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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  Loving It! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By LisaG - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought my new saturn quad coupe and I am loving it! It handles really well around curves and on the road it has a great pick up..this car is just fun to drive and has wonderful features as well.

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  I wanted to like it, really I did. - 2003 Saturn ION
  By may-queen - May 23 - 12:26 pm

  Ive had my ION3 for a little over 3 years, after owning an SL2 for 4 years. Honestly, I am not very happy with the car. The SL2 was a much better car. Most notably, the ION gets terrible gas mileage. I get about 16 city and 22 highway. My father has the same model ION3 that I do and his mileage is even worse than mine: 12 city, 19 highway. This is unacceptable. Also, there is nearly no leg room in the back seat. Its extremely uncomfortable back there. The novelty of having the instrument panel in the middle of the dash, rather than behind the steering wheel wears off rather quickly. I find myself wishing it were behind the wheel. And as with most Saturns, the car is too loud.

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  My blue baby - 2003 Saturn ION
  By thielgrad04 - May 20 - 10:05 pm

  I love my car. I have had it 8.5 years. I had 0% for 60 months. I paid it off. I did have to put a new tranny in for like 3k in 09 at around 80k miles and a new (used) ac compressor for about 420$ in 2010 as well as a new tail pipe/catalyc converter due to a tiny hole in the muffler that midas said wouldnt pass inspection, but other than that I havent had any major repairs. I never broke down because of a car problem. In summer 2011, I was rear ended because the girl behind me didnt stop when I stopped behind a school bus and she cracked and messed up my back bumper on the drivers side. Bent the tailpipe (another replacement) but HER cars front end smashed up like an accordion!

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  Absolutely Loved my ION! - 2006 Saturn ION
  By VroomVroom - May 9 - 10:33 am

  This is by far the best car I have owned to date. This was the first car I bought right after I turned 18. It had 25,000 miles on it so I got to keep the warranty for a little bit :-) The Ion and I went ALL OVER THIS COUNTRY! and I not once EVER had a problem with it. Just kept up basic maintenance on her. Loved the placement of the gauges. Smooth as butter and the exterior wouldnt dent a bit. I recommend this car despite the surprisingly bad reviews. Maybe I just got lucky?

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  2005 ION 1 A - 2005 Saturn ION
  By dzizwheel - May 5 - 1:06 am

  Bought this car with 23 miles on it after having bought a 95 Saturn SL1 5m in May of 04. My brother has a 95 Saturn SL1 5 M and cant kill it. These were so good, I had to check out the ION. Difference is night and day in comfort, quiet, ease of entry,room and height of drivers seat. I adjusted to the center mounted instrument cluster within a block of my first test drive. I like the instruments being up high like this instead of down somewhere behind the steering wheel. Feels like a much larger car, solid like an old Volvo. This ones going to be around a long time.

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  Saturn Ion 2 - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Bhill10 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this NEW Ion 2 in late May of 03, its now late July. During this time my hood release fell off, I had to take it back in to get it fixed. Then I put my key in the passenger door to unlock it and the little metal piece that you put your key in fell into the door, the dealership in Columbia, SC said "That seems to be a similar thing happening to the Ion". Yesterday the little change drawer came off, I managed to fix it myself though. My wife also pointed out that the gas door is getting crooked and needs to be tightened. It is reliable so far though as far as getting yout from A to B.

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  The Redline Lives Up to Its Name - 2006 Saturn ION
  By SaturnTuners - April 26 - 11:36 pm

  I have had my car for over a year now, and put nearly 19,000 miles on it. It is by far the best car you can buy for the price. I got mine for around 20k, with a killer trade in deal on my last car. This car beats 03 Mustang GTs no problem, and it gets twice the mileage! The supercharger whine is amazing, especially with the intake. I also got the thermal R&D exhaust, and it sounds really nice; unlike a Civic hatch. If you are looking to pick up a really good deal, now is the time. You can get a very high performance grocery getter for around 15k loaded.

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  You will love it too - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Bart - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Fantastic Buy Big trunk Engine Type: Four-cylinder 2.2 Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 140 @ 5,800 Torque (ft-lb @ rpm): 145 @ 4,400 Braking System: Front disc/rear drum Steering System: Variable assist power steering Suspension Type (front): Independent strut, stabilizer bar Suspension Type (rear): Semi- independent torsion beam, stabilizer bar Tire Size (front): P195/60R16 Tire Size (rear): P195/60R16 Curb Weight (lbs.): 2,769 Recommended Fuel: Regular unleaded Fuel Tank Capacity (gal): 13.5 EPA Fuel Economy (mpg): 24 City 32 Highway

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  Saturn Ion 2003 - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Forest - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Just bought an Ion and I want to tell you that GM has done it again. It handles like a dream and the interior is the best. I just recomended one to a guy at the gas station and he really like the car. Especially the bright blue color.

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  Never Again - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Wilson - April 21 - 8:33 pm

  Ive had nothing but problems, security system wont always let me start the car, had to replace the wheel bareings @ 50000kms, engine light comes on and off for a misfire, but mechanics can find nothing wrong with it, something wrong with the front end that makes my abs kick in, but again, mechanics cant find anything. Had to have a bushing replaced on it...not a good car