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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  The first car I feel good about - 2003 Saturn ION
  By shawnblic - February 13 - 10:00 am

  good looks good car

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  ION 3 IS OK! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By ROBERT LEE HOUSER - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I OWN A SATURN ION 3 NICE CAR, WHEN RATING ONE HAS TO REMEMBER THAT THIS IS A 4 BANGER NOT A PERFORMANCE CAR. BEING WHAT IT IS IT IS GREAT. THE CAR IS A LOT OF FUN AND IT IS NICE TO LOOK AT. EDITORS SHOULD RATE IT FOR WHAT IT IS AND NOT WHAT THEY THINK IT SHOULD BE.

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  awful first experience - 2003 Saturn ION
  By newbie - February 7 - 10:00 am

  when we bought the vehicle, it had to go back into the shop for: 4 new windows (due to the glass was scratched by the window tracks), defects in paint, interior dash was rattling, brakes were wobbleing (due to the rotors and brakes were out of surface tolerence), steering was shaky when driving at high speed. These problems were due because of the factory.

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  Great Driver, Quiet and Zippy ! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Frank ODonnell - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Driven for 5 weeks now, center mounted speedo was greatest concern, no problem in changing to watch from center of dash car rides great, quiet especially, shifts fine, comfortable and nice interior, great looks and great visibility from inside. A nice car which feels more expensive that it really is...........glad I looked before I bought a Ford Focus, ION is much nicer ride and drive ! Car actually rides and feels like a BMW.

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  Nice Improvements - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Icedog 5 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I thought the first year was good on the IONs, but, I had to wait till this year to purchase one. Boy am I glad I did. This year they came out with XM Radio,an improved interior,dash and lumbar support knob for my aching back. The cloth was also revised so that it doesnt look like @r*p. Overall I think its one of the best cars Ive owned.My wife just purchased one yesterday and she loves it too. Cant beat it.

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  my second saturn - 2004 Saturn ION
  By boarderfly - February 1 - 2:00 am

  My new ION3 is fantastic. You cannot compare it to the former S series of cars, it is infintly improved. Much more powerful, nicer ride, and cool features like restyling the dash and putting the cupholder lower than the a/c knobs so you dont spill coffee all over them!

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  2007 Saturn ION3 Review - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Danny Heiple - January 24 - 4:06 am

  I purchased this car when my 1991 Dynasty caught fire, I wanted something economical since I was driving 52 miles one way to work, I wanted a moon roof, fog lamps, tilt steering, power windows/locks, cruise, XM radio option and On Star option. This car had it all. It was affordable and came with a reasonable price tag. I have a few minors issues with the alarm system shorting out, Saturn Service Guys are the best.

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  Let the secret out Saturn - 2006 Saturn ION
  By angel - January 23 - 12:36 pm

  It is hard to imagine that Saturn is not advertising this rocket. The day I took delivery and hit the gas my 04 Mustang was a thing of the past. The recaro seats are a must when cornering. I have a long way to go before I break this engine in, and I will love every minute of it. The redline will juice the bloodline. Please do yourself a favor Saturn and tell the public about your car. The car is fast, great lines, and you feel young again.

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  Saturn Ion - 2004 Saturn ION
  By fredm - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Runs very well. Developes noises. Squeaks when backing up. Engine noisey even after first and second checkups. Car height is much better than previous vehicles.

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  Not sure yet! - 2007 Saturn ION
  By AJ - January 18 - 1:26 pm

  I bought this car used. It is close to 3 years old. Love it but the gas mileage is not as good as I thought it would be. I do love the comfort as I dont drive far to work and I did have a 2000 Saturn SC1 that I loved but I decided that I would like an automatic as the 2000 was a manual. I actually miss my SC1!!! Probably because the gas mileage was much better,but there are interior issues also. Like the cup holders-they stink! I normally have a large bottle of water, and I had to resort to buying one of those cheap cup holders you have to wedge between your window. I guess I know why the previous owner traded this car in with not even 16,000 miles on it.