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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  Best car I ever had - 2003 Saturn ION
  By kortkm - April 1 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car ever. I have gone through chevys and Fords and this is the first car that has ever been able to hadle my driving. I m so happy with this purchase and for the price you can not go wrong.

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  Worth the Price - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Heather - March 31 - 10:56 am

  I bought this car as a sixteen year-old, hoping to get it paid off by graduation(which I did) It was affordable and it was a great car to spend my first years of driving with. Even with a standard engine, it accelerated very fast, and the standard sound system is incredible. Its reliable and affordable.

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  very reliable!!! - 2007 Saturn ION
  By suntan78 - March 27 - 9:36 pm

  2.4 has been a great car low maintenance other than the recalls with power steering and fuel pump the car has not had any problems. put gas in and go. owned it since new in 2007 regular maintenance. Only thing I dont have to worry about is my car it always starts and drive anywhere I need it be it a short trip or across Florida. I have the larger motor 2.4 average 24 city and 29 highway. No regrets buying this car most reliable car of my 20 cars Ive owned.

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  Personal Choice - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Prplagnl1964 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I am a third time saturn owner....prefer the saturn for its appearance. I really enjoyed my SL2...the body style was truly a racy look...but really like the room in my ION.

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  Excellence in Design - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Shawgod - March 19 - 2:00 am

  After purchasing this vehicle I have to say that this vehicle has all the things I could ask for out of a car. Now the center mounted gauges are something to get use to, but in all I have been really happy with the service from saturn, and think this is a well built car.

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  Silver Red Line 05 - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Bill - March 16 - 5:53 am

  I feel that this vehicle is a well built vehicle for a Saturn and is packed with performance that takes a lot of people by suprise, which is always fun to do.

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  Satisfied Saturn Owner - 2005 Saturn ION
  By bob - March 10 - 9:20 am

  For the money the Saturn Ion2 is a good buy. I have put 2,500 miles on it since I bought it and have had no problems with anything. It is fun to drive, has adequate pickup with the 140 HP engine. Mileage is good at 32 mpg for an automatic. The front grill is really a big improvement for the 2005. I think it looks great in the gold color with tan interior. GM has a winner for the price you pay.

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  Good - 2003 Saturn ION
  By CharlieBuerger - March 9 - 10:00 am

  So far the car has turned out to be a good buy. It has plenty of power for its size and hasnt given me any problems whatsoever. Dont know what the other people on here are crying about, LOL.

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  expensive to keep on the road - 2006 Saturn ION
  By mark - March 3 - 11:00 pm

  Like other reviews here, lots of mechanical problems. At 80,000 I am on my second engine, third ignition switch third set of shifting cables. replaced wheel bearings, stabilizers, and several other front end parts. Would love to trade it, but owe more than its worth. Looks decent, drives decent when its not in the shop. Unfortunately just a cheaply built car. I know people with older saturns that had decent experiences, but my feeling is this is a good car to stay away from

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  I LOVE MY 1st CAR - 2004 Saturn ION
  By libertyTN - March 3 - 10:00 am

  This car is wonderful! My dad bought it for me. It was a great price and a wonderful car. I have a black ion 2 4 cyl turbo. It is awsome. At first i wasnt sure about the speedometer in the middle but i love it there. It is so easy to look at. Even though my car cost 1/2 of what a BMW costs it looks just like one. The only problem I have found with my car is that the fabric stains very easily, so I keep carpet cleaner hand and it removes the spots. Great car, Great investment, Wonderful!!!!!!!