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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  Yip Yap - 2003 Saturn ION
  By yamen - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I went in to only test drive an Ion 2, and ended up buying an Ion 3. Due to good timing and stroke of good luck I bought the Ion 3 w/ ABS for less than the stock Ion 2s cost. Everything on this car is an upgrade from my previous 1994 Toyota Tercel. I love the looks inside and out. It has great acceleration and handling and I really enjoy all the little extras(anti- lockout, auto headlights, power everything, etc). Overall, Im very satisfied with this car.

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  Satisfied Saturn Owner - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Darolds ION - November 29 - 10:53 pm

  I really enjoy driving my ION. It has a lot of nice features and it seems to perfom really well .

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  Good to me - 2006 Saturn ION
  By CountBasey - November 21 - 4:26 pm

  My 2006 ION has been better than any GM car Ive owned. I formerly owned a 1997 Saturn SL2 that I drove until 130,000 miles - I only traded that in due to a leaky sunroof (that would have cost over $1.1K to fix - not doing on an 11 yr old car, sorry). But my ION has been good for the past 20K + miles without any issues. Love the plastic bodies - my 11 year old 1997 SL2 looked like new the day I traded it in. Hopefully my "last of the plastics" ION will hold up equally well.

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  ION - 2004 Saturn ION
  By misty - November 19 - 1:36 pm

  I have had my car for a little over a month, and so far I really love it!! My husband says there is not enough leg room in the front passenger seat unless the kids are not in the car, and the upholstery does stain very easily (from water!), but I get great gas mileage (25-28mpg city, 32-35 highway). There is a little engine rattle, but other than that it is great! I love the way it looks. It is quite comfortable for me. I like the center gauge feature, and it is really fun to drive!

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  Saturn ION a winner - 2003 Saturn ION
  By David Knight - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Our 03 Saturn ION 3 replaced my wifes 96 Saturn SL1. It is our 4th Saturn. The purchase experience at Saturn of Richmond was everything Saturn claims about being no hassle. Service has always been excellent. The ION is a further step forward for Saturn, well built, and actually fun to drive. The leather seating is comfortable even on long trips. The car is peppy. The center instrument cluster actually provides better vision once you get used to it.

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  I Love My ION! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Susieq1975 - November 19 - 2:00 am

  The people at the dealership were friendly and NOT pushy! They didnt bug me about extras and only explained what i asked. Wonderful experience! Before I even went to the dealership, i called and told them what car i wanted and what features i wanted. Within hours, they had the exact car available for a test drive. Not just an hour long test drive, but a 24 hour test drive. By the end of the 24 hours, I was in love.

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  RIP - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Surferjoemn - November 17 - 4:00 am

  When I first purchased my Saturn the seat cushions came off on both front seats and the windows fell off the tracks. It would randomly go into break down mode while I was on the freeway. Imagine dropping to 20mph in the fast lane. The engine blew up at 124,000 cause yet unknown - may have been via the transmission.

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  fun to drive - 2004 Saturn ION
  By danirae - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I feel that the car is cool to drive around in. Alot of people have stopped to ask me what it is... how the doors work(in quad coupe) and to generally comment on how much they like it.

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  **THIS 2004 ION ROCKS!!!***** - 2004 Saturn ION
  By AJ WOOD - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS CAR!!! I TEST DROVE THE CIVIC, CAVALIER, SUNFIRE, MAZDA 6, 3, AND MITSUBISHI LANCER... NONE OF THEM EVEN COMPARE WITH THIS ION, ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING THE PRICE!!! THIS 04 ION ROCKS! YOU WILL LOVE THIS CAR. I DONT UNDERSTAND THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS BY THE SO- CALLED "EXPERTS"... THE 04 ION WAS THE MOST COMFORTABLE, INNOVATIVE, MOST POWERFUL, APPEALING, AFFORDABLE, ROOMIEST CAR IN ITS CLASS... YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!

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  Saturn Coupe - 2006 Saturn ION
  By jen - November 7 - 3:06 am

  I love this car. I bought it for my daughter for her first car. We love the satellite radio and ipod hookup. Great stereo system. Room in the back seats. Great car for a teenager.