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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  Cant Believe I Bought This Car - 2007 Saturn ION
  By jchron - June 4 - 6:16 am

  We bought this car new, when gas prices shot way up. I had always heard how great Saturns were and how wonderful the service was. I was also impressed with the owner loyalty. My only question is "How could anyone love this car?" It is sluggish, extremely uncomfortable, and the interior parts are the cheapest I have seen in any automobile. The seats stain if you spill a drop of water on them. Cheap, cheap fabric. The car is noisy on the highway. This is the first and last GM product I will own, what a piece of junk. The backseat is useless with zero headroom and legroom. Very disappointed, could have bought a Nissan Sentra or Toyota Corolla for the same dollars.

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  I love my Ion - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Nikkirox - May 26 - 11:06 pm

  I absolutely love my car, Ive never had a single problem with it, and it has ridiculously high miles for a 2004. At 100,000 miles, my car runs amazing. In fact, Im in a racing club. People are surprised at the amazing gas mileage and the style of the car. It drives great and I love it to death! Just baby the car and it will baby you.

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  WE LOVE OUR ION!!! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By HOLLYS ION - May 26 - 2:00 am

  WE LOVE OUR ION! IT HANDLES GREAT WITH THE ELECTRONIC STEERING AND WE LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT INCLUDING THE BEAUTIFUL INTERIOR AND THE UNIQUE AND NEW AND COMPETITIVE BODY STYLE!

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  Will Never buy another one! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Unhappy Owner - May 25 - 1:53 am

  The first six months the car was pretty great and then the problems started. Since then I have had it in the shop 8 times. I am so sick of taking this car in! I am trading very soon and I will never buy another Ion! The dealership was really great but the car is crap. I have never had a car with so many defects. I have had every blinker and light replaced and now I am having transmission issues. Also my AC knobs dont turn right anymore. Please....dont buy this car unless you want problems. I wish I knew about this site before I bought!

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  Do not buy-not safe!! - 2007 Saturn ION
  By tobrien017 - May 25 - 12:20 am

  This car is known for steering problems. The steering locks up while driving causing an extremely unsafe condition. Saturn is aware of this problem and has not notified owners or issued a recall. You will have to fix at your own expense (a hefty one). Saturn needs to address this issue before somebody gets killed.

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  Not A Bad Car... - 2004 Saturn ION
  By kelseyxglamour - May 20 - 11:16 am

  good car for reliability, does good in the snow. The suspension is kinda squeaky, great deal for the price. The interior design is horrible you will defiantly be squeezed if there are more than two people in the car. There is no room to put anything, and there are only two cup holders.Over all i am happy with the car when i or one other person is in it. Defiantly Not a family car.Oh the fabric on the inside stains when you get water on it, the seats look terrible.

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  Nice Sporty Car for over 50 crowd - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Don - May 18 - 10:49 pm

  Was looking for a Stick Shift car as I was getting tired of my 95 Prizm with 3 spd automatic (great car, but boring!). Found this on car site, price was right, had under 89K on the clock and was a 5 speed (!). Only a few cosmetic blemishes (crack in upper front fender, small hole in side of drivers seat, but ran strong. Over the next 15 months, have replaced; A/C Unit (bought car in winter, was unable to test, Compressor was broken, replaced under warranty), new rear shocks ($50 from RA, did myself), upgraded front brakes (drilled and slotted units from RA for $105, did myself), new front wheel bearings ($75 total from RA, did myself) lower control arms ($105 total from RA, again, did myself). Not all cars are perfect, but this one has been the most fun to drive since my 1978 Firebird I had in 1982. It has the gumption to get up and go on the highway AND, you can do the Supercharger upgrade from the Redline OR Cobal SS without doing anything special as the 2.2 will handle the extra power without strengthening the valve train or crankshaft. Looking forward to having fun with this car, and...love the back suicide doors! Everyone gets a kick out of them!

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  Unsatisfied - 2005 Saturn ION
  By danielle89 - May 8 - 6:52 pm

  I bought this car as a last resort after I totaled my previous vehicle. First I had problems with the wheels and had to replace all four wheels and tires. Then I started to have a problem starting the car in the cold. The only thing I have found to work is heating the key with a lighter, sticking it in the ignition and moving it up and down a few times to warm up the pins which are frozen by the grease apparently and then start. This is pathetic and white trash. I have heard MANY people have had this problem. Also heard one guy took it in to Saturn, spent thousands of dollars and they couldnt even figure it out. Saturn needs to obviously due a recall, this is pathetic.

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  ITS THE CAR FOR YOU - 2003 Saturn ION
  By bam134 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  THE POWER IS GREAT, THE RIDE IS EXCELLENT, THE SEATS ARE GREAT

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  I love IT - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Iittlebugs246 - April 9 - 10:00 am

  The buying process was great. Love the car, the 6cd MP3 player. Its nice and fun to drive.