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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  Worried - 2006 Saturn ION
  By cnp - April 25 - 3:50 pm

  I just bought my saturn Ion have been reading the reviews and its making me really nervous I hope that my car does not have all these problems it has 66000 miles on it in really great shape so far so good guess I will let you know how things work out!

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  Best for the money - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Bob - April 24 - 8:56 pm

  The front grille is a big improvement over the 2004 ION. It makes the car look expensive. The seats are comfortable. I like the center dash. I have just under 3000 miles on it and I have found nothing that is a problem. It handles like a dream and is very responsive. I like the timing chain over the timing belt and will not have to have it replaced after 60,000 miles like my other car and a $350 bill. The trunk is a plus and the overall style is what caught my eye.

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  Nice car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Motown Mike - April 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Saturn and I like it so far. The dealership experience was good and they were very fast.

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  good, but could be better. - 2003 Saturn ION
  By ginny - April 24 - 10:00 am

  i like the ability to turn in tight places and the smaller steering wheel gives it a racing car feel. i do not like the leather seats. the quality of leather is very poor.

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  loyal saturn owner - 2004 Saturn ION
  By kis73 - April 7 - 3:46 am

  This is my fourth saturn car, though I cant say its the most exiting car ever the cars I have owned have been very reliable and the dealer experience is secound to none. All these things add up to a very happy and loyal saturn owner.

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  I will not buy another Saturn. - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Charles - April 5 - 12:26 pm

  I bought this car new. I have the key stuck in the ignition problem. The car wouldnt turn off. I could not remove the key. The car is less than three years old. The warranty has passed because of the mileage. The dealer refuses to even look at it unless I agree to pay. The ignition switch does not wear with mileage. This should not break within three years. I have searched the internet and this seems to be a common occurance with this car. This should be a recall but isnt. If you want me to buy a new car from you then stand behind the broken one you already sold me!! I am looking for a new second car. I was going to buy the Vue, but now it wont be a Saturn.

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  I love my Ion - 2006 Saturn ION
  By mattg24 - March 24 - 4:56 pm

  This is my fist car. I have owned it for about a week now and have driven it about 800 miles. Everything about it is cool. It gets good gas mileage, good acceleration, and a well thought out interior. I have the level 3 coupe .. This is my first car and I am 18 and in love with her. I plan to take very good care of her. As I have her longer I will update this...

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  Dens Ion 1 review - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Ion Den - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Ion July 13, 2004 and have logged 12,000 miles to date (10-9- 04). On a recent trip to PA, I managed to get 35mpg wich is above the 32 rating, which made me very happy. I havent had any problems as of yet with the car and am more than pleased with my purchase.

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  This Is A Great Car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By valleyme - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Its fun and easy to drive. Very peppy. The dealership was easy to work with. When my youngest is old enough to drive Im going to give her my Ion and buy another Saturn.

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  saturn sucks - 2004 Saturn ION
  By glori970 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  bought a saturn ion in march 2004, never ever again will i purchase or drive a saturn. brand new car with fuel pump issues, catalytic converter problems, engine has a tendency to stall while in motion. when another car hit mine in a parking lot, the quarter panel was literally torn apart. can only be grateful that i had no passengers at the time. car is advertised as being dent-proof, cant prove it by the hail damage sustained. gas guzzler, i got better mpg with a 94 s10.