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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  MY IONU - 2003 Saturn ION
  By MY IONU - September 24 - 10:00 am

  We loved the ION 3 so much we bought a second ION 1. We have had no problems with these cars and we love the style and handling. The center instrument cluster is a Godsend since we have a lot of deer on the island where we live. We can watch the road and the sides of the road as well as watch our speedometer all at once. We were also treated with so much respect by the people at the dealers we felt like royalty!

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  What we thought it would be....and more - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Damian - September 20 - 12:00 am

  We first saw the ION at the Auto Show in Houston in early February. The value and sharp looks attracted my wife and I to it right away. She was already driving a Saturn and loved it so we looked into getting her the ION. Its been just over a month and we absolutely love it. Handles extremely well and is very fun to drive. Guage cluster in the middle of the dash is different , but nice. Without a doubt, one of the best decisions weve ever made.

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  BEWARE of Saturn ION - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Nickelback Rules - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car less than a year and it has been in for repairs nearly a dozen times. In fact, it is in the repair shop right now waiting for a new fan motor to be shipped in and replaced. We just got it out 8 days ago for a faulty pass code sensor (I coulnt start my car). THIS CAR IS A NIGHTMARE!!!!!!

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  My new 2003 Ion - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Ed M - September 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Saturn from this dealer. I also have a 1998 Saturn SL2 and the 2003 is a big improvment.I like the center console.Im short and I now sit higher in the car.I get around 30 mpg. Its a good reliable car my old 1998 Saturn has 139,000 on it and still runs great.The people at the dealership are great and the service is great also.Ill buy my next car at this dealer.

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  Worst Car Ever - 2004 Saturn ION
  By cc - September 4 - 10:56 pm

  This car is the major reasons GM should go out of business. Within a month of driving the car off the lot I began having problems. I had to take the car back to the dealership every month that I owned the car for the first year. Every month was a different problem, and since it was not the same problem twice I was unable to file lemon law on the car. Problems include but are not limited to the electric steering failing, central computer glitches, anti-theft device would lock car ignition upon inserting key in ignition during cold weather and so on. Not only were there endless problems with this car but the dealers were even worse to deal with.

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  Best bang for the buck - 2004 Saturn ION
  By x98mirage - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive been shopping around for the past 6 months. I gave myself a budget of $20k. I was comparing this car to the Accord, Celica, Eclipse, and Jetta... For the price, I got the ION 3, fully loaded with all the extras and cannot believe what I took home! This car drives with the smoothness of a Towncar, has an AC that freezes me on a 95 degree summer day, and looks great at the same time. This car has class, practicality, and sportiness all at an incredible price! One of the few American cars made in America, Id recommend this car to anyone in the market... AT LEAST TEST DRIVE IT!

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  Not my best car purchase - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Stephen - August 23 - 1:16 am

  At the time of purchase, I needed an inexpensive, fuel-efficient car. For those requirements, it has fit the bill but I sadly cant say it has exceeded my expectations. It replaced a 1995 Saturn SL-2 with 130,000 mostly trouble-free miles, so at the time I felt confident in the purchase. Since then, Ive been plagued by a significant number of "little problems" that would have cost me upwards of $1200 to fix had they not been covered under the warranty. None of these problems were "normal wear" items. The dealer is great about fixing them, but the many problems in the first couple of years have convinced me to sell before the (extended) warranty expires. Pity, as I do like the car.

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  Very Satisifed Saturn Owner - 2005 Saturn ION
  By David C - August 20 - 11:06 pm

  From the time I walked in the door at the dealership until the time I drove away with the car, it was an awesome experience. The salesman that took care of me was not interested in upselling but rather what I was looking for. I had done my homework online prior to buying so I new what I wanted which made it even easier. I have the ION 1 and its an incredibly fun car to own and drive. It has a huge amount of kick in the motor for a sedan, so it does make the road trips enjoyable. Gas mileage is just as good. The trunk space is a big factor since I do travel quite a bit.

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  Better than the imports - 2003 Saturn ION
  By LM2 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car -- much better than the imports in this class. Strangers stop me in parking lots and tell me they love they way it looks.

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  I love my ION - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Ang - August 14 - 12:40 pm

  Im a college student and needed a newer car, something affordable. I found my Saturn with only 5600 miles, only a year old. Since Ive put 18,000 miles on it (In less then a year) and it takes my wear and tear. Its trendy and professional looking. I would definetly buy another one. Its a wonderful, affordable car. I love it.