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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  my ion - 2004 Saturn ION
  By dab85032 - July 10 - 10:00 am

  so far has been great car

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  A big headache - 2004 Saturn ION
  By A big headache - June 30 - 7:06 pm

  I really like the look and price of this vehicle. However, I have been to the dealership at least a dozen times with serious problems. The car has less than 40,000 miles and Im on my 3rd transmission, 2nd drive-line, 4th stereo, 2nd steering column, and have had my check engine light come on a couple of times. The Saturn service department has been unpleasant and unprofessional to deal with. This is my first and last Saturn. I am getting rid of this car ASAP.

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  IMPORT EATER - 2003 Saturn ION
  By EVIL MIKE - June 26 - 10:00 am

  FUN CAR, STIFF RIDE, WAITING FOR PREFORMANCE PARTS TO SHOW UP

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  Great car - 2006 Saturn ION
  By GMowner4life - June 16 - 1:36 pm

  My lease was up on my 2006 Cobalt so I wanted to get something comparable to it. I started looking into the Ions because I liked the way they looked and Im a big fan of the Ecotec engine, I know engineers that have said this will eventually be known as one of the best engines GM has come out with. I wasnt sure about the gauge cluster being in the center of the dash at first but I grew to love it. It drives really smooth and handles bumps nicely, the gas mileage is great too. I have a Waverunner and it pulls it nicely. Overall Im very happy with this car.

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  A Very Mixed Bag - 2003 Saturn ION
  By rdcarney - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I drive over 20K/year for work, and need a reliable and economical vehicle. The Saturn Ion specs out much better than the Cavalier that Im used to driving, plus my wife is in love with the Ions looks and features. What I didnt know is that the drivers seat would hurt my back so badly after driving for 30 miles or more. I would recommend NOT buying this car to anyone who has had any kind of back problems or tight muscles. Also, there is too little useable storage space within easy reach of the driver; there isnt even a safe place to put a cell phone with an earpiece attached. Im wondering what kind of individual they designed this car for?

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  ION 3 rocks!! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By fiend0810 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun and sporty. It handles extremely well in the mountains and on curves. Plenty of power and just a joy to drive. This is my first Saturn and it wont be my last.

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  I hate this car. - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Danielle - June 14 - 10:13 pm

  This was my very first car. The first month of driving it I loved it! But then things started going wrong. The waterproofing on the drivers side window wore down so it was extremely loud driving and water would leak in when it rained. At the same time the steering column collapsed. There is something always rattling in the back of my car and it comes loose and I have to shove it back in to place. When i have the air on, there is a buzzing noise coming from the passenger side. It seems like there is always something rattling. The seats are extremely uncomfortable and hot. It is not a very smooth ride. I am getting a new car as soon as possible. Exterior and interior are also very cheap.

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  Keeps going at 80k miles - 2004 Saturn ION
  By wowd - June 13 - 4:40 pm

  I bought the saturn only because of 0% and it seemed "sporty". My wife loves the car. It is averaging 32mpg at 80-85mph on highway. Only been to shop once with a bad bearing. Still has plenty of pep, and handles great. Took on a 2000 mile trip, came back and had to buy another car. It was very uncomfortable on a long ride, great for commute though. My wife feels very secure and comfortable driving 35 miles each way to work. At 80k, still no shakes, rattles,or noises. Very impressed. Looking for car to make at least 200k miles, only money put in has been oil changes and had to replace tires at 30k. I bought good tires, andthey have 50k. Looking to go to 70k

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  Disappointed - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Virgiinia - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased a preowned vehicle and only had it for a little over a month and have on four occasions trouble with the electric power steering. Left it at Nissan today and sending it to General Motors to be fixed. I like the Ion very much and hope the power steering can be fixed. I understand that this has been a problem with the Saturn ION

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  I love my Ion 3 Quad Coupe!! - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Mark - June 13 - 10:00 am

  There are a lot of bad reviews for the Saturn Sedan but I totally love my Ion 3 Coupe. Bought it new and just passed 60K miles and not a problem yet. Good performance. 37 mpg highway (at 70 mph). Beautiful paint and finish, and I love the plastic body panels - no dings or dents - although there is more road noise because of the plastic. The interior design is only fair due to cup holder location. Plastic interior looks cheap. XM radio is great! On- Star is superb but costs too much.