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:

• 

  Great little Car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By mitchell - November 13 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle it rides and looks great

• 

  Fooled by Good Looks - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Fooled by Good Looks - November 2 - 7:23 pm

  My husband and I fell in love with both the exterior and interior style of the all-new ION, especially the center-console gauge cluster. I told my husband that the seating was uncomfortable, but he said it would be better in leather. After a 1,000-mile round trip, we were both seeing a chiropractor (the rear seats are even worse). Ive asked the Service Dept. to fix the transmission problem twice (rough shifting between first, second and third gears), but the problem remains. The steEring wheel binds in cold weather, another problem Ive asked to have fixed two times to no avail. I cant wait to pass this car on to someone who can take seats made out of concrete!

• 

  Saturn ION - 2005 Saturn ION
  By ion - October 31 - 7:26 am

  A great car, and Im very proud to drive it. I like the slim line body and it looks great. It drives easily, handles nicely, and brakes very well. Great gas mileage. I like the inside, everything is so together on the dash, it is just so nice to drive.

• 

  Fun Car - 2005 Saturn ION
  By MDunne - October 26 - 11:20 am

  I put a lot of miles on a car in a year. I was really skeptical to buy a GM vehicle because of this. Im not sorry that I did. Extremely easy to perform routine maintenance.

• 

  Good on gas, thats it - 2003 Saturn ION
  By wosko - October 24 - 11:10 am

  After 2 months of owning this car, the car wouldnt shut off because the key wouldnt turn or come out. I had to have it towed and the ignition solinoid replaced. A month later it happened again. The dials on the thermostat dont rotate properly. The remote trunk unit has to be reset every so often. The brakes are already going bad. You cant spill anything in the car because cleaning the material will leave moisture stains. Worst buy ever.

• 

  The experts are wrong - 2003 Saturn ION
  By jdt141 - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I had a lot of trouble finding a car that I liked. I drove a lot of cars trying to find what i liked - a Mazda 6, Subaru WRX, Ford Focus, chevy cavalier, and the Ion. The 6 and the WRX were more than I wanted to spend and the WRX was WAY too small for that kind of money. As for the focus, well - this car beats it hands down. It has more pickup, more legroom, and a bigger trunk. The things I initially liked about the focus were the things I didnt like about the Ion (Weird Instrument cluster & small steering wheel). The Ion hauls, has lots of room, and drives wonderfully. great control and lots of passenger space. the suicide doors are very useful too.

• 

  At 2 1/2 Saturn ION Still Fun to Drive - 2004 Saturn ION
  By njame - October 12 - 4:40 pm

  After 2 1/2 years of ownership and 51,000 miles, I still get a lot of enjoyment and satisfaction from driving my Saturn ION 3 Quad Coupe. Its body is still shiny, sleek, and beautiful, it still has great pick up, and it still gets around 30 mpg for me overall. Ive had no mechanical problems, and only regular maintenance such as oil and filter changes, wiper blades, and two new tires so far. I really like that it tells me when to change its oil.

• 

  dont buy! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Liz - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car about 7 months ago. Since then I have had nothing but trouble. There have been 2 recalls, the cd player skips constantly, a plastic piece inside was unattached completely and worst of all, the car never starts. Yeah, itll start once in a while, but most of the time I have to jump it or keep turning the key for 1/2 hour. Its been to the dealership twice for that same problem, no solution. Its a cute car, yet it feels flimsy. I got in an accident a month ago and the whole right side of the car needs to be replaced because its plastic, and there wasnt even that much damage. It does not handle well in snow.

• 

  Disappointed soon after purchase - 2006 Saturn ION
  By SaturnDriver - October 8 - 2:43 pm

  I purchased this vehicle to remain a domestic car driver and enjoyed the hassle-free purchase at a decent cost. Since then, Ive continually been disappointed by a brand that used to be so strong. Most recent issues that has caused me to post this review is the failure and consequent $1000 cost to repair my power steering. I have learned that hundreds of 2006 Saturn Ion owners have had the same issue and hope any who read this will lodge complaint in order to encourage official recall (and reimbursement for cost of your repair).

• 

  Not as good as SL Series - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Mike S. - October 2 - 2:43 pm

  Very good mileage and such things as tires, brakes, last a long time. I am still on the original brakes. However, have had the ignition switch changed twice for passlock failure during cold months. Also had a bad turn signal light and left headlight wiring harness. Very noisy body rattles during the winter months. So bad I thought my Mcpherson struts were bad. Trans seal went and cost $300 to fix. As weather warmed up, body rattles went away. New Saturns probably wont have that problem as panels are no longer plastic. I also own a 97 SL1 Saturn which has 109K on it. I dont expect this car to last as long. It is a glorifed Chevy Cobalt. Not sure my next car will be a Saturn