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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  Bang for the Buck - 2003 Saturn ION
  By jjames - November 6 - 2:00 am

  We just bought a new ION to replace the my daughters SL1. (the SL1 provided 48,000 miles of economical and maintenance free driving). The ION has nice design; the composite panels are the best choice for a vehicle that will be parked streetside; and Saturns economical performance is hard to beat. We were pleasantly surprised with the quiet and smooth ride performance of the ION. At 70 mph is almost comparable to my 2002 A4. The added HP and torque makes the ION a well-rounded vehicle for fun, comfort and economy. I have to question the professional reviews Ive read as being biased and under-rating of the Saturn.

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  My 1st Saturn - 2005 Saturn ION
  By R & E Marin - October 31 - 7:00 am

  I had been researching on-line for a new vehicle to purchase, mostly with saftey and comfort in mind. The night before I purchased my Saturn, I read and compared them for over 2 hours on the net. Almost exactly comparable to the Volvo sedan, in every way! My experience w/ Saturn of Fayetteville was wonderful! Our salesman was very knowledgable about our purchase and they worked with us to give my husband and I the most unreally rate! I have already recomended my Saturn to several people. If you want a safe but fun ride with great gas mileage, I would recomend test driving a Saturn Ion 3.

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  Sleek look, poor transmission! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By kdame4814 - October 23 - 10:10 pm

  I bought this car after driving my 1997 SC-1 for 3 years. Definitely against my better judgment because I had to have the engine replaced and major transmission work done. But the Ion QC was a sharp-looking car, and I could explain away the problems I had with my SC-1 (dont know what the previous owner did to it, and the reverse slam tranny problem was a common one). The VTi transmission failed on me not onces, not twice, but three times. Were finally getting Saturn to buy it back. We bought a Toyota Camry! If youre going to buy a 2004 QC, at least get a manual.

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  Avoid this car at all costs - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Diana V - October 2 - 7:40 am

  This car is one of the major reasons GM has been having problems. Within a month of driving the car off the lot I began having problems. I had to take the car back to the dealership every month that I owned the car for the first year. Every month was a different problem, and since it was not the same problem twice I was unable to file lemon law on the car. Problems include but are not limited to the electric steering failing (at 74,500 miles and year 3 that I owned the car, warranty expired at 75,000, when I was able to get car to dealership I was 200 miles past warranty so I was told by Saturn corporate that it was my problem), central computer glitches, faulty wiring to headlights, anti-theft device would lock car ignition upon inserting key in ignition during cold weather, and a problem with the crank case is what caused my Ion 3 to go to its final resting place. The final year I had the car (Dec 2008, exactly 5 years from the date I bought the car) I again started having monthly problems and dumped a lot of money into the car.

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  Good So Far - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Paul "Pete T" - September 28 - 10:00 am

  In the six months I had to only have the Daylight running lights replaced and the harnesses. I guess this is an unofficial recall. If a light goes out they fix it. Otherwise, they wont contact you to have it replaced. Price of the oil filter is double a normal filter. Steering is great. Much more pep than my old 96 SC1. No noticeable reduction of power when the Ac is on.

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  THE BEST - 2007 Saturn ION
  By sunrise7 - September 27 - 2:21 pm

  I owned a body shop and have been around many cars.. yes it could add some extra sleek looks but when i bought mine new 10 years ago and 160K later I was looking for something I can depend on.. and this was the car. Best car I have ever owned.

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  great car...so far :) - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Psijade - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Easy to deal with Saturn car dealers. This car has mega leg room and is much more quiet that the Saturns of past (I just moved up from a 94 SC2) The price is fantastic for what you get!!

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  Still kickin, but many problems - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Pt - September 20 - 8:16 am

  Bought my Ion 3 in 6/2005 & have had the ignition replaced 3 times already, as well as the drivers window motor & wiper motor. I just brought it to Strauss for an alignment & they told me that both control arms, all bearings, and rods are shot...in a FOUR year old car!! No excuse for this. I previously owned a 93 Grand Am & the control arm only cracked due to a collision in 04. Control arms should NEVER wear out in less than 5 years! Please note also that my sister owns an 04 Saturn Ion & has had the same ignition issues. Just last week the key became stuck in the column-this, 2 months after they replaced her ignition! Def. avoiding GM if possible. No wonder theyre going under!

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  Check out the trunk space! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Mommyh123 - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle for the money. We have 2 small children and we all fit comfortably. The trunk is HUGE and great for groceries and everything that you have to carry. We even fit a little tikes wagon and 3 pieces of luggage in the trunk. Highly recommended.!

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  SATURN - 2006 Saturn ION
  By walter - September 12 - 10:42 am

  Great car, i have 200k miles still goin strong and looks good doin it!!! It is a car way ahead of its time!!