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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  excellent - 2003 Saturn ION
  By anthonyantshak - November 7 - 10:00 am

  it it the best of the best man!!!!

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  Great Car for teenager - 2003 Saturn ION
  By werDrD - November 7 - 10:00 am

  My parents just bought me the 2003 Ion 2... They like the price. Its very comfortable, quick, responsive, frankly the best economy car for the best price. Only problem is the seats. A little more support would be nice.

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  Have to defend my ION! - 2007 Saturn ION
  By TheTaxWizard - November 3 - 11:03 pm

  I have to defend this car. Have had mine for 14 months and with the exception of a tiny bit of wind noise (Saturn will fix it) the car is great. No, I am not in any way affiliated with Saturn or GM. In fact, this is the first American car I have owned new since 1979. Folks, its a $20,000 car, not a $40,000 SUV. When I drive well, I get an avg city/hwy of 33mpg. I use only good gas-Union, Shell, Chevron, etc. I change the oil every 3,000 miles no matter what the OnStar report says. I keep the tires inflated properly and clean the air filter every 6 mo (dusty area) Frankly, I was very happily surprised as I have been very soured on American cars.

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  Saturn Ion Fun to Drive - 2003 Saturn ION
  By nealphd1 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  The sales process was different than anything I coud have imagined. That was a good thing. The car was fantastic, is fantastic, and no doubt will continue to be fantastic. I liked it so well I went to work for this Saturn Dealer. Now I sell SATURNS. Neal P

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  Pathetic Car - 2005 Saturn ION
  By SamT - October 26 - 12:53 pm

  I had to get rid of my ION at 48,000 miles due to it needing more in repairs than the car was worth. At 48,000 miles, my transmission died due to a factory defect. SInce my car was out of warranty, Saturn wouldnt fix it for free. In addition to my blown transmission, I also needed a whole new valve body. The cost of the transmission and valve body was more than the car was worth. Im not a car expert but I know enough to know that cars shouldnt be done for before they reach 50,000 miles. My ION had other problems too, such as a faulty ignition starter that wouldnt always let me remove the key. Saturn wouldnt fix the problem or admit there was one. Terrible car, terrible company. Beware!

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  a kit car in disguise - 2004 Saturn ION
  By kurt w - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Despite the courtesy of Saturns sale staff and large rebates, the ION 3 sedan has proved the worst car Ive ever owned. Full of rattles and squeaks, poor fitting trim, a jerky transmission, and harsh ride over small bumps, the final insult are service departments that, while polite, damage the car while fixing it (wrecking trim or leaving grease and oil behind) or leave parts off. My last two Toyotas together had a third of the problems this car has. Bob Lutz, stop talking about sport cars and get GM build quality past Yugo class!

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  An excellent car at a great price - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Cygnus - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Ion earlier this month. I traded in a 2001 Honda Civic LX. Despite what I read in road tests, the seats are very comfortable, the ride and handling are both excellent and the center-mounted instruments are no better or worse than conventional instruments, just different. The updated steering is nearly as good as my old Civics. Im getting 29-30 mpg in mostly city driving. After three Hondas in a row, I have no regrets buying a Saturn.

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  LOVE SATURNS! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By AlexCheney - October 14 - 10:00 am

  My family holds the record for most new Saturns bought from our dealership (Saturn of Newport News). They are amazing cars, and I will never drive anything else.

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  good - 2004 Saturn ION
  By melleigh - October 14 - 10:00 am

  i love my saturn. the dent resistant panels are great, and the airbags make me feel safe in my car. its a car that is very fun to drive.

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  ION Red Line, what a car - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Michael - September 28 - 12:33 am

  I purchased this car used with 7500 miles on it 3/07. When I first drove this rocket I was amazed how much power it had for a I4. The handling and the out of box thinking from Saturn is solid. I will know how this engine and car perform because it will be 250,000 mile before I hand it down or even think of selling it.