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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  Small annoying problems - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Mislead - December 19 - 8:36 pm

  Bought this car in 2006 as my first car. Was very reliable for the first few years, then stopped. Key cylinder has had to replaced once and soon will have to be replaced again. Car has leaked in the rain which destroyed my phone. Other than that, it has not been too bad. But it is really annoying having to spend fifteen minutes to remove your car key. Once it would not even turn off.

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  Suspension, Manual Transmission - 2007 Saturn ION
  By OML - December 7 - 11:26 pm

  I bought3 cars, 2 stripped down version and one with Auto Tran. The front suspension started to clunk/rattle while driving over not-so-rough road conditions,all three vehicles affected when they hit the 33K mark approx. The traded 1995 SL2 front end noise started when it reached 165k miles. There is a grinding noise when shifting to 4th or fifth gear. Downshifting becomes impossible sometimes ( will take 2 or 3 attempts until it finally engages). The passenger side air bag light will turn ON (intermittent) when there is no passenger.

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  What a great car! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By skelter717 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I think this car is highly underrated. We had a bad experience with a previous Saturn, but the ION has been a godsend. Very reliable, very sporty, very fun to drive! The battery in the trunk is unique and very convenient for my needs.

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  Would Not Recommend - 2003 Saturn ION
  By taergreat - December 1 - 5:16 am

  Overall, I wish I hadnt purchased this vehicle. The ride is decent but not impressed with the gas mileage (all I can get is about 24MPG highway). The car has a very cheapy plastic feel to it. Build is below average and seats stain very easily. My Saturn has been fairly reliable until recently when a problem all-to common to Saturns cropped up. I cant turn the key to the off position in the ignition. It just locks up. This, in turn, drains the all to expensive battery.

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  My Second Saturn - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Bob Cary - November 29 - 8:23 pm

  I purchased a Saturn L 1 in the year2000. I was very pleased with all aspects of owning and driving for over76000 miles. I went back to the dealer who sold me my first Saturn to look at the new models. I looked at all models, but the ION caught my eye. Took a test drive and that was it. The sales rep and salesmanager worked up a deal. Drove home in my second Saturn

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  Long Term, great car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By 04driver - November 29 - 6:09 pm

  I purchased my 2004 Ion3 almost new at the Saturn dealer, with about 2k miles. Thats been 9 years and just over 100,000 miles ago. Perfect car, for me. Only replaced struts, belts, brakes, filters, oil, etc. Had auto transmission serviced once. Absolutely NO problems with this vehicle. Great trip vehicle for me. Disneyland, Grand Canyon, Salt Lake City, wherever I want to go. 30 plus mpg on freeway. I get better mpg when I go faster than stated limits, hmm.. Anyway, I love it so much, that my extended family have purchased three others. Looks like a Saturn lot when all are here. Others may have had problems, but for us. Great car. Wish they still made them. All 5 still work fine.

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  plastic makes it posible - 2004 Saturn ION
  By krams - November 26 - 2:00 am

  handling is par but up to Honda civic

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  Reliable 30 MPG - 2007 Saturn ION
  By 07saturn - November 23 - 11:09 pm

  2007 Saturn Ion company car with 163K miles. Drive 75 mph on the highway and get 30 mpg consistently. All electrical works with no problems, leather seats still look good (no rips or tears). Normal repairs with one exception. Exhaust pipe behind motor(flex pipe) is also attached to cat. converter. Over $700 for new pipe with converter at dealer. Front suspension bushings have been replaced twice. Motor runs great, uses no oil. Car is dependable and has not let me down.

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  I Love It! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By docsmilitarywife - November 14 - 12:46 am

  Very satisfied with it so far. Havent had it long but its perfect for me. My husband got it for me. Its used but not badly. Just really been broken in good. We got the warranty on it too, just in case. Its got awesome pickup and looks fantastic. Its really an eye catcher. I love the leather and the stereo sounds awesome. The 6 disk cd changer is great, too. The brakes are really good and it purrs like a kitten when you really open it up on the interstate. I got a great feeling about this car and am sure we made a fantastic choice!

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  Never get another one - 2006 Saturn ION
  By dissappointed - November 12 - 8:06 pm

  I bought this Saturn for the safety features. I wish I would have done some more research and bought a Toyota or a Honda. I am very dissappointed. Not only is the car just over a year old, but Ive been to the dealership numerous times, twice for the brakes and they told me nothing was wrong with them. The carpet had a hole in the floorboard and had to be replaced, the gas mileage is horrible and now it just wont plain start even after they replaced the battery. Not to mention I live 62 miles from the nearest Saturn dealerships.