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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  What Next? - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Neveragain - April 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new in 2006 and loved it at first. Then one night during a rain storm my car alarm went off for no reason. The next day I found the foam seal along the top of both doors is badly weathered and rain water runs in along the door panels and puddles on the floor. With 20,000 miles the front struts are shot and just yesterday my key became stuck in the ignition while the car is running. Likely the ignition cylinder will need to be replaced (from the looks of it this is a huge big with the ION). And who will have to pay for it all? My guess is GM will bail on that as well. So here I sit with a car that leaks every time it rains, bad suspension,and a junk ignition cylinder.

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  Best dollar for dollar car ever - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Traynor - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Great ride, MP3 player is gread. Centre positioned gagues are easy for everyone to read and allow a lot more front windshield for the driver

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  Red Line is fantastic - 2005 Saturn ION
  By richter - March 26 - 6:50 pm

  Everything about this vehicle screams engineering ingenuity. The engine seemed weak to me on paper, but once you get in that red line and you feel the pull of that supercharger you realize this car is faster than any Saturn should ever be. No dent panels is a plus for us less than talented driveway drivers. Loves to sip the gas but...can accept both regular and premium gas and the car (itself) adjusts to the gas after 3 tanks of it. The pedals seem kind of close but Ive never driven a manual before. The shifts are crisp, the engine is responsive with no lag, and the steering is just fantastic (its assisted electronically). This car screams SLEEPER so catch your Zzzzs

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  Good Commuter - 2003 Saturn ION
  By smithbr - March 15 - 4:00 am

  My ION has passed 87000 miles and has not given me any problems. The only repair issue has been a faulty oxygen sensor. The engine is decent for power and gets 30 mpg. The transmission does well enough but doesnt impress. The interior is touchy. The center instrument panel takes getting used to. The cup holders are badly placed, the seats are stiff and anything will stain the upholstery. The plastic interior and fans develop squeaking problems that require some mild garage rework to silence. The trunk has lots of space but has a small aperture. This was my first Saturn and the car has been very loyal, but it hasnt sold me on Saturn - the next car will be an open field.

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  It took me two years - 2003 Saturn ION
  By R - March 1 - 5:30 pm

  I had worked for a Saturn dealer for a little over 2 years when I decided to buy my ION 3 Sedan. I had been driving them all the time for the past two years and new it was exactly what I needed. I love my ION. It is peppy and fun to drive. The seating is comfortable even after a 5 hour drive across state and then another 5 hours back. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a safe, reliable, fun to drive car that gets great gas mileage (30-35_ on mine - because I dont drive 95 mph like the people who only get 20-25 on theirs). Or to any other college student who needs a deal on car insurance like I do!

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  Warm weather only! - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Catt - February 28 - 10:03 pm

  Aside from the plastic construction, & non-ergonomic interior, I can only recommend this car to be owned in warm climates. From my experience, once the temps fall to freezing, the anti-theft system in the steering column freezes, the engine is incapacitate & you are stranded. I have to carry a small electric heater & a very long extension cord with me & insure I park near an outside outlet. Getting rid of it as soon as possible, & I will never buy another. Saturn denies there is any problem with the anti-theft & will not remove it.

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  Gotta get ya one! - 2005 Saturn ION
  By kristinsue57 - February 28 - 12:36 pm

  After driving full-size pickups my whole life I was a bit worried about the safety of a car. The ION is one of the safest cars on the road today and it fits so well into my life! I work for my home and car and on my last trip I got as good as 36 mpg - way better than any truck! Its also fun to drive and handles great. We are getting ready to start a family and this is the perfect size vehicle for that young, cool mom!

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  All around great car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By hickenb - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I am a retired new car dealer,the Saturn ION is the most car for the money out there today.I test drove the Mazda 3 the honda and the toyta. The quality was equal or better and the price much better.

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  Best car for the money, hands down. - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Getch - February 26 - 4:06 pm

  Built in America, built by Americas, and reliable. The Honda Civic doesnt even compare in my mind in terms of price and quality.

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  Good Car for Us - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Joel - February 24 - 7:16 pm

  Weve been quite happy with this car. We did buy it used with 48k miles on it and have put on another 40 ourselves. We have taken it on a two week trip from MI out to CO going through several States and their cities in the process. There was 4 of us in the car with all our stuff in July and we were cool and comfortable averaging 32 MPG. Weve gotten as high as 34 unloaded w/o AC and 28 in the city. The 2.2L is pretty peppy in regards to a 4 banger and the 5 speed manual is a little sloppy but still fun. It stops well, turns on a dime and I think very fun to drive. We have only had to replace tires and change oil. It has been a very reliable car so far.