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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  Impressive what theyve done - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Taxman - May 31 - 12:20 am

  I had a 2002 SL2, 5speed manual and traded it in on this car. Nicely optioned out with a "special value package" that I recommend. Overall the car is vastly improved over the previous model. An excellent daily commuter. Long trip this weekend, 450 miles, revealed no weaknesses. It is comfortable for three hour interstate drives, gets nearly 35mpg, has very good seat support. Its quiet, easily cruises at 75mph with no bad vibrations, and no undue harshness. Instrument dash "pod" is quirky but quickly adapted to. Excellent sight lines. Large trunk. Zero % three year financing, FREE 5year/60K BtoB extended warranty and $1,000 rebate/OnStar cash. Whats not to like in a $15,000 car?

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  Worst purchase of my life - 2007 Saturn ION
  By crysania - May 17 - 2:12 pm

  I bought this car used in 2009 with about 32k miles on it. Loved the look of it and it drove great. I had about one year of good driving and then its been nothing but problem after problem. Wheel bearings, front bushings, AC gone, multiple check engine light problems that result in expensive repairs or a mechanic who cant find the problem as it comes and goes. Ive sunk more money into this car in just a handful of years than I did in all the years of owning cars previously.

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  i love this car - 2006 Saturn ION
  By ucantcme0220 - May 16 - 2:10 am

  i got my saturn about 7 months ago it had 116k miles on it and now its got 127k miles and runs absolutely great.. it gets around 21 on city and 32 on the highway which i get combined 29-30ish which aint bad.. the only thing i had to replace was the powersteering motor.. it had a little leak from the rain once but a lil silicone fixed the problem.. I also put a custom exhaust on it which sounds awesome.. overall this car is great i love this car..

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  I love my ION-3 - 2004 Saturn ION
  By joe - April 27 - 10:40 pm

  The new ION rocks! I already have 6500 miles in a month and a half. No problems. Handles well in rain, ice, and snow. Great gas mileage. I didnt think Id like the center instrument cluster, but now I dont know how I did without that for so long.

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  saturn ion - 2004 Saturn ION
  By lenjun - April 27 - 10:00 am

  for an inexpensive car, the ion has expensive features such as traction control, abs brakes,and a lot of space in the car itself and the trunk. It handles well at all speeds, has been extremely reliable(no repairs or adjustments required)and is a very good bad weather car-far better than my camry which is terrible in snow and slippery conditions. The one negative- the front seats are just o.k.

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  Nice and Safe to haul the Kids! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Eye On - April 18 - 7:43 am

  Love the "sucide doors", its easy to get my two small kids in and out. HUGE TRUNK and fold down seats great for shopping. I can steer into and out of tight spaces in a snap. Lowest priced car in its market, with lots of great features. Just a great overall "ride" that really stands out! Sales guy really helpful and NOT pushy, bought the car that I wanted w/no hassles.

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  Disappointing - 2004 Saturn ION
  By MeOhMy - April 15 - 10:00 am

  One really wants the US to build a better economy car, but ION is merely another failed attempt. The car handles very poorly. Foremost, beware of the shoddy steering, which has an electric assist motor rather than a vacuum. This means the steering mistakes a bump in the road for the driver turning the wheel and pulls you off course with sudden and alarming frequency. What control you do have is administed through a shrunken steering wheel which was miniaturized in consideration of easing the 3 seconds spent getting into and out of the car rather than the hours spent driving it. The wheel has a slippery texture and no indentations for a sense of grip. Taking the car in bends is harrowing

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  Good Car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Torn - April 10 - 9:56 pm

  I had my Saturn for 3 years this month. Its a great car. I commute 30+ miles a day and I have even driven it cross country. 90,000 miles on it. Having the coolant fan replaced today. A few other problems with a/c and transmission reving up without touching the gas. But other than that no problems. Handles well and gets excellent gas mileage. I love the car and intend on keeping it till it wont run no more. The trunk is very spacious and interior is comfortable. Dent resistant panels are great. Steering is great. The apolstery, carpeting, and plastic panels need huge improvement.

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  Saturn ION3 Quad Coupe- fun and useable - 2004 Saturn ION
  By John from Denver - April 9 - 3:10 pm

  I like smaller Japanese vehicles such as Toyota, Honda, and Daihatsu (A Toyota subsidiary as is Scion). As an older single male, I concidered a Corvette or a new Mustang, but I like durability and features that give an owner more than the first impression might make. My quad coupe replaced a very nicely loaded and durable Honda Civic EX 4-dr sedan. The ION3 quad coupe has the sporty appearance of a 2-dr coupe, but gives me the advantages of a four door sedan. The rear access door on each side, without a door column, allows amazing room to carry items and install child seats. I keep vehicles a long time. My Toyota truck had 534,000 mi. before its end. Have fun in your ION 3 quad coupe!

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  Saturn ION 2 - 2003 Saturn ION
  By jshel - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I found the ION a very fun care to drive. I love the handling and the power is sufficient for this class. I was looking at the ION or the Civic. I found the Civic interior very boring compared to the ION. I am very happy with this car.