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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  Great buy for the money - 2004 Saturn ION
  By vivo4441 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  My ION is a fun, sporty and great looking car. I am very happy with it. Being brand new just 500 miles on it I cannot bring forth any troubles yet. And hopefully it will be as dependable as my last Saturn. It meets all my needs and thensome. Great auto, and the dealership is awesome. I would recommend this auto to anyone who asks.

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  Really Good American Car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By JPB - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive had two GM cars, including the ION and have been very satisfied. My last GM car a 1992 Buick Regal had almost 200000 miles when I turned it in.

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  Love My Saturns - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Repeat buyer - August 4 - 11:53 pm

  I leased my first Saturn in 2001. That was such a wonderful experience that, when my lease was up, I decided to just get a new Saturn. I picked the 2004 ION 2. Once again, it was a winner. Never had a problem. Sadly, my car was declared a loss during hurricane Katrina, when it was flooded. I am now returning to Saturn to lease a 2006 ION 2. I have looked at and driven other vehicles, but for my money, nothing beats a Saturn in reliability, standard features or performance in the price range.Last , but not least, their support personnel is outstanding.I must also mention that, neither one of my Saturns ever needed a repair.

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  Worth a Look - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Tom - July 30 - 2:33 am

  I just rolled my 03 Ion to 78,000 miles. Its been no better or worse than any other car Ive owned. The only non-scheduled maintenence issues Ive encountered were a bad tire, but you cant blame that on Saturn. Also, my auto transmission had a shift flare issue which the dealership fixed under warranty by replacing the valve body. Lastly, I had my left front wheel bearing go bad around 50,000. I dont know how people who have reviewed this car drive to get their poor gas mileage, but Ive been very satisfied with mine. I get 22-25mpg city, and 34-36mpg highway. Note that I do use a K&N air filter.

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  Love my Red Line - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Gary - July 29 - 6:03 am

  I am feeling like a kid again. This car is fun to drive. It sticks to the road like glue and accelerates like a rocket. For two passengers it is comfortable and I have quite a bit of trunk space. I have a spoiler that looks great but it does block your vision in the rearview mirror. That may bug some people however it helps block alot of headlight glare from the cars behind me. I dont have alot of miles on her yet so I am somewhat biased but I cant seem to get this silly grin off my face!

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  Gotta Luv Saturns Best Kept Secret - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Darkvette - July 21 - 8:16 am

  Great overall car. Most people are surprised when I say its a Saturn. Also surprised when I say its exactly the same as the Chevy Cobalt SS. A very unique, rare and special car. There were only about 530 Redlines produced for 2007. Fuel efficient, fun to drive, and great acceleration on the highway.

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  So far... - 2007 Saturn ION
  By M Dunn - July 20 - 7:26 pm

  Fun little car. Suits the wife and I fine. Over 40 but wanted something different and fun and this little quad cab gives it. Dont want speeding tickets, but it is fun to jump off the line. Go old man go.

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  No frills, A to B car - 2007 Saturn ION
  By danielmchick - July 14 - 3:19 am

  My father and I cooperatively own an 07 Ion 2; it currently has 72,000 on it and runs as well as youd expect it to. My main complaint with it? Its cheaply made, and horribly so. The road noise is unbearable, making you turn up the radio loudly enough to distract you on long highway trips (I travel 3+ hours for trips home & back for college). The interior is lacklustre: the seats are unconforming; the dash is made of cheap, low grade plastic, and the gear selector feels like youre going to break it when you depress the button to pull it out of park. I dont recommend this car for long trips, or in-city driving; short highway trips only. The gas mileage is sub-par for a car this size.

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  Pure Delight - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Kiwicort - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I have found that America can build a car that is reliable, fun to drive and a blast to drive. This car is tight and corners much better than my 2001 Civic ever did.

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  ION review - 2006 Saturn ION
  By hotrodd - July 8 - 9:10 pm

  The front seats are very comfortable and have lots of leg room. The overall design is pretty good. Rear visability is kinda poor but you work around it. At first I didnt like the gauges in the middle but now it has grown on me. You can actually see them better then on the left side. I heard Saturn might get rid of the plastic panels next year because of the gap that is needed because it expands. I personally like the dent free sides. i wasnt looking to buy a new car any time soon but decided I wanted something good on gas and this is my choice. Coming from Jeeps and pickups I am very pleased so far.