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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  Speedometer is in the wrong place. - 2007 Saturn ION
  By euorgos - June 29 - 12:00 am

  Owerall, it is a great car for the money, feels and rides like a larger car. I love the plastic door panels since I never get any dings. The only major drawback to this car is the awful dashboard design. There is no reason for the speedometer to be so far away in the middle of the dashboard where it is impossible to see. If it wasnt for this one bad design, it would be the perfect small car.

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  Saturn Ion 3 Qad Coupe 2.4 - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Dave Waldrom - June 28 - 8:33 am

  Comparing this vehicle to my last car, 2001 Ford Focus ZX3. Ion ride is smoother than Focus. Corners better than Focus(less lean). Better acceration than Focus. Easier entry and exit than Focus ZX3. More interior room than Focus ZX3. Gas mileage is about the same, 24-25 mpg vs 24-25 mpg, even though the Ion has 175 HP vs Focus 130 HP. Ion steering has a better road feel. Ion trunk opens and closes easier than Focus. Ion rear seats fold down and back up easier than Focus. Entry to the rear of the Ion is easier with the Ion due to the rear quad coupe doors. Ion center console is almost useless.

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  Ion Get One - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Jeff - June 10 - 12:10 pm

  Saturn...Different Kind of car....Fun to drive!!

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  My Blue Saturn - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Grammy - June 10 - 10:00 am

  I really like my Saturn Ion. It has sport car suspension and sport car tires. It corners very well and also has very good pickup, when needed. I feel safe in the car, it is fun to drive, the car wants to go faster. Its good to have power when I need it.

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  Great Car - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Don - June 8 - 6:43 pm

  Its not just the car its the company. the Service and Saleman are great!

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  A Solid Little Car - 2007 Saturn ION
  By murphy49 - June 8 - 1:53 pm

  I bought my ION 3 Quad Coupe new in April of 2007. It wasa solid car with good build quality despite the relatively low price. Over the next 4 years I put over 131,000 miles on the car with only two major problems: The throttle position sensor and the power steering motor failed. I also had to replace the original tires (Chinese Hancooks which were 3 years older than the ION) because the they had dry-rotted to a dangerous level. I would still be driving the ION today if it hadnt been totaled in a rollover accident which was not the fault of the ION. It kept me alive. I only reget GM decided to try to make Saturn into an outlet for German Opels and thus killed the Saturn product line.

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  Terrible in Snow & Ice - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Rob - June 7 - 2:36 pm

  Liked my SL1 better! Steering is terrible, never felt right since I bought it! Problem was fixed in 2005 model year. Ride is comfortable, seats stink, not enough support. Economy is okay at 29MPG average. Stereo was replaced 3 times in first year, but no other problems. Car is reliable transportation for short trips, not for long distances. Stay away from snow/ice, traction is poor at best. Excellent on dry pavement. Braking is very good. If you dont mind being thrown sideways when you hit bumps then this car will be satisfactory. If you want a car that handles well, try something else.

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  5th and last Saturn at our house - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Terie - May 31 - 8:10 am

  My beloved 1997 SC2 got wrecked, but we still had the yellow 2001 SC2.There were 2 before those. We liked Saturns. This one is cheaply made. Things are breaking! Window switches, back seat releases, etc. This dealership is nothing like the ones wed used in other states. The car isnt as well built or as easy to drive as a SL2, gas mileage is horrible. Seats arent comfortable after about 30 min of driving. I doubt that a 6th Saturn will be in our future. Customer service at corp level is gone down also. Too bad, they cared at one time about their customers, not now.

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  Love My Car - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Sue Hutton - May 25 - 12:30 am

  This car has been such a joy to drive. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a great car for the value.

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  very few problems- and they arent big! - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Pretty Happy! - May 20 - 1:13 am

  My ION has been great since the first day I drove off the lot 4 years ago. The gas mileage is great for my typical driving day, and the maintenance has been minimal- basic upkeep and tune-ups. This week was the first time I had any "problems". A few sensors had malfunctioned, causing the check engine light to turn on. I have had issues with it not letting me pull the key out from time to time, mentioned it to the service manager, and they have fixed it. Something was mis-aligned in the ignition housing. I am happy with my choice, and would be purchasing a new saturn if they still had the ION.