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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  An Abysmal Car Nothing But Problems - 2004 Saturn ION
  By johnnysmith1 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  At 530 miles, my right window malfunctioned, at 580 miles, a sound started coming from the dashboard. The locks would suddenly open and then lock, all by themselves. At 1305 miles, more rattles from the rear left window and door panel. As soon as the lease is over, this car is fired.

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  Sneaky Speed - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Gomer1775 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  People who dont know, dont realize what it is until they are way back in the rearview mirror. The Ion redline is a mighty might that has what I like to refer to as sneaky speed. It is somewhat unassuming if you dont know what is under the hood, but then when the skinny pedal on the right hits the floor, people try to catch up just to find out what it is that hit them.

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  ION - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Gentrie - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Lets make this simple, heres what i like about the car:-Quiet-Tight turning radius-5 speed automatic provides for nice auto. trans. acceleration-nice suspention (smooth ride)-very decent torque-Automatic lighting system turns on headlights and dash lights-16 inch tires w/ alloy wheels standard-awesome travel package:auto dimming rear view mirror w/ compass & outside temp-7 microprocessors and a LAN for electrical system which provides for increased electrical reliability and -A digital readout on the dash that gives worded messages such as:LOW FEUL,TRAC OFF, OIL LIFE,CHANGE OIL (knows when the oil needs to be changed based on RPMs and engine temp)

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  Good Car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By squeak303 - August 9 - 10:00 am

  For the price you cant really go wrong. Its a solid car and very reliable. Gas milage is excellent, especially in high priced Chicago area.

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  Love my Ion! Has 225k miles on it and still running strong! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By rcameron5 - July 29 - 10:27 am

  I love my Ion. It is a very trust worthy car. I bought it used and it had 205K miles on it and it now has 225K miles and it is still running strong. The air is ice cold, it runs great. Always gets me where I need to be! The only thing that has been wrong with it. If the wheel isnt just straightly perfect it wont go to the off on the ignition. It will only go to accessories. I just stick my finger up this hole and press this button and it goes to off and right out. Easy fix! But, it is stylish for the year and runs good. I love my Ion!! I cant wait to see how long it will last me!

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  Reviewers have heads in dark places - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Frank Farkle - July 26 - 10:00 am

  Have a FULLY loaded ION 3/5M and I COULD NOT BE HAPPIER WITH A VEHICLE! Puke on Edmunds and Consumer Reports bogus reviews. Whatre they smoking? The ION 3 is the best in class for the money, bar none! It holds a 45 mph corner, at 75 mph, without blinking. The leather seats are excellent. Bought for mileage and drivability - NOT racing off the line. Top-end optional sound system is exceptional. Interior egronomics, fit and finish, are quite nice - electronics - state of the art. $20K vehicle that has a tighter turning radius than Audis A4.

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  Good car for the money - 2004 Saturn ION
  By JW - July 24 - 6:23 pm

  Overall I have been satisfied with this car. Its fun to drive, looks good, and I got it for a very good price. Storage space is a big plus. The trunk is spacious, and you can fold the front passenger seat flat to accomodate something as long as 10 feet. Although this car only got average reviews, I bought it mainly because I liked the looks and wanted to drive something slightly unique. The interior quality doesnt bother me, nor do the seats. My only major beef is with the steering, as it seems a little touchy at times. But I like the power, am satisfied with the gas mileage, and have had only one mechanical problem and that was with a short circuit in my headlamp switch.

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  what can I say, I love it, period - 2003 Saturn ION
  By tiger34 - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I have nothing more to I love everything

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  2006 ION 2 - 2006 Saturn ION
  By michael k - July 19 - 12:00 pm

  The first 4 months it had been back to the dealership multiple times for multiple problems. The drivers seat has been repaired 3 times and has to go back to be replaced again. This is our 6th Saturn, and our 2nd ION. We were assured that all the issues we had with our 03 ION had been rectified. We were lied to. After 6 Saturns we have decided not to purchase any more GM products. We are very dissapointed with our ION and hope that others think twice before making the same mistake we did. The first week we had the car, the drivers front window motor stopped working. The car was on its way back to the dealership for front end problems at the time. We tried to opt out of the car but GM said no

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  Good Bang For The Buck - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Courtney - July 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car with 130,000 on it. It now has 150,000 and no problems at all. I was not fond of this car at all but after driving it for a year it really grew on me. granted its no jewel but 20 bucks to fill the tank, 20 bucks for an oil change and virtually maintenance free, how could you complain? The fact that the car is basically dent proof is another plus, i was in two accidents with this car and there is literally not a scratch on it. its slow compared to other cars but gives you NO problems. Although i am getting a new car i must say that i will miss this car and hope that i have as much good luck with my ion as i do my altima. Might not be the best but you wont regret it. honestly.