Overview & Reviews

Significant changes accompany the Ion into 2005. A revised front fascia on sedans, as well as various other exterior trim and wheel upgrades, spruce up the Ion's outward appearance. Inside, new front and rear seats (on level 2 and 3 models) provide substantial comfort improvements, and a new steering wheel replaces last year's go-kartlike unit. Interior trim and materials have also been refined. Substantial improvements to noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) have been made possible through the use of Quiet Steel for the plenum and dash, an acoustic engine cover, and other powertrain and insulation enhancements. The electric power steering has been recalibrated, and various suspension revisions improve ride and handling. A four-speed automatic transmission replaces last year's five-speed unit and the coupe's CVT unit.

User Reviews:

Showing 61 through 70 of 152.00

• 

  very few problems- and they arent big! - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Pretty Happy! - May 20 - 1:13 am

  My ION has been great since the first day I drove off the lot 4 years ago. The gas mileage is great for my typical driving day, and the maintenance has been minimal- basic upkeep and tune-ups. This week was the first time I had any "problems". A few sensors had malfunctioned, causing the check engine light to turn on. I have had issues with it not letting me pull the key out from time to time, mentioned it to the service manager, and they have fixed it. Something was mis-aligned in the ignition housing. I am happy with my choice, and would be purchasing a new saturn if they still had the ION.

• 

  What a Great Investment - 2005 Saturn ION
  By shannon - May 12 - 10:33 pm

  Hi....I am very pleased to say that I am really starting to like my new car. Not only is it good on gas and it is very compact. Although my car is not fully loaded it has its great features that did not cost any more money towards the MSRP. If you are just starting out, it is a great investment. If you have a child that is getting their first car, this is the way to go. They have great service amongst the store and warranties.

• 

  Still surprises me everyday - 2005 Saturn ION
  By RL-2005 - April 5 - 3:33 pm

  Ive had this car for two years and it still puts a smile on my face to drive it 40 miles to work everyday. GM had the injector and pulley kit and catback exhaust that made the car even better for very low cost. I love having a fast, reliable car that handles great and did not break the bank. GM should make all their cars like this one. I may have to upgrade to the turbo Cobalt SS next year.

• 

  Stormy is an amazing vechile - 2005 Saturn ION
  By L. Kelly - March 28 - 12:03 pm

  So far my experience with my ION has been wonderful. I have only had it for a few days but the ride over all has been great. The kids really like it to.

• 

  A Clear Winner!!! - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Stan Schmitt - February 26 - 2:43 am

  This model represents a real leap forward from my 02 - in design, quiet, finish, and new features. Mounting th the dials in the drivers normal line of sight is soething that should have been done decades ago! Now I dont have to take my eyes off the road! Use of sound-deadening steel makes a real difference in ambient noise. New A/C outlets are finally completely adjustable due to a simple change. Car is still only 3 months old, and not many miles on it, so gas mileage is not at the peak yet. 2.2 L engine is peppy.

• 

  E-ticket ride - 2005 Saturn ION
  By mytdawg - January 26 - 2:53 am

  I figured there was no way that a supercharged 4 banger was going to run at 30 mph in 4th gear without lugging. I was wrong. The powerplant is powerful and flexible. It purrs like a kitten until you need that right pedal, make sure you have a clear path if you decide to mash it. The dealer let me take their demo for a weekend. I put 500 miles on it and only gave it back to them long enough for them to prep it.

• 

  Best Kept Secret In The Industry - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Dweezil - January 23 - 3:53 am

  The car has proven itself over 22,000 miles with gas mileage on long trips of nearly 38 [with automatic. 25-26 in Los Angeles traffic], quiet ride and its all around competence. Huge trunk and tight turning radius are benefits as well. Recent 2000 mile round trip offered sea level to mountain elevations, dry, hot weather, wind, snow and freezing temps, varying levels of traffic from insane to sparse and the car handled it all without a hitch. See for yourself. Edmunds editors give it a 5.7. Consumers give it an 8.9. The consumers have it right.

• 

  Its a Sleeper! - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Tim B - December 10 - 9:40 pm

  My 2005 ION Red Line is an absolute blast to drive. The styling presents only subtle hints to the beast that lurks under the skin. The shift from 1st to 2nd is somewhat clunky and happens almost immediately if you are trying to go fast, but the pressure cooker really smokes in 2nd, as you rocket to 60 mph. The interior is the most disappointing feature. It is CHEAP! Too cheap! There are sqeaks and rattles that you would not hear in a Japanese car after 100,000 miles. Unlike the 06 Honda Si, which only has around 140 ft-lb of torque, this little mills feels like a V-8 from 800 rpm up due to its impressive 200 ft-lb of torque. The rush comes on early and continues right to the Red Line!

• 

  Underrated Surprise - 2005 Saturn ION
  By dweezil - December 8 - 12:50 pm

  Have had this ION 1 for 2 and a half years. It now has 21,000 miles on it. It took awhile to warm up to it, but on a recent 2000 mile trip from LA to Tucson to Salt Lake, in heat, freezing cold, snow and mountain climbing activity. it handled everything thrown at it and still returned 35-37.7 mpg.I have tracked the mileage since the first tank.Its only gotten better as the miles increase. This car has all the makings of a 20 year car: bullet proof engine and trans, polymer dent and rust avoiding polymer panels and upholstery that looks like it will wear like burlap.

• 

  My seventh Saturn! - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Dorothy Triplett - October 18 - 10:23 am

  Im crazy about Saturns! I especially like the no haggle buying experience and can-do attitude of both sales and service -- Ive been a Saturn owner since 1992, and this is my seventh Saturn. I was able to get my preferred combination: power locks and manual windows. However, they no longer offer remote locking system with this combo, so had to have it installed. I like the new dash design, and the visibility is improved overall. Much quieter - very little road noise.