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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  LEMON not by their call - 2004 Saturn ION
  By AngrySaturnBuyer - March 1 - 2:00 am

  After i had my car for two weeks the vehicle would turn off by itself while i was driving. This had happned *six* times including once on the highway. The car was sent back to the dealership twice, where it was there for three weeks. They put EIGHT HUNDRED miles on my new car and sent the vehicle back with trash and filth. I missed the lemon law by the skin of my teeth. I was accused of lying about my vehicle and treated like dirt. So much for buying a new car and then feeling like you have a death trap! Not only that but the car has also been recalled and has also had to go back for a fuse issue.

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  SATURN MACHINE - 2004 Saturn ION
  By phil chaney - March 1 - 2:00 am

  nice car and fun to drive

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  Great Car - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Kristy Little - February 23 - 2:30 pm

  I have been an owner of the Saturn Ion sine 2003. I have been very satisfied and have not had any problems with my car. It is fun to drive, with great fuel economy. I would highly recommend a Saturn to anyone looking to not spend too much, but have a fun and relaible car.

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  1st Saturn-Last GM vehicle - 2006 Saturn ION
  By jack - February 12 - 7:33 pm

  Problems so far: Key often gets stuck in ignition, check engine comes on for no reason, front transmission mount broke, cap on canister type oil filter leaks, suspension is clunky and soft. Slow to get up to speed, cheap interior materials, weather stripping around windshield comes loose, power steering feels weird. Gets good gas mileage & A/C is cold. This is the American version of the Yugo, a real piece of crap! Current mileage is 63,000, I doubt if it makes it to 100,000. My other cars are all old Fords. Now I know why.

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  first 1200 miles - 2003 Saturn ION
  By gbsparks - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I got the Ion3 for under 16K. I avg 34 mpg on the hwy and 26 mpg in the city. The handling is very good and I’m very satisfied with the engine and manual transmission, on the hwy and in the city. I haven’t found any defects in either the exterior or interior. I like the center IP and the steering wheel. I could not disagree more with the professional reviewers who seem to equate the interior design concept of the Ion with shoddiness. To me, the driver’s pod puts me in mind of a well- designed video game and I’m very comfortable with that. In fact, I have yet to feel anything but happy and satisfied with my purchase when I’m behind the wheel.

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  My first Saturn - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Lorie - February 3 - 11:06 pm

  This is my first Saturn and I love it. It handles great on the road, even in rain. It is great on gas. Looks small but has much room, even the trunk.

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  Love the ion - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Queenbzitch - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I think the Ion is a great car! Being a teenager, I wasnt a little hesitant when I got a Saturn, but I think they have done an excellent job with the Ion. Its sporty, fun, and a great car. I love to be seen in the Ion!

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  No problems - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Rob D - January 31 - 4:23 am

  First off, the engine is a joy to drive once it gets broken in (about 3000 miles). Gas mileage is excellent, and amazingly efficient if you can keep your highway driving under 2500 revs (about 60mph). Most of what has been mentioned in other reviews is accurate, except for those calling the car a lemon. I havent had any problems with the service departments. Im 6 4" and fit comportably - cant say that about Mazdas and Toyotas that Ive sat in.

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  Decent car with some issues - 2006 Saturn ION
  By pippi777 - January 29 - 6:03 pm

  I really love my Ion, but have had some issues with it. The key often got stuck in the ignition & could take a few minutes for it to be released. (Found out it was due to the gear shift not recognizing the car was in park, thereby not releasing the key. This took 5 trips to the dealership to diagnose.) It currently periodically jerks while Im driving & automatically drops down to 15 mph. With the gas floored it wont go any faster. I have to pull over & turn the car off for a couple of minutes, then it starts up fine & I have to go get the check engine light turned off later. (I dont currently know what the cause of this is yet. Im leery of driving it on the highway, though.)

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  My first new car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Heresy_Fnord - January 29 - 3:40 am

  My last car was an 94 Saturn SL1. What a world of difference has been made in these new models. The Redline is a further improvement in the right direction by Saturn. Ive done quite a bit of looking around, and you just cant beat the performance / price ratio of this car. Even with a 5 year / 60k warranty my car is cheap by comparison. I highly suggest a Saturn Ion Redline.