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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  Cmon GM - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Skaggz - December 1 - 4:00 pm

  No wonder saturn has been cut from GM, my saturn needs more work than it is worth. My ignition was unable to be turned off for the second time today as well as problems with the transmission. It was but a year and a half ago I had my ignition fixed to where it would actually turn off. My steering column had to be replaced in February because the power steering went out.

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  Quad Coupe - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Quad - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought a 2003 Ion Quad Coupe 3 in July of 03 and have grown to love it. Came out of a Toyota Pickup and hope the Ion can match the reliabilty of the truck. So far it has been great. Fast enough for me, 30 miles to the gallon in the city, and the burnt orange color gets a lot of looks. Have never owned an automatic and this stick is smooth and easy to get used to.

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  4 time owner - 2004 Saturn ION
  By april2you - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th car my newest one this year, my 3rd lease. I am very happy with the dealership as the sales people have been there many years, several 10 plus and when I go in there they know me and help me. Its a relaible car, I have never had any trouble with mine. I love the dent resistant doors it keeps the car looking great when those who have no value in morals, hit you and just leave.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2004 Saturn ION
  By TheBjerke - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car for 2 months now, and have had no problems yet. This is the best car for the money, it has equal or more horsepower and torque than any other car in its class (i.e. Mazda 3). Instead of giving this vehicle a flashy interior, GM put the majority of their money into the powertrain and chassis of this vehicle, which makes this vehicle both fun to drive and reliable.

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  Solid, Fun and Great Service - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Todd - November 26 - 11:33 am

  I have thorougly enjoyed my Saturn and will certainly consider buying another. Two things that need serious improvement are some interior materials (cheap in some places) and it could use about 15-20 more horsepower.

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  Owned this car 6 years, 89,000 miles - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Cher - November 24 - 8:00 pm

  I enjoyed owning this car 6 years. However, I wish I would have bought the 04 Ion instead of the 03 one. Never buy a new model of car the first year it comes out, too many little glitches. Saturn did fix many of these glitches and the transmission in 04, 05 models. The automatic transmission was too bumpy in the 03 model. No major problems with this car. Only broke down once. Bought 100,000 mile/7 year warranty. Wish I hadnt because the Ion was pretty dependable.

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  Best car for the money and then some - 2005 Saturn ION
  By ColoradoGambler - November 24 - 1:16 pm

  I love this car!! I bought it new and have had no problems with it. It handles extremely well, makes the tightest U-turns Ive ever found, and has plenty of power and acceleration. It has a ton or room in the trunk and in the cockpit, and is capable of seating four full-size adults without complaint. A keg fits nicely behind the front passenger seat and in front of the back seat and the suicide doors make it easy to get big items in and out of the back seat. Would prefer better gas mileage though, but who wouldnt?

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  Good solid transportation - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Stephen Plott - November 23 - 12:30 pm

  This is my second review now that my ION 2 has 17,000 miles. It is 5 speed manual and Im now getting 37 mpg by upshifting at 2000 rpm and keeping top speed to 70 mph. Really enjoy the smooth ride, relatively quiet engine since 05 have better insulation and great sound system with the extra speakers & amp. Safety is good since we got the side air bags and it already rates high for front impact protection. Only beef was problem with cruise control that did not want to work. They diagnosed (took too long) and is working fine for past year. Front seats are reasonably comfortable for long trips. All in all a very good value.

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  Bad Experience - 2003 Saturn ION
  By memcv - November 11 - 10:00 am

  2 repairs for "factory errors" in 28 days! Glad for the 30 day money back guarantee-but took 12 days before they processed my refund. Saturn?s fabled "customer service" gets pretty spotty when there are this many problems! An apology ?on behalf of the Saturn corporation? doesn?t help when I have to get towed and have now spent nearly 2 weeks with neither a car nor my refund. My first new car ? and a total disappointment.

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  My Ion - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Marie Ludi - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Attractive vehicle with terrific ease of handling and manuverability. Saw the vehicle and liked it immediately. Comments about the smaller steering wheel and placement of gauges by other reviewers appear to me to be nit-picking. The reliability, safety and service quality of Saturns made the choice of vehicle easy. I did not want to spend an arm and a leg to purchase a vehicle and this ION3 fit the bill. I truly enjoy this car!