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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  Thankfully trading it in - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Alex - August 13 - 7:30 pm

  This cars bad points outweigh the good. After long trips it shuts off at your first stop light. No room in the back. Forget about a rear-facing infant seat - no matter where you put it you will crush the person in front. Went through 4 sets of tires in 3 years because nobody could align properly. Interior stains from rain coming in the windows - (no matter what direction/how hard the rain it pours right in the window). Too many electrical/mechanichal problems to count (most but not all under warranty)

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  Awesome - 2003 Saturn ION
  By SaturnFan21 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  This car is completely awesome and more than a match for the others out there. I drag race on an 1/8th mile strip and have beaten a 2002 Toyota Celica GT and a number of Honda Civic EXs. Completely underrated and bashed by car mags, this Ion is amazing.

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  2003 ION - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Nerissa - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased my ION Sedan, previously I owned a 2001 VW Jetta. The ION does not have the performance of the Jetta, but in terms of interior room and comfort it wins hands down. I love my ION!

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  Horrible Car - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Ben - August 5 - 10:00 am

  This car was passed down to me, when I got my license at 18, with just over 14,000 miles on it. I just hit 24000 yesterday, and within those 10,000 miles Ive had too many problems to keep up with. The power steering stopped working( found out the power steering of this car was re-called). One time my key would not come out of the ignition and I had to replace the steering column. One night the dome light wouldnt turn off. When it rains the car leaks. My car alarm would go off randomly, the dealership told me the car doesnt think the drivers door is closed, so I have to manually lock my doors. This car has been nothing but trouble for me, and its my first car. Im never buying American.

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  Our first ever new car - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Vicky - August 2 - 12:03 am

  The Saturn Ion 1 is a good quality car easy on gas and even easier to drive. We are so much more than please with our choice to purchase a Saturn.

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  Great Car!!! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Jon Allen - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Great car!!! I was a little skeptical at first about the interior design, but after driving it for a few days, I absolutely loved it. I am a Saturn owner for life now.

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  Nice car - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Dom - July 20 - 2:10 pm

  First time buyer of a Saturn, Im very impressed with the car since its a affordable in comparison to its competition.

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  What a LEMON - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Ron - July 11 - 10:30 am

  I bought my 2006 Saturn Ion in July of 2006.Ever since I bought this car it`s been a problem.First week I own the car I had to get a new radio installed.The second week a spark plug had to be replaced. Six months later the car shook badly every time I stopped and still does to this day (7- 10-10) had it at the dealership countless times for the shaking.they claim nothing wrong with it. I recently had to get a waiver from the state of Pennsylvania because my check engine light won`t go out even after it was re-programmed by a authorized dealer. This car is nothing but a LEMON!

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  This care is unsafe. Ticking time bomb. - 2007 Saturn ION
  By solofreerunner - July 11 - 2:42 am

  this car is unsafe and terrible. problems since day one. inside falls apart, had a gas leak (could have been fatal), steering problems, brake problems. my wife was driving her 2007 saturn ion on november 5th 2010 on the way to work when the steering wheel locked completely and the brakes did not work. she had no choice but to roll through a stoplight and was almost hit from both sides. sounds like a lawsuit to me. all these cars should be destroyed. i am embarrassed to drive this car. my wife deserves better. saturn went out of business probably because their customer service is terrible, and so are their cars. they charged us one hundred dollars "just to look" at the brakes when they...

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  I love my ION Red Line - 2005 Saturn ION
  By XXAGILEXX - July 10 - 7:20 am

  I have had my Red Line for a lil over a year now. I love it! As a matter of fact my best friend took me to the dealer to buy it and ended up buying the same car. His black, mine red. He didnt believe me about it until he walked in and saw the car, and he asked " What is that, because I like it." So we got the last two on the lot for a steal because the 06s were pushing. He wanted a Mazda6, but forgot all about that when he got in the Red Line. I cant wait till I get back home from Iraq to drive it again. Spc. Ismael Maneiro JR US Army, Bagdad Iraq