Saturn ION Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.21/5 Average
975 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 661 through 670 of 975.00
  • red line is red hot - 2004 Saturn ION
    By -

    I have owned nothing but pure Detriot V8 muscle and have always laughed at 4 cylinder vehicles. In the recent higher gas prices I decided to go ahead and try a fuel efficent vehicle that would be fun to drive. I shopped around all the dealerships looking for that perfect vehicle. Dodge SRT/4, Honda Civic Si, Subaru WRX STi, and Ford Focus SVT were the ones I was impressed by until I test drove the Saturn Ion Red Line. I fell in love from the moment I turned the key. The feel of the Recardo seats, the low roar of the supercharged engine through the beautifully sounding exhaust. And the best handling in its class.

  • Great, reliable car - 2004 Saturn ION
    By -

    This car has held its quality and style over the past four years and looks and performs just as good or better than all the new cars out there. A definite good investment.

  • A Different Car - 2003 Saturn ION
    By -

    Ill make this quick, since I want to get back out in my car and go find some twisty roads. The Ion is wonderful. Smooth and powerful engine, excellent transmission, and great attention to the small details. High content for low price, including dent and rust proof polymer panels, center mounted instrument panel, electric power steering, and a wonderful suspension set-up. Okay, Im off to go blazing through some corners.

  • Saturn got it right with Ion - 2003 Saturn ION
    By -

    Its sportier than the S-series in every way. Fun to drive, more power, responsive and is the direction Saturn has needed to go for some time. The service is legendary and you can expect that to continue. The cars have in the past been a bit noisy with less than striking styling, but that has changed for the better. The Ion is well-built and stylish; add the superb service and we just might see Saturn finally achieving its goal of competing well with the imports. All told, I love this car. Its tight, exciting styling, added power, vastly improved ride and turn radius are a huge boost to a car company that has always aimed to please. This time, they hit the bullseye!

  • Not Such A Great Deal Afterall - 2003 Saturn ION
    By -

    When I first bought the car, I liked it. Maybe just because it was my first car. Since then, its been disappointed over and over. The locking mechanism fell into the door; the ignition switch, starter, ECU, and battery had to be replaced at 30k miles for no apparent reason; the shift lock solenoid needs replacing or the key wont turn all the way back; even after replacement of recalled signal assembly, its still bad. Ive had nothing but problems with this car and cant wait to get rid of it! I will never, ever buy a Saturn ever again. This car was a huge disappointment!

  • Lots of car for the money - 2003 Saturn ION
    By -

    On the road the car feels confident, with rather reassuring amount of power. On the highway the Ion feels smooth and stable at whatever the posted limit is, and then some. Off the highway the Ion feels nimble on the side streets and parking lots. The center mounted IP only takes a few minutes of driving to adjust to and allows for a smaller, sportier steering wheel. The driver’s seat has more than enough adjustments to make it comfortable. There are also plenty of cubby holes for storing things

  • 2006 Saturn ION - 2006 Saturn ION
    By -

    I bouught the car used with 36000 mi on it, and Initally it was fine, then at about 60000 mi it all was like a bad dream, the engine light, no one knows what to do about this, the computer has been reset 4 times, when it comes on the car wont accelerate, it jerks like tranny is going out, I finally parked it for a while and my Daughter needed a car to drive and that lasted about a week and then the same thing started happening again, really think GM needs to step up, In the shop again 900 to reset the computer, replace throttle Body , and 2 rotors.... Geeze this wears me out just reliving it. This Car is Garbage period, STAY AWAY, I need a HUG, No trade value, Owe more than its worth, HELP!!

  • Quad Coupe - 2004 Saturn ION
    By -

    I just purchased a 2004 ion quad coupe and love it! its a smooth comfortable ride...

  • Why I bought an 04 Ion 3 - 2004 Saturn ION
    By -

    I owned a 1996 SL, put 175,000 miles on. Found new ION more attractive, appreciated interior space, higher head room, less "crouch" to enter and exit car. Purchased storm gray - color sold the car. Dealership OK, unlike years past, new Saturn sales reps more like traditional car salesmen (unfortunately). I have also had good experience with their service dept - they try hard to get you in fast and wash car when through. I like the cost benefit with Saturn in terms of reliability. Compared to Honda Civic, Huyndai, I felt offered a little more prestige for price.

  • Looks can be deceiving - 2003 Saturn ION
    By -

    The ION reminds me of that girl you dated that was gorgeous but had absolutely no brains or personality. I was swayed by the look of the ION, inside and out this is a sharp looking car. Mechanically, this car is trash. Notice many of the good reviews are from people who have just purchased their car. Id like to hear what they think in 6 months. List of repairs @ 10,000 miles. New right wheel strut Grinding noise from steering wheel. Hood cable Brake realignment Also shifts poorly & makes a nasty sound when downshifting at low speeds. I will be getting rid of this car soon! Stay away at all costs, look to a Honda Civic or Acura RSX.

Saturn ION Reviews By Year:
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