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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  Not all its cracked up to be - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Ny - April 3 - 1:43 am

  Ive had my ION 2 for 21 months, and Im not happy with it. The engine rumbles more than a new car should. The side windows fog up so bad that I cant see out of them at all, so I have to drive with the windows cracked open an inch in winter. The brakes have squealed from the beginning and they "hitch" when I first use them in the morning. The bottom of the instrument panel cover gets caught on my shoe and pulls off all the time, its very difficult to put back on. I realize you get what you pay for and this is a low-price car, but I was expecting a "bargain," not a "cheap" car. I had a KIA Spectra for the same price before and it was much better! I wanted to by American, and I regret it.

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  OK car - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Rita - April 2 - 6:13 pm

  I bought my 2006 Saturn ion new in April, 2006. For the first three years, it was perfect. However, in 2009 the power window on the drivers side quit working and it cost $300 to fix. The next thing was some sort of crazy quirk that froze the key in the ignition. After spending towing fees and replace the ignition, I found out that it might have been caused by parking it too long with the wheels turned hard left. (I know, I know - sounds goofy, but now I always make sure the wheels are perfectly in line when I park.) anyway, it does get good gas mileage (I have a long commute), it is ok comfort wise for a car of its class. However, if it does anything else, I am going to trade it.

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  Going to be my last Saturn...sad - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Aaron - March 29 - 1:16 pm

  My wife and I bought a new ION (9th Saturn for my family since 94) and before it reached 10000 miles we had to take it to the dealership 3 times for suspension issues (suspension arm/brushings replaced). It also lunges forward between 2nd and 3rd gear when accelerating slowy and it downshifts and jerks backwards when coasting down hills. When I roll my windows up and down it sounds like a jack-in-the-box before it pops open. My 94 Saturn was great. It had 180,000 on it before we traded it in and got a 2008 Civic. I really dont think the ION will make it that long.

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  10000 Mile Alternators - 2006 Saturn ION
  By stony - March 27 - 3:26 am

  Ive only got 10000 miles on my car and have already replaced the alternator. I bought it because I know Saturns are very safe, but this thing is so slow and *ugh* Im over it. This car is not very comfortable, has poor visibility, slow acceleration, poor turning radius, is not agile and when driven after driving a Honda Civic (even the base model) its slow-ness becomes extremely annoying.

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  This Saturn is to rival over any imports - 2006 Saturn ION
  By shane - March 18 - 7:53 am

  This is my first Saturn experience. Ive bought three new cars in the past and there is nothing like going into a Saturn dealer and being treated like a friend and not a dollar sign.. I bought a Saturn ION 3 Sedan with leather, 2.4 performance package with Saturn Advanced sound system. This advanced sound system package is definitely worth to opt for. The fuel mileage is well over 30mpg. I compared the Honda Civic, Toyota, and Chevy Cobalt.l The Saturn ION has better handling, more power, and good fuel economy to beat any import you put up to it. Especially for price, quality, and dealership experience.

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  One of my favorites - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Phil Badome - March 17 - 12:56 am

  Saturn has come along way for sure. This is only one of their great line, but I chose the ION for the sport of driving. Manual shift for total control of this Ion-3 2.4 175HP. Totally functional, plenty of room, the doors for the rear are cool too. All in all, this car is fun. It moves when I ask it to, and I hate being on highways when Im in overdrive, because theres no shifting necessary. At the same time, the cruise control works perfectly with the manual shift overdrive. Before I get home though, I take a few trips around the block to keep the shifting going. Of course, if you prefer less work, you get the same fun out of this car. This car ranks up there with my favorite cars

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  About Hyundai - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Els - March 14 - 10:00 am

  We went to the Hyundai dealer and it was the worst eperience ever. They were the agressive old fashioned sales guys. They wanted us to sign a paper before we even had decided if we wanted the car. Also they wanted to charge us $225.- processing fees, Saturn charges $85.-. Also I would like to know where I can buy a Elantra with moonroof, leather and ABS for less then what we paid for the ION. We love the way it drives, chairs are comfortable, a lot better then the Ford Escort and the trunk is huge.

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  First and Last - 2006 Saturn ION
  By jnelson - March 14 - 9:36 am

  These cars are real junk. I just finished replacing the brake rotors that Saturn had turned down supposedly three times. Terrible service. Definitely my one and only GM purchase.

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  Saturn = Chevy = Junk - 2006 Saturn ION
  By doc4bax - March 9 - 5:35 pm

  I used to have a older Saturn and it held up well. I figured I would find one for my son to drive back and forth to school. I found one, bought it and it had a host of issues. This vehicle is notorious for front end suspension failure. First to go are the front sway bar end links and the sway bar bushings. They are poorly made and wear out prematurely. You hear that clunking noise going over bumps? If so you have this problem. Another problem is the front control arm bushings which are known for failure. Another clunking noise under your feet? You might want to take a look. Another issue, the plastic fuel tank is known to crack at the top where the plastic lines enter the fuel pump (which is in the fuel tank). That wiff of fuel you smell at the back of the vehicle? That means get your wallet out. Fortunately for me, there was a special warranty that I qualified for and GM took care of it. I just made it under the time length (expires 8 years from manufacture date). This is not a cheap fix. They had to replace the tank, fuel pump and hoses plus labor. Also, their is a problem with the shifter. The shifter looses the ability to talk to the ignition switch. When you put the car in park the key will not release from the ignition switch. This leaves the ignition stuck in the accessory position and drains your battery if left there. Fortunately this was covered under recall and it wasnt a cheap fix. Another recall is the actual ignition switch which I had done. the rear shocks wear out prematurely. This car bounced like a clone car when I first got it. This a $50 fix if you do it yourself. Lastly, the electric actuator that recirculates the air from inside or outside the vehicle goes bad. The gears shear off that turn the recirculation door. This actuator is located way up inside the dash. Dealer estimates around $600 plus to replace it as the dash has to completely come off to get to it. I was able to do this myself with minimal dash removal but it was an absolute nightmare and took all day to do. Relatively cheap part but a lot in labor costs to install.

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  Common problems shouldnt be "common" - 2006 Saturn ION
  By torianne9 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car about a year and a half ago. It was a leased car and it had 20,000 miles. I now have just over 55,000 miles and Ive already had the "common" door sensor problem, which wasnt cheap to fix, where my interior lights wouldnt turn off because my car didnt know that the door was shut and today I had my power steering replaced per warranty coverage. The problems that Saturn has "commonly" shouldnt be common problems. I read online that the power steering problem has cost 14 lives already. And the door sensor is extremely inconvenient. I love my car but I truly hate the "typical" problems that come with it.