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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Terrible Car - 2006 Saturn ION
By JC - February 15 - 2:00 amThe transmission started shifting hard. Took it to a transmission shop and had it looked at, was told every- thing seemed ok. It got worse. Months later, took the car to a different transmission shop, I was told it felt like it was skipping from first to third gear. When taking off, the car stays in first gear and you have to take your foot off the pedal to let it shift into second gear.took it to a Saturn dealer, told the transmission might be going out and it would cost $3,000.00 to fix it. was told to just drive the car until it went completely out instead of spending that kind of money. Now when you put the car in gear, all the interior and exterior lights flicker. fuses are fine. stuck!
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definitely worth a look - 2003 Saturn ION
By schillidog - February 12 - 2:00 amSaturn greatly improves on their small car platform with the new ion line. more power, space and better looks i bought this car in july 03 and have had no problems with it the car gets good gas mileage and has a good performance along with it all backed by saturns reputation for reliability and helpfulness through dealerships
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2007 Ion 3 Quad Coupe Auto w/ 2.4 L - 2007 Saturn ION
By indie82 - February 10 - 10:50 pmCompare this car to other cars in the same class like the Honda Civic. You get a lot more car for less money. Ride is quiet and smooth. The engine screams and it shifts very smooth.
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cant beat it for the price - 2004 Saturn ION
By toby rensland - January 27 - 10:00 amI have been selling saturns for almost 7 years now and finally glad to see that we are able to build a car that will compete in the japanese import market and in most cases blow them out of the water....
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E-ticket ride - 2005 Saturn ION
By mytdawg - January 26 - 2:53 amI figured there was no way that a supercharged 4 banger was going to run at 30 mph in 4th gear without lugging. I was wrong. The powerplant is powerful and flexible. It purrs like a kitten until you need that right pedal, make sure you have a clear path if you decide to mash it. The dealer let me take their demo for a weekend. I put 500 miles on it and only gave it back to them long enough for them to prep it.
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Best Kept Secret In The Industry - 2005 Saturn ION
By Dweezil - January 23 - 3:53 amThe car has proven itself over 22,000 miles with gas mileage on long trips of nearly 38 [with automatic. 25-26 in Los Angeles traffic], quiet ride and its all around competence. Huge trunk and tight turning radius are benefits as well. Recent 2000 mile round trip offered sea level to mountain elevations, dry, hot weather, wind, snow and freezing temps, varying levels of traffic from insane to sparse and the car handled it all without a hitch. See for yourself. Edmunds editors give it a 5.7. Consumers give it an 8.9. The consumers have it right.
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Love my second Saturn - 2006 Saturn ION
By Dave - January 18 - 10:16 pmThis is my second Saturn. I loved my 1996 Saturn SL2, wich I owned for 10 years, but my new 2006 Ion is a dramatic improvement. If you are looking for an economy car that has the room of a mid size and the smooth ride of a full size luxury car then this is the car for you. The competition may have more gadgets but this car is bigger with a nice smooth ride, as well as great pick up and decent gas mileage. Yes.. GM can make a decent car.
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dissapointed - 2003 Saturn ION
By Millhouse - January 18 - 10:00 amGot ION3 auto May 1. Has MANY squeaks and rattles that dealer cannot seem to solve. Also 5sp auto often shifts harshly and in a confused manner. Very nice chassis tho, handles very well with 16" tires.
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Okay Car!!!!!!!! - 2006 Saturn ION
By PD - January 16 - 5:56 amI purcahsed a 2006 Saturn Ion3 brand new, and for about the first year the car is an absolute blast to drive. Then when the first year is over watch out because this will start having problems, clunks and rattles and the dealer will tell you "oh! we cant fix it" or "we cant duplicate the problem." I am now looking to trade this car and get something that is more reliable and better built. IF AT ALL POSSIBLE STEER CLEAR OF THIS CAR!!!!!!! And the worst part about these cars is that when you take it in for warranty work Saturn doesnt like to pay for warranty work or for recalls that are necessary and you will end up have to pick up the bill later.. I will never buy another Saturn........
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Just Bought-- Phooey on the Editors! - 2003 Saturn ION
By KyleKizr - January 13 - 10:00 amI just purchased my new Black, Ion 3. Honestly, its a car to like, not to love, but its a car to like a lot. Youre unlikely to name this car, or get a gooey feeling in the pit of your stomach when you see it, but it will get you from point a to point b, not break the bank, and be reasonably fun, too. The great financial incentives got me -- I was able to qualify for a student discount (including 90 day payment deferral), 0% financing for 60 months and $1000 "down payment assistance". Its a fun to drive, slightly unique looking, and good for people like me owning their first car.
