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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  Redline - 2007 Saturn ION
  By madfry - April 3 - 12:40 pm

  This vehicle is a very quick and fuel efficient for the amount of HP that it puts out. It does have limited rear leg room but its a coupe with power its made for the single people who drive around for fun, though children fit well in the back adults no. By me driving the speed limit and not gunning it which i did for the first week it on average will get 225 miles per 10 gallons of gas or 3/4 tank of fuel. If I drive it like normal I get about 210-215 per same amount of fuel, but it depends on the Driver my GF drove it for a week and got 230 from 10 gals. Wonderful car though!

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  Stylish and Economical - 2006 Saturn ION
  By M. T. - April 2 - 11:13 pm

  After being an avid Honda Accord owner for the last 10 years, I was looking for a change and similar quality vehicle for a lower price. After researching every possible vehicle, I fell in love with the look and the amenties of the Saturn. It has everything I want (Sunroof, automatic, nice stereo, good looks, plus even more than I expected--OnStar and XM radio with an MP3 at a great affordable price. The purchase of the vehicle was nonstressful and they accomodated the sale to my finances. Im looking forward to many wonderful years with my Saturn and hope you give this car the chance it deserves. I never thought Id buy anything except Japanese, but am not regretting it.

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  A true lemon! Starting difficulties! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Mike S. - March 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the car that killed Saturn. Mine was plagued with electrical problems: "Passlock" malfunctions made the car unstartable at times. (2 column passlock switch assemblies replaced and the problem came back a 3rd time. A $300+ dealer repair if out-of- warranty.) The sensor in the anti- freeze overflow failed. Left headlight problem due to wiring harness wear. Recall for turn signal mal-function. Noisy McPherson struts in winter. A harsh ride, especially in winter. Cheap- looking seats and interior trim. Only pluses: good gas mileage and no rust due to plastic body parts. A mediocre end to the Saturn legacy. Basically a small Chevy with plastic side panels. Too bad.

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  Stormy is an amazing vechile - 2005 Saturn ION
  By L. Kelly - March 28 - 12:03 pm

  So far my experience with my ION has been wonderful. I have only had it for a few days but the ride over all has been great. The kids really like it to.

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  LUV IT, BUT...... - 2004 Saturn ION
  By bwu-satern - March 27 - 4:00 am

  Got the Blue one. My first Saturn and Ive had it 6 months. I was in love after the test drive and purchased instead of the ION 3. By far the best seats(recaro) of anything I test drove. With a rebate and some other incentives, blows away others for under $20k. Sticks like glue on corners at 80+, stops quick, handles great. Mileage in the low 20s. Lots of cargo room and easy to load with the side doors. FUN, FUN, FUN.

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  Saturn needs to brag a bit more! - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Jason - March 23 - 7:23 am

  I bought it spanking new. Now has just over 12000 mi. on it. For a 4 cyl. this car can move! I upgraded to stage 2 and it is a much more agressive beast. I have 2 kids that love to ride in my car. I cant say Ive pushed it to its limits, but Ive pushed it to my limits and it suits me just fine. I really like the center gauge cluster over the typical behind-the-wheel gauge cluster in other vehicles. Dent resistant door panels are a plus. Too bad Saturn no longer makes their vehicles this way any longer.

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  Big car for little money - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Harold - March 12 - 12:50 am

  I bought my Saturn ION coupe in June of 2004 and I love it! I never have had a problem with it outside of regular service. I just feel that for what I paid I have gotten alot in return. I especially love the interior design and sporty feel.

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  2007 ION Mold issue - 2007 Saturn ION
  By E Frickert - March 2 - 10:23 pm

  Ive had a continuing problem with a mold smell (and actual mold growing) from the engine compartment into the interior cab. Ive had it in for service twice and the third time today. They are trying to push "environmental" issues as the cause but I cannot believe every ION in Florida has mold issues under the hood. I am curious if any other users had this same problem

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  A Clear Winner!!! - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Stan Schmitt - February 26 - 2:43 am

  This model represents a real leap forward from my 02 - in design, quiet, finish, and new features. Mounting th the dials in the drivers normal line of sight is soething that should have been done decades ago! Now I dont have to take my eyes off the road! Use of sound-deadening steel makes a real difference in ambient noise. New A/C outlets are finally completely adjustable due to a simple change. Car is still only 3 months old, and not many miles on it, so gas mileage is not at the peak yet. 2.2 L engine is peppy.

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  Great on gas not on corky issues - 2006 Saturn ION
  By saccity - February 24 - 1:53 am

  I have owned my 2006 ION for 2 years now & I have loved the gas mileage and how it handles while driving to Tahoe ( fun drive) but I have always had a knocking in my car. It sounds like someone is in the truck, just a simple 3 tap noise, and it happens usually every morning during the first 10-20 miles. But now I have a big complaint my key got locked in the ignition after driving home from work one evening, the car was still running, it wouldnt turn off. I disconnected the battery & pulled a fuse out to get it turned off. I have read online several complaints about this issue And I hope Saturn will fix it today, with no money out of my pocket.