid out while filling my car with gas. Sprayed me with gas. Big mess. Thanks Saturn, I got a great deal on my ION, now maybe I can get a great deal on a new suit and shoes.

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  Grinding Steering Wheel!!!!!! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Tracyann - June 27 - 2:00 am

  First, the hood latch brook, so I was unable to check my oil or fill the windshield wiper fluid until it was fixed. Then I brought it in for a steering wheel grinding noise. The first time they told me they greased up the steering wheel. The sound was gone for about 2 weeks, but then it came back. I brought it back and they told me that “adjusted the steering column,” which I later found out isn’t even possible. Obviously, this didn’t work, so I brought it back. They told me they would grease up the steering column. When I told them they already did that and it didn’t work, they said “owe, it’s a new grease.” As I predicted, the noise is back.

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  So far so good - 2007 Saturn ION
  By romeromd - June 22 - 5:30 pm

  We recently purchased a pre-owned ION and like it a lot. I work in a dealership and had always been skeptical of American made cars. I hope this Saturn proves me wrong. So far my husband and I have enjoyed it thoroughly. The one thing I dislike is the cheap plastic interior design. Otherwise it fits our needs.

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  Economically Purchased - Surprisingly Content - 2007 Saturn ION
  By maisegem - June 19 - 7:24 am

  Look, Purchased vehicle in 2007 July. I wanted a vehicle that was economically and efficient for my needs. I have 105,000 miles on the vehicle since purchased. There are a few items that are cruddy, like the a/c blowers tick, the back passenger window not opening in the summer heat, the weird knock in the back.. due to the battery being in the back.. (I know when I get the oil change and they dont pop the trunk and "claim" they checked the battery... I normally get a nifty discount for their lying ways..) the interior being tiny and cheap. But, I bought a cheap car. I drive the crap out of the vehicle. It can get up to 35 mpg on solely highway driving.. I know this because I drive a lot!

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  Alot of car for the Money - 2004 Saturn ION
  By James Bastian - June 17 - 10:00 am

  Excellent drivers car for the price. Fun to drive, excellent gas mileage. Excellent reliability.

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  Sweet Car! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Psvlk012 - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I really liked this car. I am 6 foot 2 inches tall, and have never had a problem (I acutally find it much rommier than my old Camry) The ride is peppy and fun. Console is designed well and is cool since you only have to adjust steering wheel for comfort and not for viewing the speddometer. Excellent price too! Got it for about 2K cheaper than Corolla!

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  Saturn Ion - 2003 Saturn ION
  By mima - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the money