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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  A bad used car-fails to start - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Mike Dbn - August 14 - 2:06 am

  This Saturn has the infamous "Passlock" anti-theft defect. The IC chip in the ignition column switch fails to recognize a genuine key and fails to start, usually in winter, but this has happened other times as well. The IC chip has been replaced twice, but I refuse to pay $300+ for an out-of- warranty repair. Not a reliable used car because of this. Also, the McPherson struts are noisy in winter, and make anoying "click" sounds. Seats feel cheap (no back support). Electric steering is too tight and you might oversteer into the next lane. Bad blind spots on both side pillars. Basically this is a 2004 Chevy Cavalier with plastic side panels. A real dog!

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  Third Saturn owned, Ion bad choice - 2004 Saturn ION
  By kellyd - August 13 - 6:10 pm

  Ive been driving Saturns for almost 10 years now. I swore by them until the Ion.I no longer have it as it was totalled in an auto accident recently. The only damage was to the front underside. The hood was completely intact. Ive always bought Saturns for their safety features as well as price. However, the seating was very uncomfortable, especially for longer drives. My seats stained very easily, including water stains. The battery was defected and had to be replaced 2 days after purchasing it (brand new)! It was replaced again last year. I was unable to start the car right away in cold weather on certain days. This started 3 years after purchasing it.

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  Much Improved - 2003 Saturn ION
  By jucolley - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Nice styling, great pick-up, nice fit and finish in both the exterior and interor. Comfortable driving position.

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  not bad - 2003 Saturn ION
  By UTstudent - August 3 - 10:00 am

  The overall platform of the vehicle seems strong and stable, allowing for a better than expected ride. The 140 HP engine provides ample power. The steering is "quirky" (overly sensitive without the expected feedback). The position of the gagues may be impressive for young drivers but not for older ones. Overall seems to be a good car.

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  Saturns are out of this world! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By KairEOKey - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE IT - nuff said

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  Fun Car to Drive - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Jessica - July 26 - 9:43 am

  This is my first brand new car. Also my first 5-spd. I love the power that it has and that its fun to drive. I feel very comfortable in it. I like all the features it came with: sunroof, cruise control, 6-disc CD changer w/ MP3. The only thing that we had to replace were the speakers...they were horrible! The CD player also seems to have some weird thing where it detects when the music is too loud and automaticaly turns it down. That can be very annoying. Other than that its a decent car for someone who wants something sporty, yet easier to get in and out of than a normal coupe. Also, had a leak under the door when it would rain that had to be fixed.

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  good car after 1 month - 2004 Saturn ION
  By danhurd - July 21 - 2:00 am

  i have owned saturns before and this one is the best so far. not disappointing.

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  Saturn ion 3 is a excellent car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By William A Comer - July 21 - 2:00 am

  We bought a 2003 ion 3 in March 2003. We were so pleased with the car that when my son returned from Europe and needed a car we bought another ion 3 in September 2003. So far, NO regrets. I would buy again and recommend this car. The Saturn dealership is the very best sales and service I have ever experienced in my 40+ years of car ownership.

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  AWESOME - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Redhottone22 - July 15 - 2:00 am

  AN awesome car for a young person buying their first car! Its awesome, Very relaiable, yet looks very sporty!

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  Great Car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Supamonk - July 15 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is absolutely fantastic, the features for the price are incredible. The comfort is far above what one would expect and the performance is surprising. The vehicle is very fun to drive as well. Another appealing aspect is the many different areas in which you can tell the engineers were thinking. The half doors on the back, placing the battery in the trunk but still allowing one to jump from the front, and the list goes on. A fantastic car that i would take over a Civic any day of the year.