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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  Death Trap - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Corey Arnold - January 15 - 5:06 pm

  This car is a DEATH TRAP! It locks up when driving. Can not shift in and out of gears, especially when driving in rush hour traffic. Has been taken in a total of 36 times to dealership, and only when the warrenty was expired did they know the problem. The vehicle locked up while my little brother was driving and caused a horrible wreck, which landed him and the other person in the hospital. So long story short if you value your life and personal safety BOYCOT SATURN and their death trap vehicles.

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  It wasnt my first option. - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Aisha - January 15 - 10:00 am

  I believe that this vehicle lives up to the Saturn standards. So if you never liked Saturn to begin with this isnt the car for you. Its not very flashy but its pretty comfortable and reliable. Its not the best buy but it will get you from point A to point B.

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  Plenty of little problems. - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Jim - January 12 - 8:36 pm

  Bought car with 30,000 miles. Soon realized that it had a temperature sensitive drive ability problem, bucks violently at low speeds cool temps. Caused premature wear on clutch with first owner, I have babied it for 36,000 miles, needs new clutch. Dealer could not figure out problem, says its the clutch. Said maybe they could figure it out when it got bad enough. Its time to find out, and bet them a clutch that its the engine. Suspension is very noisy and sloppy when cold, you can feel the engine shifting back and forth on corners when cold, the clutch pedal creaks and feels rough at the release point. Mirror cant be adjusted to match seat position when adjusted to my 59" frame.

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  When I Look At My Car I Am Happy - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Dukoh - January 7 - 2:00 am

  For the price and features included with this car, I am very happy. The car is attractive inside & out. I liked the novelty of the centered dashboard, and it did not take long to adjust to. The ride and comfort of the car is satisfactory plus--considering that I did not pay a Cadillac price. Overall performance is good. The Ion 3 included all the features I wanted without going outside my price range. Driving the car this winter, the lower left heating vent did not seem to heat as fast as the rest of the vents in the car. Maybe its just me or something I need to check.

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  Great Car - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Nick Anderson - December 27 - 1:02 am

  Second Saturn I have owned . The first one wouldnt quit. I gave it to my step son with 250,000 miles and still ran strong. I bought my Saturn Ion Coupe new in 2007. Same reliable service and still own it in 2016. If you take care of a Saturn , it will take care of you. Most important, where can you get a small sporty car that has a fold down front seat? Cant tell you how many 8ft. boards I have hauled home.

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  Definitely a Fan - 2003 Saturn ION
  By kevinthenerd - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I was worried than an economy car wouldnt be quick. I was certainly wrong. Several times during the last week, for instance, I ACCIDENTLY chirped the tires coming off of traffic lights. Thats fantastic considering I drive the automatic. I can burn just about any Civic out there, and I still get amazing gas milage.

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  Much better car than they rated it as.. - 2003 Saturn ION
  By n3srj - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Not sure what edmunds was thinking when the reviewed this car but i disagree with 90% of what they say. This car is very inovated,extremely powerfull for its size, and just an extreme pleasure to drive. Handles and drives far better that what you pay for this auto. I rate it a 9.5 out of 10!!

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  Great Car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By jspence - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car and I love it. Its fun to drive and looks great. Its a smooth ride and handles the road well. The dealership made the car buying experience easy. I will definitely buy another Saturn.

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  Great car! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By John Deere - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car. I was really suprised to find that a Saturn was this good. The service at the dealership is wonderful, even at a different dealership than the one where it was purchased. I am very satisfied and will only buy Saturns from now on.

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  Live the Saturn way - 2006 Saturn ION
  By John Stevens - December 25 - 12:03 pm

  When you make that first initial decision that its time for a new car, you always wonder whats next. Well from now on, its always going to be Saturns. I have had so much enjoyment so far with this vehicle. I have had the rest and now have the BEST!! Go and see for yourself. Its one of he best decisions I have ever made. I LOVE SATURN!!