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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  Glad to get rid of it - 2007 Saturn ION
  By rv88 - July 6 - 4:00 am

  I purchased my Saturn Ion used in early 2010, and I immediately started having problems with it. My grandparents always swore by Saturn and never had problems with their Saturns, but the Ion is definitely an exception. I have had problems with the power steering going out (repaired under warranty), the suspension bushings, the key getting stuck in the ignition, the hubcaps squeaking, and some other electrical issues. The interior quality is awful and the paint coat is super thin. I have enjoyed driving it, as it handles and performs rather well, but the reliability and build quality issues are forcing me to sell it. Im looking at the Mazda Miata and Chrysler 200 currently.

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  No longer skeptical of new models. - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Pepsigran - July 6 - 2:00 am

  We really enjoy driving this car. Good acceleration. Tracks and handles well. Plenty of room in trunk and fold down rear seats allow large cargo. Has all the bells and whistles and it all works just as it should. Electronic steering takes a little while to get used to. Easy to park and the dent resistant side panels are great. Some people thought we had a "Mercedes."

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  Eight years too late. - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Boysan - June 30 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I bought the Ion as our first new car. At first, we were much pleased with our purchase. But as time wore on, I noticed that the interior quality, ride, and engine were jokes.

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  Awesome - 2004 Saturn ION
  By davolley21 - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I love my ion quad coupe! Its been the best car Ive ever driven. I had three or four problems with the car but they were fixed free of charge and the car has been perfect since those problems.

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  Redline - 2004 Saturn ION
  By mestal - June 23 - 12:40 am

  Car is a fun car. I have the 1st year edition of the vehicle and they have worked a lot of the problems out. I am sure that the 05 and 06 are awesome. The 04 is awesome too. There are just a lot of issues with the vehicle.

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  2003 ION needs work - 2003 Saturn ION
  By kurt w - June 19 - 10:00 am

  My experience with two 2003 Ions suggested Saturn put GMs new Delta chassis too early. A solid body and good handling were appreciated. Freeway cruising was quiet but nervous. Build quality was awful - both cars had tons of squeaks, rattles, ill fitting parts, and transmission and engine glitches two service centers could not repair. 24 mpg was the rule but acceleration not so great (5 speed helped on hills but often shifted harshly). The buying experience was pleasant, but the service was awful. Hopefully the 2004 and 2005 versions will be better.

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  My saturn - 2004 Saturn ION
  By saturnlover - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I love my saturn, dent resistent materaial and all.

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  Good Buy and Fun Car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Raider-Alan - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my PT Cruiser for my Saturn Ion 3 with a 5-speed manual. Few cars can rival a PT in design innovation, but this comes close and in some ways it eclipses the PT. I love the center mounted instrument panel. I also like the design of the dash and seats. The shifting is smooth and crisp, and the ride is solid. Road noise is no louder than the PT Cruiser. I love the overall design of the car.

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  Big Mistake - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Christina3110 - June 17 - 3:36 am

  LEMON! This car is nothing but problems. First a head gasket replacement at 24000 miles then the power steering went at 32000 miles and now the front wheel drive is all jacked up. overall a terrible running car with way too many problems for the mileage and year purchased and I only drive to and from work, no hard driving. Very cheap feel to it and not reliable at all. I would love to have my Civic back!!!

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  ION 2 Sedan a Great Car - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Steve Plott - June 14 - 10:00 am

  The 05 Ion 2 5 sp manual sedan is a GREAT car. Ive owned a Saturn SL1 for 12 yr as well as mini vans and other sedans. This car is quiet, smooth on the road (the ION 3 with low profile tires is rough riding!), good pick up with 140 hp, great sound if you get the extra speakers and added amp, excellent gas mileage (29 in town, love the exterior styling too. Safety design is good and my insurance company says it is in their 5 star catagory (best rating = lower rates). It has roll cage frame and I added the side curtain air bags with ABS. Great value at +/- $16,000 after rebate. Not sure why the ION seem to "get no respect" vs the Japanese competition from Honda Civic and Toyota Corola.