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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  Love my ION - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Scott Sophos - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I am shocked that I do not see the Saturn ION on more "best lists". It is wonderful to drive, inexpensive, reliable, and my quad coupe ALWAYS receives comments on the streets for its design and looks.

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  Ion 3 Coupe - 2004 Saturn ION
  By DeeBebe - September 20 - 2:00 am

  My saturn ion is a great vehicle. I have a problem with feeling safe driving certain cars and I do like driving this one. It is reliable and everyone that sees the inside tells me it looks very futuristic and that it seems that Saturn is finally stepping up to the plate.

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  Love my new car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Barbara O - September 20 - 2:00 am

  This is the first time I downscaled to a compact and the Saturn ION2 fits my lifestyle and needs perfectly. After a month of driving my Ion it has the feel of a larger car and once on a roll it keeps up with the best of them plus is fun to drive. It came equiped with all the extra features to make it not feel like a moderately priced compact car.

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  impresive - 2004 Saturn ION
  By alvaro45 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  very reliable, significant improvement over the old SL2 ,you can feel the increase horse power compare to the old engine.Seats should be redesigned, excelent Stereo and best of all the best brakes in a car this size.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Bkckb2003 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had my ION for a little over a month but I love it. Good gas mileage, atrractive interior/exterior, and some interesting features.

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  Info - 2003 Saturn ION
  By HRC - September 17 - 6:16 pm

  Rides good, nice exterior style. The engine has enough power, big trunk. Ignition switch went bad twice and it seems to be going bad again. The interior panels fall off or come loose easily. The heater core went bad. Lots of rattles and wind noise. Radiator sensor went bad.

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  Great Car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Nicholas Towne - September 15 - 10:00 am

  Ive always been a big Saab fan, but when I last needed a new car, I went with the Saturn Ion 2, because it seemed to drive and handle more like a Saab than any other car I tested. With a stress free buying experience and with how good the dealer was with me was outstanding. Ever since I bought the car, I have loved driving and drive when I can. The handling is excellent, and I drive on pretty rough roads and the car holds well. Its my first new car Ive ever had, and so far the best car Ive ever had.

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  Good car for the money - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Ion owner 13 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I own a Saturn Ion 3. The sport tuned suspension offers a great deal of comfort. There is ample room for front seat passengers. Rear seat room is adequite for cars of this class. I have seen and experienced much worse, especially with Japanese and Korean models in this class size. Fuel mileage is good (especially freeway). Trunk capacity is amazing (largest in its class). There is finally an American competitor for the VW Jetta.

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  I love my ION - 2004 Saturn ION
  By 1313 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I had a few set backs when I first got the ION, Initially they thought it was a computer problem later we found out it was a user (me) problem. I used to get my Key stuck in the igntion. Saturn on a whole was very helpful in figuring out what was going on with the car and since this incident I havent had a problem. I love the love the car and the gadges in the center console are not a problem at all.

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  A nice upgrade - 2004 Saturn ION
  By bklynyank - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Had a Saturn SL1. Moved up to the Ion. 50% increase in HP. Lots of power. Love the CD/MP3 system. Drove to Boston from New York listening to 1 MP3 disc. Super. Center dash took about a week to get used to. Now, its not even noteworthy. Naturally looking to center for info. A/C is heating system works great. Not that satisfied with fuel economy in city driving. Only getting around 20 mpg. Highway, its approx. 35 mph. Handling is great. Bigger is better is definitely proper description for the tires. Has got ABS and traction control. What more can anyone ask.