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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  Not a bad little car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Some Kid - May 16 - 10:06 am

  GM/Saturn did a pretty good job with this car. About 60/40 driving conditions (city/highway), I get between 28-30 mpg. Its not a very fast car (despite the way Saturn designed the exterior) but it will get you to where you need to go while sipping on fuel. I do not like the interior. The rear seating of the 2 door quad coupe is unbearable and not comfortable for anyone over about 57" ish. Good size trunk space. The instrument cluster (speedometer and such) is in the center of the dash...kind of unnecessary. If you youre a commuter and arent looking for an over luxerious vehicle, this is for you.

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  What a Great Investment - 2005 Saturn ION
  By shannon - May 12 - 10:33 pm

  Hi....I am very pleased to say that I am really starting to like my new car. Not only is it good on gas and it is very compact. Although my car is not fully loaded it has its great features that did not cost any more money towards the MSRP. If you are just starting out, it is a great investment. If you have a child that is getting their first car, this is the way to go. They have great service amongst the store and warranties.

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  My New Car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By ddblyou - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Corners very well and is a nice car to drive to work. I have not had any problems to date and the sales people at Saturn dealerships are the best! There was no hassle at all.

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  dont waste your money on a saturn - 2004 Saturn ION
  By lemon driver - May 9 - 2:00 am

  These cars are poorly built and are a costly mistake to own. If you value your money and what something that will hold up, buy a toyota. Dont learn the hard way like I did.

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  Think hard before you buy the ION - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Patrice Shields - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my ION in March of this year. I am already hearing rattling noise under the car. I also do not feel that it is a smooth ride. I am also furious because the seats are made of a cloth material that stain. I only drink water in my car and the water creates large round areas of discoloration on the seats and it doesnt come out. I am just disappointed in my new car.

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  36 mpg & comfortable for a tall guy - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Stilwell - April 28 - 10:00 am

  36 MPG in cruise control. Fun and comfortable to drive. For both the economically and performance minded, this is a good buy.

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  Forget the experts, Quad Coupe is great! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By opiesmom - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Forget the experts - talk to a Saturn owner. This is my 4th one and each one gets better than the last. The new quad coupe is roomier, faster, has a smoother ride and better suspension. Youll be amazed at the cargo capacity these little gems have. And its a littler power-house, a blast to drive! I dont know what the experts are comparing it to but there is NOTHING on the market in this price range that can match it, and htat doesnt even take into consideration the ease and pleasure of the buying experience.

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  frustrated 2 - 2007 Saturn ION
  By junk07 - April 11 - 6:56 pm

  My fiance got the car in April of 07. Bought it off the showroom floor with 43 miles on it. Started off getting 24 mpg, and slowly dropped off to about 16-18 mpg. The car has 23k on it now, and we have replaced both headlight assemblys twice due to moisture. The rotors got warped for no apparent reason last month, with hardly any wear at all on the pads. Everything inside the car started vibrating at around 5k miles, and at the same time around 5k miles, the transmission was acting up. Theres a constant knocking noise coming from the fuel pump, like we have a person locked in the trunk. And the cheap hankook tires were dry rotted before 12k hit. To be a brand new car, it sure has had a lot of issues!

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  A Fair and Balanced Opinion - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Dulse - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Did not care for this car before purchasing. Similar priced Corolla and Civic were much more appealing. With incentives and higher trade-in, total cost was $3,500.00 less. Lack of right leg room and goofy speedometer became less important. Ride is smoother than Corolla and as smooth as Civic. Engine and wind noise are low, consequently road noise more noticeable. Handles well and has a good sound system. A lot of bang for the buck. I am glad I chose the right car.

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  Still surprises me everyday - 2005 Saturn ION
  By RL-2005 - April 5 - 3:33 pm

  Ive had this car for two years and it still puts a smile on my face to drive it 40 miles to work everyday. GM had the injector and pulley kit and catback exhaust that made the car even better for very low cost. I love having a fast, reliable car that handles great and did not break the bank. GM should make all their cars like this one. I may have to upgrade to the turbo Cobalt SS next year.