2005 Saturn ION Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.21/5 Average
152 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Significant changes accompany the Ion into 2005. A revised front fascia on sedans, as well as various other exterior trim and wheel upgrades, spruce up the Ion's outward appearance. Inside, new front and rear seats (on level 2 and 3 models) provide substantial comfort improvements, and a new steering wheel replaces last year's go-kartlike unit. Interior trim and materials have also been refined. Substantial improvements to noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) have been made possible through the use of Quiet Steel for the plenum and dash, an acoustic engine cover, and other powertrain and insulation enhancements. The electric power steering has been recalibrated, and various suspension revisions improve ride and handling. A four-speed automatic transmission replaces last year's five-speed unit and the coupe's CVT unit.

Pros:
Cons:

User Reviews:

Showing 41 through 50 of 152.00
  • You get what ya paid for - 2005 Saturn ION
    By -

    I purchased this car with 50K for $7K. I really got my moneys worth which wasnt much. The right headlight refuses to work, it runs hard, the engine cant take going 70 mph, and the whole car seems to be made of cheap, cheap plastic. To top it off, my engine light turns on then after a few hours to a day it turns off by itself. And no one can figure out why it does that! Buy this car if you want a cheap compact gas saver.

  • Lemon of all vehicles - 2005 Saturn ION
    By -

    I purchased my 2005 Saturn in Mid 2005. I had a 1996 for almost 10 years and loved it. This 2005 ION is a piece of junk. I have almost been killed three times driving this car, once was on I-95. You can start the car, but dont leave the house because after a mile or so the car stops dead, leaving you without power or brakes. You have to wait from 10 to 20 minutes to get it started again, and then pray it does not stall again. Apparently the computer in the car is defective. However, it takes them several tries to determine this defect. Had they determined it back in 2006, I would have sent this car packing back to the manufacturer under the lemon law here in Florida. Dont buy one!

  • Fast and fun - 2005 Saturn ION
    By -

    I love this car. It is not only fun to drive, but it is a pratical car. The gas mileage isnt the best, but it is also not the worst. I would definitly buy this car again in the future.

  • My first FWD car. - 2005 Saturn ION
    By -

    Love the punch it has when you get on it. Love the suicide doors. Better to get in and out than a Cobolt. Nice to see the GM Performance Division logo in the engine comparment because I am from a Chevy family. Impressive turning with minimal body roll. Will need to upgrade tires once I rip the rest of the tread of the factory Dunlops. Nice placement of the battery in the trunk for when I add upgraded stereo components. Nice rear wing, not the bigger gaudy one like the rest of the imports. Enjoy going for a drive and not worry about burning so much gas like my 5.7L Silverado.

  • I hate this car. - 2005 Saturn ION
    By -

    This was my very first car. The first month of driving it I loved it! But then things started going wrong. The waterproofing on the drivers side window wore down so it was extremely loud driving and water would leak in when it rained. At the same time the steering column collapsed. There is something always rattling in the back of my car and it comes loose and I have to shove it back in to place. When i have the air on, there is a buzzing noise coming from the passenger side. It seems like there is always something rattling. The seats are extremely uncomfortable and hot. It is not a very smooth ride. I am getting a new car as soon as possible. Exterior and interior are also very cheap.

  • Buy One Now - 2005 Saturn ION
    By -

    Bought off the showroom floor Sept.29, 2005 based on reviews from this site. Never seen, sat in, or driven. I talked to one owner I saw at the gas pumps who said buy one you will love it. I do love it, but think I would have rather had 06 with the limited slip and boost gauge. Wheel hop in 1st gear is terrible under hard starts. Once in 2nd gear the fun begins and is non stop through 5th. The power and torque out of a 4 cyl is amazing and at 55 MPH acceleration in 5th there is no need to downshift. Cheap plastic interior, awesome center gauges. Unbelievable handling and brakes, huge trunk. RAD (rear access doors) are great. 23 MPG first tank of gas 26 MPG best 20 MPG worst. 2,200 miles on it now

  • I love my Saturn - 2005 Saturn ION
    By -

    I have had nothing but a good experience with my Saturn. It is a very reliable car with great features. The only drawback I have found is the lack of power. I had a hard time driving up the grapevine. The car was struggling to get up the long hill.

  • Great car - 2005 Saturn ION
    By -

    It is a joy to drive. i love the power and handling. The Recaro seats are a great touch. The ABS 4 wheel disk brakes stop like no other car Ive ever driven. An awesome car.

  • Great features vs. Not so Great!!! - 2005 Saturn ION
    By -

    The horn is very hard to locate in a moving emergency. This was dangerous to me and my vehicle initially. The driver in front of me attempted to back up, claiming afterward that he couldnt see me thru his darkened windows. He damaged the front of my 3 day old car. I had to look away from him to precisely locate the two little horn symbols which werent too loud!! This cost $1200 to repair and five days of rental cars! The car is too low when approaching parking curbs and also when trying to judge turning radius. The radio designations and clock are impossible to view in daylight.

  • Saturn ION an amazing machine - 2005 Saturn ION
    By -

    I traded my 99 Chevy Tracker in for a 2005 ION 3 sedan. I was apprehensive about going from an SUV back to a small car, but the time spent in my new ION has a been a pure pleasure. It is an amazing car with great handling. The car accelerates rapidly. I am constantly finding myself above the speed limit as the car has much more power than I was used to in my previous cars. I actually find myself enjoying driving and want to be on the road in this car for more than just going to work or running errands. I have yet to discover any problems with the cars handling or fit and finish that professional reviewers have complained about. This car is worth every penny and I give it 4/5 stars!

Saturn ION Reviews By Year:
Great Deals Near You
  • Loading cars...

Selected Edmunds.com visitor vehicle reviews

Edmunds.com Visitor Vehicle Ratings and Reviews are the property of Edmunds.com, and may not be reproduced or distributed without the consent of Edmunds.com. Edmunds© is a trademark of Edmunds.com, Inc. Edmunds.com, Inc. is not affiliated with this website or app.

Powered By Edmunds

× Estimated monthly payments based on 3.9% APR, 60 month financing, and 20% down payment. Tax, tags, title, administration fees, and license fees are not included in price or payment. Subject to approved buyer credit. Actual purchase terms may vary.

Payment calculations are sourced by EveryAuto.com and may not reflect actual dealer financing terms.

Send Us Feedback ×


Locating Vehicles In Your Area