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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  Smart Car !! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Ashoper - November 3 - 10:00 am

  This thing is about the smartest vehicle on the market. The lightweight, plexifiberglas automobile feels just great to drive. It has a dentfree body and the car is pretty fuelefficient. Great, great, great !! And -- its not a box !! The quality is the same than any other car built somewhere around the world. Any car can be made on any assemblyline anywhere anyway. Saturn ION 3 Coupe = Smart car !!

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  Good Car, Some Caveats - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Matt_A - October 24 - 3:36 am

  Ion 2 purchased new at end of season, with a power package. An econocar, with great exterior styling (seemed to be copied in the 2004 Nissan Maxima). The engine has plenty of power and pep than the older Saturn S Series. Long drives were extremely comfortable, suspension was comfy, seats are firm yet comfortable enough for 6 hour drives. The soft donut hole head rests (reminiscent of the Audi) are great for the passenger looking for a sleep and for seeing through. The innovative center console is cool/easy to read. Flexible body panels are excellent, a BMW bumped into the rear in a parking lot and no harm to the Ion but it crumpled up the BMW side panel. The huge trunk is a bonus.

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  My seventh Saturn! - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Dorothy Triplett - October 18 - 10:23 am

  Im crazy about Saturns! I especially like the no haggle buying experience and can-do attitude of both sales and service -- Ive been a Saturn owner since 1992, and this is my seventh Saturn. I was able to get my preferred combination: power locks and manual windows. However, they no longer offer remote locking system with this combo, so had to have it installed. I like the new dash design, and the visibility is improved overall. Much quieter - very little road noise.

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Saturn ION
  By ed - October 14 - 11:16 pm

  Its great on gas, fun to drive,and fast. Looks good. is very safe if you have side air bags. CD standerd, OnStar is cool

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  Absolutely satisfied with ION! - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Dora - October 10 - 4:36 pm

  It is my first new vehicle purchase and I have to say that getting a Saturn ION 3 has been the best choice. From the moment I walked into the dealership I felt extremely comfortable, the sales people where genuinely interested in my best interest rather than the sale of a car. I also did my research prior to buying and I am satisfied with the performance of the ION. Its truly a fun car to drive. I have had my ION for about a month now and so far I have no complaints on the car or the dealership. It is nice to know that I had a great experience on the purchase of my first car. The ION is a reliable car for the price.

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  Power Steering went out - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Cruces2009 - October 8 - 6:10 pm

  I got my car in Oct. 2005 and really had no problems and was planning on trading in for a Vue or Outlook with in the next year or so and then Yesterday my Power Steering went out, it was hard to turn and scary driving over a mountain with my two daughters alone. As soon as I turned off engine it was fine again. I went to dealership and its going to cost $1,000 to replace and to top it off I found out lots of people are having the same problem, this really stinks, I plan on calling customer service tommorrow, really wish there was a recall. :(

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  Lots of plastic - 2004 Saturn ION
  By ElectricBlue - October 7 - 9:26 am

  This is our third Saturn, and weve loved all of them. The ION QC3 is Electric Blue, and the exterior definately has a much more thought-out exterior than the sedan. I also love the interior design; its so nice to see something different, even if its molded in rock-hard plastic. The main reason for this is because the polymer panels are so expensive, they have to cut back somewhere. This car is very fun to drive, and the rear access doors have been known to cause a crowd to gather. The CVT provides a quick boost of power when needed, btu it starts to whine at higher RPMs. Quite literally. The seats dont offer much lateral support under hard cornering, but are comfortable otherwise.

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  first saturn - 2004 Saturn ION
  By d day - October 7 - 2:00 am

  i was originally ready to buy a used 2001 saturn sl1. but with the rebates and financing for a few dollares more a month i could get a new ion. i was looking for a car in this subcompact class anyway. i need a car with trunk space and for the price i cant beat it.

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  Great Car for the Price! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Sarah - October 5 - 7:10 am

  I recently bought my first Saturn, an ION 1. Overall, I am very pleased with the car. It has nice pickup and the turning radius is amazing! The body style is very nice and looks much more expensive than many other economy cars (though it is very inexpensive). I love the alloy wheels (it was a special order) and nice roomy interior. The headlights are not very bright. Overall, a great car for the money!

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  Awesome Car - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Darolds Ion - October 5 - 1:16 am

  My ION has been awesome from day one. Never a bit of trouble and it has been a delight to drive and own. I was rearended in Sep 07 by a SUV, and was hit hard and the ION took it well and thank God it was fixed. I drove a Mazda 6 as a rental and it was fun but I was jonesing for my ION the whole time. Will go with another Saturn again!