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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  Saturn Ion 3 - 2003 Saturn ION
  By joendsu - November 14 - 10:00 am

  The car has been really fun to drive. The turning radius is great. I have had some small problems with the cruise control, but Saturn was quick to fix. There is a lot of head room and leg room even in the back seat. The trunk is very large and the back seat also folds down to increase space for the trunk. The engine is a bit loud when accelerating, but is quiet when up to speed. The 4cl engine has great acceleration and pep, which I found lacking in other comparable cars.

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  taste of performance - 2003 Saturn ION
  By donny - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Just came back from a trip to Eastern Kentucky. The curves combined with hills can be down right scarry for those who are not used to it. The car had descent pickup but could not turn the corners as well as the Chevy Astro I was trying to follow. High roof line also does not help with mpg. Car has great bottem end torque in the standard but the automatic acts like it has a stall converter and is always in the 3 grand to 4 grand in rpm for just normal cruising.

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  Not Bad, Not Great.. - 2005 Saturn ION
  By HeadAche - November 13 - 6:13 am

  Bought this car in the summer of 05, has been a really fun and good reliable car to drive until the winter of 07. Seemed like the whole car was falling apart at only 15,000 miles! Strut mounts went, but on most low end cars like the ion they go almost every year, but I got the extended warranty which covered it, or so I thought unit Saturn said that it would cost me 400 to replace the strut mount. Also the same year the car misfired and was running on 3 cylinders, cool though the ion sounded like a Subaru sti when I drove it. More to this whole thing which I cant fit in here so I just have to say Saturn has the worst customer service I have ever encountered. Getting rid of this car soon.

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  Ion 2 - 2005 Saturn ION
  By 87formula - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely a pleasure to drive and own. No problems to date, good efficiency. Center dash display takes getting used to, but works better than traditional design which gets blocked by stearing wheel.

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  Distraught with Ion II mpg - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Gayla - November 2 - 10:33 am

  Originally, my review of this car was very bad, because it had to be towed back to the dealer <10 days after purchase. However, since then it has proved itself as a dependable vehicle. The only issue I still have with it is the mpg. This is a manual transmission, and was claimed to get 34 hwy, and I forget the city, was it 27 mpg or 24 mpg? Im getting about 28 mpg highway. I could enjoy the car if it got anywhere close to the claimed mpg. Im probably getting somewhere close to 20 mpg city, but I cant be anywhere near certain because it is never the case that I do all city driving. The 1984 Honda CRX with the fuel efficient 1.3 liter engine got 55 mpg hwy, 45 mpg city.

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  My ION 2 - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Cathy Tetreault - October 31 - 12:06 pm

  I love the way my ION 2 handles. The steering is so easy but yet firm. It is comfortable to sit and drive or as a passenger. I have gotten 28-31 miles per gallon in town since I have had it.

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  great car for the money!! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By jrod - October 27 - 10:00 am

  quick and responsive throttle, comfortable seating, a tuners dream with the ecotec power plant! great car for the money!

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  One sporty Sedan - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Adam - October 22 - 1:40 pm

  Ive had this car for a month and it has been great. Its quick, and the manual transmission works great. I dont know what people are talking about when they say that the car is uncomfortable, I find very comfortable. The gas mileage so far hasnt been great, but other than that the car hasnt let me down. Also there is a group called Saturn Motorsports that offers a full line of aftermarket parts. I plan on getting in contact with them and getting a few things for my new ION. This car is a great car with lots of power for its size.

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  Evcellent! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Attomicc - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car at a very reasonable price.

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  Bushman - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Bushee - October 16 - 10:00 am

  No problems at all. Not bad for the price. No reason to buy a Jap car with this on the market.