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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  Fun! - 2005 Saturn ION
  By redliner - December 16 - 2:30 am

  Wanted to lower my payment and save on some gas. (traded a 2002 camaro z28). I was teared up when I shut the door to my Z for the last time. But I have to say, what a fast little buggy, and its alot of fun to drive. I will look at the speedometer and freak when I see Im doing 85 in a 45 without realizing it.

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  Quad Coupe - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Fran - December 13 - 8:23 am

  It is amazing what you can squeeze into the quad cab, such as a giant air conditioner that would no way go into the trunk. Its pretty, good color choices inside and out, and those flexible panels are nice.

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  Pleasant Surprise - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Saturner1 - December 7 - 8:46 pm

  Never would I have expected to buy a Saturn. But I liked the looks when the car came out. Still, it was sort of unexciting. When the Redline came out the excitement was added and I purchased one. It had been a few years since I drove stick, but this one is so easy and smooth that it came back right away. Excellent seats (Recaro), great wheels, nice styling. Unique enough to draw stares, fast enough to surprise most and economical to drive and own. A very pleasant surprise.

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  300,000 miles!!! - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Hilary - December 5 - 11:01 am

  This car has lasted me so long still in fantastic condition. No major problems at all. Drives smooth, gas milage is amazing. I live in Michigan and it has got me through some tough winters too! I would recommend this car to anyone. I got it at a great price with only one prior owner. Just keep up on regular oil changes and such and this car could last you a lifetime

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  Not Bad - 2006 Saturn ION
  By First Saturn - November 25 - 4:30 am

  Bought to tow behind my motor home. Find I drive it around town when I am home for the high gas mileage. So far not one problem.

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  WOW - 2004 Saturn ION
  By reilly - November 18 - 10:00 am

  i was looking for something cute and could ge tme around in. It helped me alot and i am only 15 so i needed something. Well it is a fun car and its reliability is great. I can count on it for anything. Thank you for making such a great car!

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  My ION 3 Sedan - 2003 Saturn ION
  By abfabchevygrl - November 18 - 3:46 am

  I love it! I have owned Chevys and Hondas and I have never been happier! It was the best purchase I have ever made. I feel safe in the car and is great for hauling around kids seeing as I am a nanny and the parents LOVE it.

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  Great car, not many gripes - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Damn straight!! - November 16 - 6:00 am

  I bought this car after much research, and I am not disappointed. I get 40 MPG HWY and 24 city with the AC on! The rear legroom needs work, but otherwise the car is above par for the class, you have to think, youre buying a compact. Overall its a big little car, you can fit 2 bikes inside with the rear seats folded down. Some people complain about engine noise being too loud, but for a 5 speed, Id like to hear the car every now and then. Somethings I wish I had are the options that come standard in the 3 with the performance package.

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  Could not be much better for the money. - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Skylar Mazzola - November 14 - 10:40 am

  I love the car. The car is fast. The seats are wonderful and the engine is pretty much a work of art. The only thing that I can complain about is the rev limiter stops the fun. Also the tach is about 500-800 revs behind the engine which hurts performance. Other than that I love it.

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  saturn....good car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By ron nelson - November 13 - 10:00 am

  strong car, great colors, not too small, over 15 ft long, nice interior, large truck...excellent engine and power, hold the road great great family car or second car....should have got oneyears ago. saturn gives you lots of extras, and customer service and sales people are great...