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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  Its a great car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Paul alexander jr - January 13 - 9:26 am

  Its a great car for anyone looling for a small car that dont need too much under 6 feet tall

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  2004 Saturn Ion 2 - 2004 Saturn ION
  By kmacarthur - January 6 - 1:00 am

  This is my second Saturn, and it gets the job done. It is a reliable vehicle, I was fortunate in finding a very clean used car. One thing that has happened in both of my Ions is that the outlets cease to work at somepoint. I am assuming its something simple, I just have not had it checked out yet. But either way, it has happened in both cars. I know Im not the only one who has had issues with the key getting stuck in the ignition. Again, this happened on both cars. Overall, it really isnt a bad vehicle especially for someone who commutes. Its a little glitchy, but it gets me from A to B.

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  2nd Saturn Ive Owned!! Theyre Awesome - 2004 Saturn ION
  By rabecke - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Saturns are always reliable and economical. I am only 21 and have chosen to buy from Saturn twice. My 1996 SL1 never broke down on me and when it was time for a new one, I couldnt resist the ION Quad Coupe! Thanks Saturn!

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  Saturn ION 2 - 2004 Saturn ION
  By txbostont - December 30 - 11:56 pm

  The front end of the car makes dull popping sounds when driving over rough surfaces and shimmies as well. Told it was the rotors. Loud interior noise. Seats are the most uncomfortable things I have ever sat in. Cloth is cheap and stains easily. Exterior looks good. Like the body lines of the car. Engine revs up on its on accord. Transmission shifts very rough. Cheap materials used in production of this car.

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  I could have done much, much worse - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Jack - December 19 - 10:43 pm

  My first car was a 96 Saturn SL, manual. If this had been my first car, Id have no complaints at all. Unfortunately, it pales in comparison to the 96 SL. Sure, its more comfortable, and looks more upscale, but -- and this is a big but -- it gets about 10mpg less than the SL, and isnt quite as fun to drive. The OnStar was either a big help or a terrible tragedy in the making, since it told me to change my oil once around 5000 miles and then not again until 13000 miles. I decided to let my subscription expire, but wow! Talk about saving me a bundle on maintenance.

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  American made - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Jim Kelsey - December 11 - 5:13 am

  I researched all, drove most, chose on basis of country of originand safety. Its better than 6 of the 10 that were chosen as the "best" better quality and costs less than 7 of the 10 chosen as the best college cars. Saturn 2.2 has been named 1 of the top 10 engines mass produced anywhere! If in doubt, test one. I personally own 2 Saturns and have since the mid 90s Have yet to need a repair other than tires and such.

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  Its a Sleeper! - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Tim B - December 10 - 9:40 pm

  My 2005 ION Red Line is an absolute blast to drive. The styling presents only subtle hints to the beast that lurks under the skin. The shift from 1st to 2nd is somewhat clunky and happens almost immediately if you are trying to go fast, but the pressure cooker really smokes in 2nd, as you rocket to 60 mph. The interior is the most disappointing feature. It is CHEAP! Too cheap! There are sqeaks and rattles that you would not hear in a Japanese car after 100,000 miles. Unlike the 06 Honda Si, which only has around 140 ft-lb of torque, this little mills feels like a V-8 from 800 rpm up due to its impressive 200 ft-lb of torque. The rush comes on early and continues right to the Red Line!

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  Underrated Surprise - 2005 Saturn ION
  By dweezil - December 8 - 12:50 pm

  Have had this ION 1 for 2 and a half years. It now has 21,000 miles on it. It took awhile to warm up to it, but on a recent 2000 mile trip from LA to Tucson to Salt Lake, in heat, freezing cold, snow and mountain climbing activity. it handled everything thrown at it and still returned 35-37.7 mpg.I have tracked the mileage since the first tank.Its only gotten better as the miles increase. This car has all the makings of a 20 year car: bullet proof engine and trans, polymer dent and rust avoiding polymer panels and upholstery that looks like it will wear like burlap.

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  Great Car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Dan Hurd - December 5 - 12:06 pm

  This car is all I expected and more. Handles great. Comfortable and roomy. Solid feel. Love the plastic side panels (this car looks new after 4.5 years). Excellent styling. No maintenance issues. Very powerful acceleration and cruises nicely - I have found myself doing 90 when I am not paying attention. For the base saturn this is quite a car.

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  Saturn ION is awful - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Tim - December 1 - 10:23 pm

  Well my car is great......oh wait I have an ION. Lets see, the blinker went when I first got it. Also the little thing called the valve body inside the transmission went bad. Oh you ask what is a valve body? Its the little thing that helps the transmission shift properly. Brain of the tranny. Ive had the valve body looked at 6 times since Ive had it. At first it was fun going back to the dealership but now its not so fun. Also, at 50 grand the left axle went which is ok seeing how the warranty covered it. The lack of testing with this new transmission was evident and I believe they should have sticked with the 4 spd automatic. I wont buy another and the Trade value is AWFUL!