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:
Showing 251 through 260 of 975.00-
Saturn blow-on - 2003 Saturn ION
By aidamahn - April 3 - 2:00 amHave had all kinds of problems with this car, from day 1. The 5-speed transmission shifts sloppy, the gears tend to be hard to shift into sometimes, or theyll pop out. The construction seams to be cheaper than usual. The internals of my driver side door literally fell apart, window popped off track and the lock/hondle stopped working. Traction Control and ABS conflict with shifting (IE: you cant put it in gear while the abs is going off, or breifly after). Traction Control makes car shake violently at lower speeds.
-
I love my new Saturn - 2004 Saturn ION
By Charlotte Hummel - April 3 - 2:00 amIts got the greatest lines... almost like a ballet dancer. It drives super! Great acceleration and pickup. A dream come true to navigate. Sun roof option gives you plenty of light even in winter...helps with those winter blahs. Buy this car and throw out your St. Johns wart for depression. This auto lifts your spirits.
-
Love our fifth saturn - 2004 Saturn ION
By itazs[awn - April 3 - 2:00 amWe just got our new saturn last month. We love it. It is our fifth saturn since we have been married. We have been married 22 years and have 2 kids. The saturn is not only excellant in gas mileage but comfort. If you have never had a saturn and want a mid sized car then you may want to go to your closest dealer.No car dealership will treat you as saturn with the friendliest,Honest, and Caring Salespeople.
-
Love my Redline - 2004 Saturn ION
By SpikemanII - March 22 - 4:40 pmI went to my dealership for routine maintenance on our VUE, and drove home with a Redline . Needless to say, I am not allowed to go the dealer without supervision anymore. I love this car. It is quick, handles like a dream, gets good gas mileage, and is fairly unseen on the road. Give this thing a test drive and you will want one too. Just go supervised.
-
Good Fuel Economy, Electrical Glitch - 2006 Saturn ION
By Andrea - March 22 - 2:23 pmI knew I wanted a 4 door car with rear side curtain airbags, on a limited budget. Saturn ION was only one I could afford, plus it had good fuel economy according to the window sticker. It does have good fuel economy for American, around 28 with mixed use. I didnt own an MP3 player when I purchased the car but I do now and love the audio jack! The center console was an adjustment but I love it, it gets the eyes moving around instead of staring straight ahead, less strain. I have had horrible problems in winter with doors freezing shut, seal around doors is bad water gets into cavity and freezes at hinge, also leaks through window seals, and drips inside car. Electronic issues see below.
-
Good to us...watch the CVT - 2004 Saturn ION
By skally - March 16 - 1:02 pmWe bought this car brand new and overall it was a good vehicle for us. Here are the issues we had over 8 years and 140k miles. The remote start from the dealer never did work right. It engaged the PassLock system which left you waiting 10 minutes while the fuel system reset. We had the common issue with the ignition switch replacing it a few times before it was fixed for good. The biggest problem was the CVTs in these cars. They failed more often than they should and couldnt be rebuilt, only replaced. GM fixed a lot of them but ours never died. However at 140k miles it started act up a little which is why we decided to move on.
-
My first new car (2006 Saturn ION 2) - 2006 Saturn ION
By firsttimebuyer - March 15 - 6:56 pmWell, I didnt like the positioning of the gauges on the dash at first, but, now I love it. I really like this car and I think it is a great car. I have only had it about a week but Im sure Ill love it for a goow long while to come. I recommend test driving one for yourself!
-
A perfect first time car buy - 2003 Saturn ION
By SuthernCharm - March 10 - 10:00 amThe Saturn Ion is a great car for someone just starting out. It has great get up and go power (for a domestic) Personally, I was very skeptical about buying a Saturn over a Toyota, but when it came down to it Saturn was willing to bend over backwards to give me what I wanted in a car. Its a nice stylish build, smooth ride and all the service can not be beat.
-
SatisfiedVeryI bought a preowned - 2007 Saturn ION
By Maclary - March 1 - 10:00 amVery happy with car but disappointed with a squeaky brake pedal. Dealer says it is a faulty booster and cannot do anything about it. Been greased two times and still squeaks.
-
Appreciate at the pump - 2003 Saturn ION
By Hessian - February 27 - 9:36 amThis is the 8th Saturn Ive owned and it has been the best, fuel-wise and dependability-wise. We have driven it nearly 5 yrs. now and only minor problems. Our major complaint is comfort. The drivers seat is impossible for long drives. Little cushioning, hardly any lumbar support. And no room in the back seat. This is the car for those seeking dependable transportation at affordable prices. Itll get you where you want to go cheaply. Your pocketbook will appreciate it, even if your back doesnt.
