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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  Another unsatisfied owner - 2005 Saturn ION
  By stranded in Il. - October 16 - 6:56 pm

  Bought car new in 2005 because it was relatively inexpensive compared to other makes and I put high miles annually so the new car warranty is desired. Soon found a significant problem, the ignition switch failure in cold weather within a year. Makes vehicle act as if battery is drained. Saturn replaced ignition once under warranty, but it is doing it again. They are well aware of the defective part by their own admission. This will be twice in a bit over three years and they claim "it is not a faulty part". I will never consider another Saturn after dealing with this poor design and manufacture denial. Beware.

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  Saturn does NOT deliver - 2003 Saturn ION
  By yi - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I had FOUR rentals in two months due to problems. I called Saturn several times and spoke to several people. Their response was, and I quote: "Were sorry, but your warranty doesnt cover inconvenience." Nice, huh. The car has a LOT of interior noise: rattles, squeaks, clicks, you name it. It doesnt handle well when turning either, partly because the steering wheel is stiff, but also because it doesnt hug the road. And, you might want to consider getting some extra padding in your seat because its a bumpy ride. Overall, the car is okay to drive and looks nice, but prepare for many trips to the dealer...and a lot of hot air from the Saturn Corporation.

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  WONDERFUL Car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By NC_Guy - October 12 - 10:00 am

  Such an intelligently engineered car! Center-gauges, rear access doors, fold-down seats, shoulder-strap adjustable for a child, quality build, tight turning radius, ...wonderful. Had owned only Toyotas before, but this Ion 3 is fresh and fun. For the price of a base Toy, I have a loaded Ion 3 (and dont think Im not enjoying the leather seats and powerful sound system!). If this is your first Saturn, ask your dealer about the $500 "Conquest" incentive. Thank you Saturn. When this car eventually dies, as Arnie says, "Ill be back."

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  My 05 Saturn Ion 2 experience - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Wonger - October 9 - 8:00 pm

  Ive made several trips to and from Michigan to San Diego and back. Gas mileage was 30+, however, the seating arrangement is awful and you will feel it on long trips. Very dependable and good value for the money. Only 2 problems occured that required warranty work that being bolts breaking off for the driver window and driver-side back window (both seperate occasions). Engine light has came on 2 times also, and was quickly extinguished on next fill ups of good quality gasonline. Very nice handling through snow and rain, but is hard to control at times in windy enviroments. The center dash is awesome as you dont have to look through the steering wheel to see how fast you are going.Roomy trunk

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  Ion 3, fingers crossed - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Craig - October 6 - 5:20 pm

  Bought it used at 29k now with 34k. Security system shut car down and I had to wait a little bit. I like the car a lot and have a lot of compliments on it. My best city mileage is 26mpg .

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  Would not reccomend - 2007 Saturn ION
  By inpeaces - September 22 - 5:33 am

  This car has been nothing but trouble for me, in the 1yr of owning it I have had to replace the headlights (apparently they had cracked and there was about a cup of water in each), the electrical system is very touchy (not fun having your seemingly brand new car stall at a light) and to put the icing on the cake my right side mirror fell off, no I did not hit anything, it simply fell off while driving.. Also it gets no where near the estimated gas millage, I might as well be fueling a truck for as much gas as this car eats up. It will take a lot for me to buy from Saturn again.

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  Fine cmpact for the money - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Phil - September 20 - 8:50 am

  I bought this car new and have had zero problems with it. It now has 47,000 miles on it. The second year I owned it we took a trip to Mackinaw City in the summer and we averaged just over 35 m.p.g. with our speed being between 75 and 80 mph. This winter we went to Florida in February and got 34+ mpg. I have a automatic with the 2.2 liter engine and its very quick. I change my own oil and it is easy to do with the filter on the top side of the engine. Around town with trips under ten miles I get just over 29 mpg. The polycarbonate body panels and paint still look like new and the clear coat really shines. I like the way the seats are higher than in the SL 1. I will need new tires this summer.

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  Great for commuting, not as family car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By nixchick - September 17 - 3:36 pm

  I am getting 28 mpg average. It did not take long at all to get use to having the gage display in the middle of the display. I dont have the 4 dr model, it is more like the red line model with the 2 door coupe with the suicide back doors, but it is not the red line. My kids love the back doors. The back seats are very tight for my 6 and 8 year old. Add back packs in the morning and it is very tight. The trunk is HUGE!! Fold down the back seats and you really have a lot of space. The 4 cyl engine does not like hills. I use the "I" gear, as the manual suggests for hills and twisty roads, and it really drinks the gas. I get about the same mileage as I do with my suburban on the "I".

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  Love my Ion - 2003 Saturn ION
  By savannahlady - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Well, I have had my ION3 going on two months now and I absolutly love it! I did alot of research on several vehicles before making my decision and I am pretty proud of myself for going to saturn. I got used to the center IP in a few hours and I love the smaller steering wheel.

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  Nice Car - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Juhgail - August 30 - 1:13 am

  I never thought about a Saturn, but I was strapped and needed a car. I LOVE the car. It a little bigger than what Im used to (Honda Civic) but I really love it. Handles great, fun to drive, and I feel very safe in it.