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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  Dont Buy GM! - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Outraged - June 9 - 4:50 pm

  Purchased brand new. This car is beyond fixable. To start, had problems with the knocking noise coming from rear, never repaired, radio went out under warranty, wheel bearings went out, power steering goes out intermittently even after having repaired just 6 mos ago. Car now will not shut off! GM wants to act as if they arent associated with the vehicle but its one of their products. Needless to say, Ill never buy an American made car again!

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  Jasons Car - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Jason Fitzgerald - June 9 - 5:43 am

  Great car to drive, very gas efficient. It still has pretty good pickup even though it is a sedan.

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  what fun! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By happy50ish - June 5 - 9:36 am

  I have truly enjoyed owning this car. For the money its the best comuter car out there. Im very tall and I like the driver leg room. Never intended to put anyone in the back seat. No mechanical problems to date. The purchase process was fantastic. Its a little noisy on the highway but hey, you cant have it all for well under 20K.

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  A Car To Keep - 2003 Saturn ION
  By adamdastmalchi - May 28 - 4:04 pm

  I got my used 2003 Saturn with only 30, 000 miles for $9,500 at a local Saturn dealership back in 2007. The clerks were very friendly. I have to say that there are way more pros than cons for this car. Of course, I do not live in a very cold environment, so I do not have start up issues. Gas mileage with only 12.5 gallons is amazing. This car came with a battery, and for four years I did not replace it. I should have found out how old it was, because I recently got a new one. This sucker is tough! It would still start, and the alternator was in great shape. It is very crash-safety and is very smooth on the road.

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  So many better vehicles for the money - 2003 Saturn ION
  By RuddigerPez - May 26 - 1:23 pm

  Chose an ION because I was trading in an SL2 and wanted the best value. Unfortunately, this car disappointed at every turn. Poor performance, with a loud engine, horrible road noise and terrible mileage (currently at about 26 hwy with driver only). Interior layout looked innovative but in all practicality it just doesnt work. Drivers seat is the most uncomfortable Ive ever experienced. And the GM passlock issue has reared its ugly head with my model, though no recall has been issued. I made a horrible decision considering the Corolla, Civic, or Sentra were all much better vehicles for the same price at the time of purchase. It is a mistake I will not make again.

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  awsome car!!!!.........so far - 2006 Saturn ION
  By paul - May 23 - 10:30 pm

  I love my ion! I have had it for only 9 months now but I have not had one bit of a problem. Always relieable, great on gas, fun to drive, awsome and cool design both interior and exterior, great stereo system, very roomy for a smaller car, (decent leg room in the back seat) ive took it on the highway long distance, I live in the city and it does great there with everyday travel as well. Its a 2006 with 46,000 miles on it, it had 36,000 when I got it. I know most problems dont start until after 50,000 miles so well hafta see. But so far so good!

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  Buy One Now - 2005 Saturn ION
  By SuPeRcHaRgEd - May 22 - 11:46 am

  Bought off the showroom floor Sept.29, 2005 based on reviews from this site. Never seen, sat in, or driven. I talked to one owner I saw at the gas pumps who said buy one you will love it. I do love it, but think I would have rather had 06 with the limited slip and boost gauge. Wheel hop in 1st gear is terrible under hard starts. Once in 2nd gear the fun begins and is non stop through 5th. The power and torque out of a 4 cyl is amazing and at 55 MPH acceleration in 5th there is no need to downshift. Cheap plastic interior, awesome center gauges. Unbelievable handling and brakes, huge trunk. RAD (rear access doors) are great. 23 MPG first tank of gas 26 MPG best 20 MPG worst. 2,200 miles on it now

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  A fun Drive - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Ryan926 - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Unique Styling for a compact car. More car for the price.

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  I love my Saturn Ion 2 - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Lou J - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Well, Ive only owned it for a month ... but so far ... I really love my new Saturn. Its fun to drive, incredibly quick and nimble on the road, I find the center instrument console very easy to view, and I really like the external styling of the car.

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  Second Saturn - 2003 Saturn ION
  By jimont - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I ended up with a new, and better equipped, car for over 400 not-adjusted- for-inflation bucks cheaper than I paid for my old 95. Same as last time, I found a car equipped exactly as I wanted on the lot, they didnt try to hit me with the dealer profit pack (window etching fee pre-printed on contract, they crossed it off after asking me if I wanted it-I didnt) and negotiations were quick and pleasant. I got the discount and free 36K maintenance with the coupon they sent me.