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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  Pretty decent car for the money - 2006 Saturn ION
  By stiehler - February 27 - 10:13 pm

  We purchased this car used with about 30,000 miles on it about 2 months ago. It seems to be a pretty decent car. We have only had a few minor problems, such as the locks not wanting to turn if its cold outside.

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  2005 ION - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Dweezil - February 27 - 6:06 am

  Should Saturn/GM ever decide to advertise these cars, theyll be exposing the best kept secret in the car industry. This is a great car for a very reasonable price, about $12.5K after incentives w/ air, auto, CD player and floor mats. Rides and feels like a mid size car without all the bulk. The center instrument panel took no time to adapt to on the test drive, and has never been a problem since. This one belongs on your list. Test drive one and find out for yourself before letting your friends or reviewers decide for you. The only way to fairly evaluate one is to get behind the wheel of one.

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  Great Little Car - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Jack - February 26 - 8:40 pm

  Weve been looking for a car for our two new teen drivers, and after trying many used cars, we went to the Saturn dealership after our insurance agent suggested that we take a look. He told us that they are highly rated for safety, and because of the polymer panels, less costly to repair. Although there were some good deals on used models, with the current GM financial incentives, the low final cost of a new ION made it impossible to resist. Although its small, its also very comfortable for our 64" son and 510" daughter with lots of head, shoulder and leg room in the front. Its responsive, easy to handle, fuel efficient and quiet. Along with the safety features, its a real find!

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  Great Car - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Tracy - February 25 - 8:03 am

  This car is a great car to own. Not only is it affordable, but I am not paying a fortune at the gas pumps. I have owned it a year now and have had no problems other than a small kink that was fixed when I first purchased it. For the price its the best car around!!

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  Saturn Ion 2003 - 2003 Saturn ION
  By qhsk - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Good start car for a proce range that low

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  No problems yet - 2005 Saturn ION
  By callahan - February 9 - 3:46 am

  I bought my ion almost three years ago with 22k miles on it. Ive driven it every single day since then and have not had one single problem with it. the only time a mechanic touched it was to change the oil. its my first saturn and i have no reason to not buy another, my only complaint is that the suspension feels like its getting kinda mushy. Likes its not as tight as it was when i bought it.

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  Saturn Ion - 2006 Saturn ION
  By jodi neuberger - February 8 - 1:16 pm

  My experience with this car has been great except that it is very hard on gas and seems to be in the shop more than it has been on the road. The engine light is always telling me that there is something wrong with it. The dealers that have worked on it cannot find the problem. The only place you can take this car to is a Saturn dealer in the cities. This cost money! Overall the car is comfortable to ride in. It is smooth riding and turns nice. It is small and convenient with lots of drunk space. It doesnt use up any oil and for a person who has problems with parallel parking, this is the right choice.

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  LOVED this car - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Michelle - January 30 - 6:03 am

  I loved my Ion. The only reason I dont have it anymore is because someone ran me off the road and it ended up totaled. Loved driving this car, loved the look of it. Was the perfect car for me, and I miss it terribly! I would have gone and bought another one in a heartbeat if they were still made. Awesome car!

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  Want lemonade? Buy a Saturn - 2006 Saturn ION
  By My 1st Saturn - January 29 - 12:23 pm

  I purchased my Saturn on 10/23/06. I was told that the ION 2 was the best fuel efficient vehicle on the market. I get only 24 MPG which most of my miles are highway. It also has slow take off. I am very disappointed in this vehicle. I have been given poor customer service and I keep getting the run around from the dealership. My next step is to contact the Better Business Bureau and the Attorney Generals office. If you are looking to buy a new car, dont buy a Saturn ION 2 unless you plan on spending double in gas per week.

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  What a great car! - 2005 Saturn ION
  By RL-2005 - January 25 - 1:26 pm

  Have around 9k miles on it and still no major problems. Getting 28 mpg on the highway and 21 around town, with spirited driving. Get tons of compliments and have not regretted anything about the car. You get used to the center gauges in 2 days of driving. My dealership is close and good to deal with. Im glad GM has not let me down. Now the Stage kits are available things will get even more exciting with a 7k rev limiter, 240 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque. Cobalt SS owners wish they had known that they were basically the ame car but that the Redline was more unique, and functionally easier to use for everday life.