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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  My Saturn Makes Me Smile! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By FlyersAngel - May 28 - 10:00 am

  My Saturn Ion has everything that wanted in a new car and at a price that I could afford. My down payment was low and my monthly payments are within my means. I love driving the Ion and suggest anyone looking for a new car, to check out an Ion during your search.

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  Does what it needs to - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Splash - May 24 - 5:50 pm

  It does what we want it to with no problem. Gas mileage is good, pickup is good. Great price and safety features. I owned an old S series and was pleased with the 250k miles I put on it in its lifetime, and have been pleased with the ION. Customer service is always excellent. The biggest selling point for this car was the three car seat tethers/anchor points in the backseat. Saturn is the only car manufacturer who puts car seat anchors in all seating positions. I can easily fit three car seats in the backseat, even rear facing, with no problem.

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  Good Car for the Money. - 2004 Saturn ION
  By defsuave - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my Saturn Quad 3 Coupe yesterday and thus far I am very impressed. First off, the car buying process from a saturn dealership is far better than any other dealership that you could imagine. That right there is almost enough to just make you want to buy the car. No pressure, just good cars and good people. Now for the car itself, I am very pleased with. Now not as fancy as some of its competitors, it does give you a lot for the money and saturn has a great incentive combo going right now. I got 2250 in rebates and 1.9% financing. If you just started driving or if your just looking for a fun A to B car, then I highly suggest the 04 Ion.

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  Great Car - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Shawn - May 20 - 7:26 pm

  I wanted an American car. I know this doesnt exist in the truest sense any more, but I wanted to find something made by US workers for an American maker. Ive had great luck with foreign cars in the past, and so – so luck with American cars, but I wanted to support US workers as much as possible this time. I thought “This is their last chance”. So far the car has been great. Just what I wanted. Nothing fancy, just a commuter. 8K miles in a NE winter on mixed freeway\city roads. 31 mpg average and I make no attempt to drive efficiently. If these first 8k miles are any indication, Ill be back.

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  I LOVE MY ICON-1 - 2004 Saturn ION
  By carla cook - May 16 - 2:00 am

  DEAR SIRS, I WAS THE OWNER OF A PREVIOUSLY OWNED SATURN. I WAS CRAZY ABOUT THAT CAR, THE WAY IT LOOKED, THE WAY IT HANDLED WAS GREAT. SO WHEN I SAW THE ADD IN THE LOCAL NEWSPAPER FOR THE NEW IONS AND THE SALE THEY WERE HAVING I COULDNT HELP BUT TEST DRIVE ONE. I FELL IN LOVE ALL OVER AGAIN. THE ION IS A GREAT CAR. I LIKE THE WAY IT HANDLES, I LIKE THE LEG AND HEAD ROOM FRONT AND BACK BOTH MY SONS ARE OVER SIX FEET AND THERE IS PLENTY OF ROOM FOR BOTH OF THEM.THERE IS PLENTY OF ROOM FOR TWO CAR SEATS FOR MY GRAND KIDS IN THE BACK AND THE TRUNK SPACE IS FANTASTIC AND THE BACK SEATS FOLD DOWN. EVEN THOUGH I ONLY GOT THE ION-1 I STILL LOVE IT.

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  A-Ok - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Saturn ION - May 6 - 3:16 pm

  I owned a Saturn before and loved it. I hated trading it away but I got the bug to buy and couldnt think of anything to buy except another Saturn. The service is excellent and the quality of their vehicles are tops.

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  Nightmare Car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Lindsay - May 4 - 7:36 am

  I bought the car used in February 09. The car had the "no start" issue from the get go and no one could replicate the problem. I worked at 6am and the car would not start when it was below 40 degrees outside. Also the trasmission would "surge" every once and a while when I was driving. The gas mileage was disappointing as well. The seats stained easily, the interior bubble plastic was awful to clean and the AC fan would buzz. I just had the last strw with the no start issue and traded it on a corolla.

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  I love this car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Ed McCue - April 26 - 2:00 am

  One thing my father always told me was not to buy a new car in its first model year but when I test drove the ION and based on Saturns record of reliability I had to have it. Its fun to drive and practical. Saturn out did itself on this one. Kudos!

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  all in all great value - 2003 Saturn ION
  By mjmilam - April 21 - 10:00 am

  For the money I am very pleased. The interior appears too "plasticky", but other than that I love it.

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  WOW - 2003 Saturn ION
  By jsnezat - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Wow, the Ion is a really fun car to drive. The gas mileage is great. The interior and exterior styling is wonderful. This is the best car I have ever owned.