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:

• 

  No complaints here! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Rebecca - September 26 - 7:00 pm

  Ive had this car for just over 2 years and have loved every minute of it. Keep in mind that the car is not dent-PROOF, only dent-RESISTANT, so dont go kicking it or anything, but to this day I dont have a single ding on my car. (The top of the car is not dent-resistant, but that very seldomly poses a problem.) Equally happy with all other features of the vehicle. Great ride, comfortable, decent gas mileage.

• 

  brokeTX lady - 2006 Saturn ION
  By disappointed lady - September 23 - 9:40 pm

  The first year I owned the car was great but, since have had numerous problems from car ignition not turning off to drivers side car door not opening as well as drivers window not working. Im not impressed with the inside cloth interior either. It stains easily. The outside sound is loud when driving. I am however happy with the mileage I get which is one good thing I have enjoyed. This was the first new car I purchased. Im still paying new car payments as well as repairs since the warranty has expired. This has surely left a bad taste in my mouth. I have not recommended this brand to anyone I know.

• 

  Bang for your buck! - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Rebecca - September 18 - 2:36 pm

  The ION 3 has had lots of improvements in the last few years and has a lot more pull to it than our 2004 ION 2. It handles beautifully and has a heavier feel to it, which makes driving it all the more fun. Less road noise, too.

• 

  Saturn ION rocks - 2003 Saturn ION
  By zeldapliff - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I love my Saturn

• 

  ion is awesome - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Cazper - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I enjoy the street life and this is the best four cylander on the market. It looks stylish and the women flock to it. i even out ran an eagle talon in this baby and thats stock!!!

• 

  SO FINE SATURN - 2003 Saturn ION
  By RUSS - September 1 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR HAS GREAT HANDLING. SPACIOUS SEATING. A GREAT 6 CD AMPLIFIED SYSTEM. IT IS EXTREMELY QUIET AND THE AUTO HEADLIGHT SYSTEM IS GREAT.

• 

  Last Saturn I buy - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Carolyn - August 29 - 11:46 pm

  Had a 94 SC1 and a 02 SC2 with no problems. Purchased ION 2 new in September 2005 as a leftover. Was great for the first few weeks, then a drain tube for the sunroof came undone & leaked thru healiner; dealer replaced carpet and headliner. Passlock anti- theft system froze repeatedly (preventing the car from starting for 20 minutes at a time) until replaced at 20k. Changed coil pack under warranty and now another Ill have to pay for at 50k miles. Have had computer code P0300- Random Misfire almost monthly since the warrantee expired, but no mechanic finds a problem. Seats are uncomfortable, dash rattles, rear door molding wont stay on ever. Poor quality to say the least.

• 

  Couldnt be happier - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Couldnt be happier - August 25 - 2:00 pm

  Our daughter purchased the first model year (2003) ION, and is generally pleased with it. The ION has been refined and improved each year, then when they "perfected" it, they stopped making it. We purchased this car used (31,500 miles), but it looks, handles, and performs as if we just drove it out of the new car showroom. A good, solid feel to it, and fun to drive. A mistake with the original ION was the factory-installed Firestone tires (terrible), but they switched to Goodyear Assurance Comfortreds a few years ago, and they are great, safe tires!

• 

  A great reliable car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Adam - August 24 - 11:33 am

  I just traded in my Dodge Ram 1500 that had a 5.2 v8 in it. Great truck but this car puts it to shame except in comfort and build quality. This Saturn scoots like no ones buisness. I can get it to squeal the tires in every gear. The car just loves to go fast. I love this car. At the time of purchase the dealer i went to had a rebate of $4500 which knocked the price from $12, 325 to $7,825. I glad I didnt pass up the deal, its been a great car.

• 

  3rd Saturn - 2004 Saturn ION
  By brina_nightowl - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Despite the harsh reviews so called "experts" have given this car, I really enjoy this car. I also look at long term reliability when comparing it to it to its competitors. My husbands 96 SL2 has had no problems with almost 100,000 miles on it, while my grandmothers Ford Focus which is a 2000 with about 10,000 has already had 2 major repairs. I really like this car. I have always had a positive experience with Saturn, the cars and the people, and I see no reason to spend the same (or more) on a foreign car with shady, slimy dealers. Or substandard domestic cars like Ford, which you cant trust to work.