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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  Saturn ION Review - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Dinerobill - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Overall a very nice car. I had been a Honda driver for many years but local dealershiop began high pressure sales techniques so, so long Honda. I really enjoyed doing business with folds at Saturn. I have even brought my car back to dealership for scheduled maintenance.

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  Still basic, just add bells and whistles - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Ronr1204 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I cant really complain- the Ion 3 has a good deal more power under the hood than the old SL1; as well as more responsive handling but I really wish Saturn would learn to make their interiors look a little less like they were glued and scotch taped together.

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  My Coupe - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Twos Girl - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Saturn coupe. It is extremely reliable and fuel efficient. My car normally can get approximately 35 miles to the gallon driving mostly highway. I have incurred a broken heat shield on my muffler but instead of Saturn welding it back in place, they replaced the entire muffler. Saturn has wonderful representatives who are very helpful in assisting you with any problems or questions you might have.

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  My New Saturn Ion - 2003 Saturn ION
  By echofairee - August 3 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love this car! I wasnt even looking to get a new car but the people at Saturn of Orlando were so wonderful and the payments are so affordable that I couldnt say no! My new car has so many wonderful features and it looks so stylish too! I have never had power everything on a car...and the trunk is huge. I love the way it rides and how funky it looks. Its very unique looking.

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  HP to dollar value - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Big E - August 2 - 4:46 am

  This car must be the greatest well-kept secret on the market ! More features (Recaro seats, OnStar, audio) than Cobalt SS at less money ! Less than Neon or any asian tuner. Do yourself a favor, and check out this car.

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  Happy owner since new - 2003 Saturn ION
  By cartopcamper - July 24 - 9:12 pm

  Weve owned since new a 2003 Saturn Ion 3 sedan with 5-speed manual transmission. It now has about 145K miles and is going strong. All of our 5 kids learned how to drive a stick in this car. The clutch finally needed replacement at 137K miles. I live in Southern California. While a daughter attended school near Boise, ID, Id drive up a couple times a year via Nevada back roads. I wouldnt see another vehicle for hours while driving through the desert, so Id drive 100 mph for long periods without a problem - still got great mpg. I still use this car if driving long trips by myself. Only problem for us was/is the ignition key switch issue - about $350 to fix, and I havent yet

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  Still lovin it after 4 years - 2004 Saturn ION
  By BeccaHughes - July 23 - 4:16 pm

  This is my second Saturn, first was a 2001 SC2. Have loved them both. Side- body panelling is indeed dent resistant. In fact, I was rear-ended at 10-15 MPH and there was nothing to show for it! My husband bought the 2006 Ion 2 because he liked mine so much, but I still prefer driving mine, even though his has a more powerful engine. Ive only needed one minor repair in 4 years, and it was easily completed during a routine service appointment at the dealership.

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  Saturn ION 2 - 2003 Saturn ION
  By aaronstoker - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I have really enjoied the Ion. It is sporty, stabble, smooth,I feel complete control and safe. It has good power and awesome guiding feathers; dash tells when chage oil, your operation of the car. Then intergity of the car seem to be a little noisey already.

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  Rattle Rattle Thunder Clattle Boom Boom - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Matt K - July 14 - 12:40 am

  I have a love-hate relationship with my Ion. In the year Ive owned it, Im averaging 28.63MPG with a heavy city driving bias. Driving the car is lots of fun, it accelerates, brakes, and corners well. My only complaint about the handling is that the stock Firestone Affinity tires have horrible rain traction and squeal far too easily. From a build quality perspective, I have had mixed feelings. In terms of critical mechanical reliability, this car has been excellent. The only critical item that failed was the DRL / Blinkers in the front of the car, which was subject to a recall anyhow. However, from a squeaks and rattles perspective, this car is horrible.

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  First American Car In 18 Years - 2004 Saturn ION
  By kicooke - July 11 - 2:00 am

  My first impression, I like it. The car feels sturdier than the little Japanese econoboxes I was used to driving (Ford Festivas, Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla). I am wary of the CVT but thats why I have a 6 year 100,000 mile warranty. The acceleration is OK, not as good as my Nissan Sentra (5 sp) or Corolla (5 sp), but is sure is nice having an automatic in bumper to bumper traffic. Reviewers knocked the seats but I dont mind them. I drive 2.5 to 3 hours a day commuting to and from work and have no complaints. Still not used to electric power steering but it seems to work OK.