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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  Good Car - Great Price - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Patrick - July 8 - 9:06 am

  In my opinion, any lack of performance has more to do with the class of car (i.e., 4cyl, econonmy). This is my second Saturn and the best way to descibe it is a B+ car with A+ service and price. I know with the "Global Economy" it might not matter (I am impressed with Hondas and Toyotas), but I just cant even walk into their dealerships. I surely dont think American cars are perfect, but based on whats written on-line and in magazines, I must be the only person who knows of a fair amount of people with problems with Toyotas and Hondas etc. My only point being, are Japanese cars better in general, probably. That much better? Maybe Im lucky.

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  why doesnt everyone own a Saturn!! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By David Gabriel - July 6 - 10:00 am

  this is the second Saturn i have owned and this current one is the equal of the first or even better. fun to drive. fast, economical, good looking, comfortable. i couldnt say more for this car. my only question is, "why doent everyone own a Saturn!!!!!!!

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  Stay Away! - 2007 Saturn ION
  By sandmanz66 - July 3 - 10:30 am

  I bought this car because, at the time I thought my 2003 had been ruined by a quick oil change company. The engine died at 150k. The dealership offered me 1k for the dead car to buy a 2007. I did and regretted it from day one. The engine on the 07 died at 52k miles. I had 2 steering replacements the first costing over 800 dollars. The trunk bar broke almost after a month. The car sounds like its ready to break in half when you hit an average sized bump. The transmission was really quirky when accelerating. The interior stained way to easily and was cheap. There was a constant chirping sound from the front wheel area that would get fixed and happen again not long after. Im out of space now.

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  Wish Id kept my Quad Coupe - 2007 Saturn ION
  By dragonfair - July 3 - 2:26 am

  Traded in my quad coupe because it had a big bulls eye on it (kept getting hit by drivers not paying attention). Loved that car! The day I drove this car off the lot, I had a problem with the rotors being warped, then in 2008 the engine powered down twice due to a computer error that they were never able to duplicate so they couldnt fix. I live in fear that itll do it again while Im on the highway. Now, something seems off. Shaking when I slow down, squealing noise from the front left tire, feels like it bottoms out going over the tiniest bump. Idles roughly. Nothing near the mpg advertised. Wish Id just kept my other car & had it paid off by now.

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  Great car for your money - 2006 Saturn ION
  By zio - June 30 - 9:50 am

  This coupe is fun to drive and is styled very nicely. I especially like the bucket seats in the rear. Car drives smooth and handles well. The only negative is the rear view is small especially if you get a spoiler, but overall this car gives you a lot for your money.

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  Good economy car - 2005 Saturn ION
  By J&T in Indiana - June 25 - 10:20 pm

  We are very happy overall with the 2005 Saturn Ion 1. We wanted a low end, inexpensive vehicle with good gas mileage. The Saturn gave us all we wanted with about 32 MPG on average. Because of this MPG our other vehicles have set idle more lately. We are disappointed in the seating quality. We have seen the ION 2 & 3 as well and apparently they all got the shaft on quality seating. Many times you get what you pay for but in this case, the Saturn does deliver more for your money. With the awesome centered guages, MPG, and low insurance cost, it is a great deal.

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  A good car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By AJ - June 14 - 7:56 pm

  My dad bought the car new in 2004. And the two of us have put over 70,000 miles on it sense with very few problems. The greatest one being the starter, a factory problem, that we have had changed out twice (its a $30 part, with labor being at least 3 times the cost of the part). Other than that simply doing the basics, oil change, alignments etc. One notable experience was when i drove through 1 mile of flooded road over a foot of water and i made it through, no stalling or problems after exiting the water.

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  Ion Redline - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Eddie - June 11 - 7:30 pm

  I have never had more fun driving a car ever. Ive owned a Corvette, 3 BMWs and a Porsche 911. This one is a real sleeper!

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  Cranberry Ion - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Kate J - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my first new car. I love it!!! The center dash is wonderful.

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  Love My 2005 Saturn ION 2 - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Nashville - May 27 - 11:53 am

  Saturn ION 2 sedan is a "tight" driving vehicle. Handles very well at all speeds. I like the placement of the instrument panel, although it did take getting used to looking in the center of the dashboard. Plenty of front passenger leg room, rear passengers suffer lack of leg room. Excellent trunk space.