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:

• 

  Saturn ion base model - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Cat - January 18 - 7:50 pm

  This is first car I bought to get credit rating. I love this car! Manual transmission. 40/gal. Never got less no matter what I carry! Son got 35/gal. Aggressive driver! Love this car! I also like where the dash is. Lights are good there. Dont bother night vision.

• 

  sets up higher - 2004 Saturn ION
  By ks4750 - January 18 - 2:00 am

  the last saturn that i had i felt like i was on the ground but in my ion i am setting up higher.

• 

  Piece of Crap - 2003 Saturn ION
  By NotVeryHappyJulie - January 13 - 10:00 am

  It’s been in the shop more times than months I have owned it. The cigarette plug has come out of the console, the back one window works sporadically and one of our heated leather seats has quit working for the 7th time!!! We had a complete electrical circuit meltdown which involved the cruise control malfunctioning and our brake light not shutting off. The car ended up locking us out and we were unable to drive it. Had to be towed and was in service for over a week. Other problems include the transmission, interior parts just falling off including the dashboard (the first week). This is literally a piece of crap!

• 

  this car is great! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By jerzgirl610 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  i love my new saturn, its so great to drive!!

• 

  Reliable Fun Car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Devon - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I recently bought a 2004 Ion and i absolutly love it. It is bigger then economy class cars i have driven in the past. It has a lot of power and is very easy to handle. I paid a little extra and got an upgraded interior that looks great. I carry a lot of sporting equipment with me and love that i have a big trunk to fit it all in. Couldnt be happier with my Saturn Ion Experience

• 

  No wonder GM dumped Saturn - 2003 Saturn ION
  By coloman - January 10 - 8:50 pm

  From the start it was good, but man with in a few months took a dump! Starts sometimes and others times nothing, but we have had it check and no mechanic can find anything. Coolant light on, cant get it off no one knows why no leaks, holds pressure. Blinkers keep burning out and blinker burning out recall has been done by dealer. Please dont buy one these cars!

• 

  Im Done - 2003 Saturn ION
  By jewelz - January 2 - 11:13 pm

  Door lock collapsed into the door, daylight running lights went out 3 times, lowest fan speed squeaks, everything stains the seats (even water), interior plastic doesnt line up/panels fell off on the inside, you have to get used to using your mirrors b/c you cant see out the back, hard/flat seats, cd player skips, the horn is hard to press, not enough ground clearance, gear shift obstructs cupholders, grinding noise from steering wheel, bad smell comes from AC, key got stuck in the ignition. I saved the worst for last- The transmission slips and the car jerks forward and the service guys dont believe you because they cant replicate the problem, fun times!

• 

  I would think twice - 2003 Saturn ION
  By I would think twice - December 24 - 8:03 pm

  I can feel every bump in the road, CD player skips while driving/ The seats stains very very easily/ bad on gas mileage, occasionally seems to have tranny issues/ plastic panels falls off very easily. Material on interior is not the best quality. Horn is very hard to use, seats are not comfortable

• 

  New Saturn at 30 days - 2005 Saturn ION
  By David - December 16 - 10:36 pm

  Comfortable car to drive. The local dealership was great to deal with and provided good information.This is our 3rd Saturn and we love it. Gas mileage at 30 mpg right now in the city!

• 

  ION3QC - 2003 Saturn ION
  By EdwinM - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Love this car! Fun to drive and very different than anything else out there.