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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  Great new car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Helaurin - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Wednesday: Old Geo dies at 215K miles. Thursday: Contacted GM dealers (Olds, Saturn, Chevy). Only Saturn offers to drive a car over to me at lunchtime for a test drive. Friday: Test drive Ion; with available options, has all the features I really wanted. Saturday: I looked at other cars on my own. Drag hubby to see Ion for his opinion. He likes it and decides to get one also! ION 3 had all the features I required. But I dont just shop cars; the sales force has a big impact. Saturn was by far the most responsive. Test drive was fine and at $8K off (GMcard rebates, GM loyalty and manufacturer rebates) off, was a steal at under $11K.

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  A Fun, Safe Car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Mark Howard - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I purchased an Ion in January. The car handles well, I really enjoy the placement of the speedometer. The car has a personality and distinctiveness that is very rare to find in a car these days. I own a 5-Speed manual and average around 32 miles to the gallon around town. The car is also safe. Passengers are often amazed at the leg room that is available. I also feel like the dealership has done a great job seeking to satisfy me. The only setback is that there was a problem with the running lights, however, the dealership has been great in dealing with this problem.

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  ION - 2006 Saturn ION
  By CG - May 10 - 9:53 pm

  I got this car used. Only 27000 miles on it. Now it has 35000. It feels like new. it accelerates fast, it might not be the quickest car out there but for the price its the best. I had no problems with it. I love this car. Some of the cons are rear view is minimal (because of the spoiler) and if you mess with the AC too much engine light will light up

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  I love my Saturn - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Wizard - May 10 - 1:23 pm

  I have had nothing but a good experience with my Saturn. It is a very reliable car with great features. The only drawback I have found is the lack of power. I had a hard time driving up the grapevine. The car was struggling to get up the long hill.

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  Overall a great car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By dagda567 - May 5 - 8:10 pm

  We bought the ion for a nice, cheap car with good gas mileage. My fiance loves the styling and the interior, although to me the exterior looks kinda odd. The seats are fine for around town but i wouldnt want to take a road trip in it. The dash console position is strange but I actually kinda like it. Controls are all very easy to reach and the gas mileage is great. For an economy car it actually rides very nice. And GMs 2.2 Ecotec engine is absolutely flawless. I feel very safe with that engine because of its reliability record.

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  Underrated - 2006 Saturn ION
  By GL - April 24 - 11:50 pm

  I bought an ION 3 Automatic and have been very impressed with it. My wife loves the European look to it & are very happy with it so far. The performance is excellent, even as an automatic, noise levels are low & highway driving is calm & quiet. Ive driven 03 IONs & Saturn have made major steps with this model since then. 1 year of free OnStar is also a major bonus...Great peace of mind. This & the 5 star safety rating contribute to low insurance rates. All in all, were very satisfied with the car & the Saturn dealer experience.

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  Great value for your money - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Christine - April 20 - 11:10 pm

  This is my 2nd Saturn my other one is 10 years old with 120,000 miles and still going strong. My new Ion is great I have almost 4,000 miles on it and its fun to drive and I bought a left over 2007 and got a great deal.. Love my ION...

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  Great car - 2005 Saturn ION
  By john - April 19 - 1:23 am

  It is a joy to drive. i love the power and handling. The Recaro seats are a great touch. The ABS 4 wheel disk brakes stop like no other car Ive ever driven. An awesome car.

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  DO NOT BUY A SATURN, I REPEAT DO NOT BUY - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Matthew - April 7 - 2:36 am

  I purchased my Saturn ION 3 brand new. This car has DEPRECIATED the worst out of any car I have ever owned. I was coerced into buying the Extended Service Contract being told I could turn it in later. Well the Extended Service Contract DEPRECIATES also. With only 22,000 miles on this car it is starting to fall apart. Brakes are going bad, the fan makes and irritating noise that they tried to fix but failed to do, etc. I should have spent the 20,000 dollars on a CIVIC would have been worth more than my Saturn which is now worth less than 10,000. I also had a new Toyota Camry, JUNK. Fell apart at 20,000 miles. Both made in America. Both JUNK. DO NOT BUY DO NOT BUY DO NOT BUY

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  Dont buy - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Piece of Junk - April 3 - 10:13 pm

  Bought this car in Oct. 2005 brand new. After first year, it all went downhill. Had to replace the Powertrain Module twice already, and now, my dashboard lights go on and off, the speedometer doesnt move, dont know how much gas I have and etc with whatever is on the dashboard. The car been nothing but hell to me and my wife. Truly wish I could get rid of it, but have to wait another year. Do not buy this car used if you ever are thinking about it. Completely garbage !!!