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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  VERY UNHAPPY - 2005 Saturn ION
  By dawn414 - February 26 - 7:16 am

  This car has been nothing but a headache since i bought it. It only has 40,000 miles on it, I had to replace the censor module twice, the front bushings, and the spark plugs already. It still squeeks, and the engine light always comes on.. Even with all new plugs and wires, dont know what else to do with it.. I will never buy another GM car in my lifetime, or any of my relitives.I have tried calling saturn company, and i have taken the car to the binghamton saturn dealer, and they can not fix it.. so much for customer satification.

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  Finally Unloading this Car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By jallegra22 - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Where to start...check engine light came on when I drove it off the lot, sensor problems..5th gear went out at 40,000 miles (a long/expensive fix), good luck if you live in a cold climate it will fail to start (for 15 minutes exactly) which is extremely inconvenient as youre sitting there in the freezing cold waiting for it, cooling system is totally shoddy and interior looks completely trashed from next to nothing. replaced wiper system twice. I will say that I get wonderful gas mileage, but its been nothing but problems along the way with this car. The ride is bumpy and loud and Im always waiting for something else to break. Im having to get rid of this car at only 85,000 miles.

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  Disappointing Clutch - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Disappointed - February 21 - 5:06 pm

  This is my fourth Saturn, and I do not know if there will be a fifth. I have had the car in to fix both of the windows. I had to get the seat cover replaced, and I am having constant issues with the clutch. The car stutters and shakes. It stalls more times than I can count. I have had the car in the shop twice now, and the problem still persists. The guys in service are great ,and have told me that the mechanics of the clutch have changed. I just have to change the way I have been driving it.

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  O K car. - 2003 Saturn ION
  By leo - February 21 - 2:06 pm

  Owned since 8/07. Took some time to adjust to. Gear shifting is awkward compared to a Honda or Toyota. Great turning radius. Chronic ignition switch problem that shows up in winter. Wipers are plastic and are very delicate in cold weather with snow or ice. Fabric is cheap and stains easily. Seats not all that comfortable. Like car a lot but have been let down more than once.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Johanna - February 20 - 12:33 pm

  When I drove off in my new Saturn, I was very impressed with the handling. Pulling into certain parking areas, the Saturn make manuvers very easy. Very reliable. It took a week or so to get used to the instrument panel, being in the center of the dash, but once you get used to it, its actually a great feature. Very quiet running. It is just an overall great vehicle at a great price.

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  Excellent Commuter Vehicle - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Vclub33 - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I am rather impressed with the style and the ride of the ION 3. For a product from GM the ride is very quiet and smooth. I love the center instrument panel. It provides a clear view of the road, and allows me to have the steering wheel at level that doesnt interfere with the view of the instrument panel. Also all of the standard equipment was a big bonus. With the 3 I got the electric moonroof, electric locks, windows, AC, cruise control, cd player , 16 inch tires, and a rear spoiler, all for under 19000. You cant beat the price, plus the fuel efficiency was icing on the cake. I love my new Saturn, and I have received many great compliments on my new car.

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  First new car - 2006 Saturn ION
  By HappyCamper - February 11 - 9:03 am

  This is my first new car. Ive only put 350km on so far. It is very smooth with strong acceleration. My only complaint so far is the sun-visor. It clicks-in at certain angles, but the settings are too far apart. I find it either blocks my view or doesnt block the sun.

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  Caution in buying this car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Toots - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I owned this car for 2 weeks, and returned it. Beware, the dashboard is designed as a multi-piece, multi- colored, multi-textured dash, which reflects up into the front window, right into the drivers primary view of the road. Every other car I have ever seen has a one piece, one texture dash, that does not reflect like this. The side mirrors reflect the interior side dash peices, such as the vents. It was too hazardous to keep this car, despite other positive features. Also, the vents do not close off, so all passengers must agree on the vent setting. If you try to close one off, it whistles horribly. There is too much play in the steering wheel.

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  Great car for the money! - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Austin Ozburn - January 28 - 7:08 am

  I love this car and I loved my 97 4 door Saturn just as much as this one. The car drives and handles great, but it doesnt ride like a Cadillac. Theres plenty of room inside the car and in the trunk. Maintenance is cheap and easy if you know how to use U-Tube. I would definitely highly recommended this car to someone be it in good working condition.

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  The New Mustang - 2004 Saturn ION
  By atheav - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I dont know what the editors problem with the vehicle is, I find it perfectly fine and people are always asking what kind of car it is. With the rear spoiler she almost looks like an improved mustang. For those afraid of getting lemons, look for a warranty on top of the one that already comes with it, that offers a 30 day/1500 mile free replacement warranty. Where if anything goes wrong with the car that is the manufacturers fault within that time frame, the car will automatically be replace, thats what I was offered at my dealership, not all may do it though.