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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  THANKS SATURN - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Redline ION - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Never ever thought I would consider a saturn..I think im the only one with it in hawaii.. its fun how you blow celica gtss away and they paid 6 grand more that u did.

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  REDLINE INDEED - 2004 Saturn ION
  By ION - February 11 - 10:00 am

  I got the black REDLINE..all i can say is this car is great. It launches real quick. The seats are great.. i love the new steering wheel. thank god they didnt use the small tiny one. Its fun how people with civics, SE-Rs, Protoges try to cut you off at night thinking its a regular ol ion and get spanked. Its really easy to pass the redline

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  good little car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By rquest - January 28 - 4:52 pm

  Overall its a very good car and my wife and I can attest to the "accordion" style safety frame that protects all occupants in the cabin. For years we suffered with the ignition and spent countless hours waiting for the alarm to "reset" so that we could once again attempt to start the vehicle. But the thing that makes you the most upset is that the mechanics at the Saturn dealer act like they had never heard of this problem before. It was like Christmas day when GM was forced to make the ignition/key problem a recall and fortunately for us it took care of all of the starting problems and we could once again not have to worry about leaving the house 15 minutes early for fear of the car not starting. But now its started having a problem with the enginge light" coming on in relation with the evac system. First we replaced the gas cap, ($15) then the purge solenoid and the vent control, ($197.) after that didnt work, we are currently dropping the gas tank replacing the pressure solenoid another ($237) I dont know if this is GMs fault or simply that American auto makers can not manufacture good electrical components because my Jeep Grand Cherokee needed several solenoids and eventually a new PCM and my new Cadillac SRX is having issues with its computer and traction control system. (Fortunately the Cad is under warranty) When it comes to the end of the day the Ion has been a pretty good car, a little bumpy and rickety but actually is not any worse than my new Cad when it comes to the electronics. I dont understand how anyone could say they hate this car or that it is a piece of junk? These people must just think that all you do to a car is put gas in it and go! LOL Vehicles need your love and attention, take care of your car and it will take care of you.

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  Good Stuff very few problems - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Sean - January 28 - 8:03 am

  Its very reliable I feel really safe in my car even though its got plastic side panels. I dont know about the autos trans. but the manual is a blast! very comfortable gets advertised MPG even at almost 100,000 miles! Saturn has done good with the ion! Handles great! Its quiet inside the car. Very few problems Excellent buy!

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  They say I just have buyers remorse - 2007 Saturn ION
  By madcustomer - January 28 - 2:56 am

  This car is & always has been a serious junk. Multiple problems: shifter (possibly clutch) problems, floor heater never worked, doesnt get cool enough for tx summers, horrendous gas mileage, climate control panel gets extremely hot when controls used, screeches when it starts, rattles when idling, major power loss in fifth gear! You cant jump on an interstate in this heap! Warranty you say? No Im just a stupid woman & need to get my foot out of it to shift it. But Ive met several owners with the same issue! Other other warranty work can be done, if I let them dump me out of the service van & left overnight with no transportation.

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  starts great then peters out - 2004 Saturn ION
  By bbilly - January 24 - 11:36 pm

  bought this car brand new back in 04 and ran without any problems till 2009 right when the viecle was paid off. it only has 55000 miles and had to replace ecm computer module and cat conververter but the car just feels like its going to fall apart and the engine sound like a engine that has 150,000 miles on it. because of this quality issues I will not buy another domestic vehicle again. i just hope it runs for another 3 to 5 years.

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  A real LEMON! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Very Uncomfortable - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Poor acceleration, terrible shifting, very uncomfortable seating, drinks gas like water.

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  Hate it! Never again, Saturn! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Laura - January 15 - 11:46 am

  My 03 Ion2 is the 7th Saturn I have owned and will never purchase another because of it. I had the tires and brake rotors replaced at less than 25K miles, and again now, at 56K miles. I had the running lamps fixed (recall) more than once. There is a thumping noise when I turn left at slow speeds, the road noise is loud, shifting hesitates at 3rd-4th (w/ auto trans) and it sucks down oil. 18 months ago the radio stopped working; Saturn said it was defective and for $300 theyd replace it. I took it back, thinking it was a short because when you hit a bump it came back on/off, they said it wasnt and wont fix it, and rolled their eyes at me! Im trading it in ASAP!

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  3rd Saturn in a Row - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Lou Troga - January 12 - 6:46 am

  When I saw the 4-door sedan Ion in blue I told the salesman that I was interested in the SC2 as I have had both the SC2 (the sporty coupe) and the SL2 (the four-door sedan). So he brought out the top of the line Ion3 coupe and I feel in love. Surely a pleasure to drive and I love OnStar. The safety doors in the rear are great for certain reasons. I had to drive long distances to work in the first Saturn--the SL2 and it performed beautifully and took the hills in Vallejo a lot better than most cars. Then I drove a somewhat less with the SC2 but still a lot. But this ION will be used a lot more for pleasure and with great performance. I love my car and it has all the wonderful safety.

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  1st new car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Electroplater - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought it for my wife to drive. Wanted to get a new car with low monthly payments. Im 60" and I consider the car too small for me and the kids. I cant put the seat as far back as Id like. She is getting about 20 mpg with a 4 mile drive to work. Electric power steering seems a bit annoying at 30mph range, feels like car is out of alignment, but fine at 50+ mph. We purchased the Rain Forest Green. The Electric Blue is a nice color but there was a difference in tone on the different body part, spoiler, nose, engine hood, doors it didnt quite match up.