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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  Why is my car knocking? - 2006 Saturn ION
  By readingteach - September 28 - 4:16 pm

  I owned an SL2, and it went almost 150,000 miles until I traded it in for my current car, a 2006 I0N 3. The quality of the ION 3 is much poorer than with the SL. Its obvious that Saturn cut corners with the ION, which may account for its short run. Like others, Ive noticed that the interior seems cheaply made, and the material does easily stain. The biggest problem is that the car keeps surging when Im idling at a stop sign or a red light. Ive taken it to the dealer multiple times, and they cant find anything. I was originally very proud to own a Saturn since the company took a lot of pride in its products, but the company obviously doesnt care about quality like it once did.

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  Disillusioned - 2006 Saturn ION
  By sierpinski - September 20 - 8:46 pm

  I bought the car for its safety features, have a 2001 SL with 150,000 miles on it, wanted the security of a new car to drive a grandchild around in. It was brand new, only 10 miles on it. Nine days and 700 miles later, it wouldnt start. Dealer replaced the ignition. Well, Im angry, I put $10,000 of my money down on the car and dont want it now. The gas mileage stinks, accellerating seems to be painful for it. Everything about my 2001 SL is better, it runs better, it feels more roomy inside. The ION seats are like bulls in a china shop, there is no space to fit things under the seats, there is noplace to put a large-sized fountain drink. The car is a frigging nightmare, I hate it.

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  Junk dont buy it - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Amurtadi - September 15 - 3:30 pm

  ION2, Bought it new in 2004 for $20K thinking that I made a good budget decision but I had electrical problems since then. Burnt light bulbs, non functioning turn signals, non functioning fob. Took it to the dealer at least 6 times for electrical problems, 2 for Suspension problems, and once for rain water sneaks into the trunk. I discovered that because I needed to jump start it. You can pull the key out when it is on the acce. position without noticing and that will cause the battery to run dry.Interior is so cheap and is falling apart. Everything rattles, CD player gets stuck. Verdict Junk Junk Junk.

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  07 red line - 2007 Saturn ION
  By jonathan - September 15 - 2:20 am

  Not bad for a four cylinder. Lots of get up and go, and will take some gs in the corner. The car has great lines, inside and out. Overall the Red Line is not disapointing and is a blast to drive!

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  Loving It - 2006 Saturn ION
  By wkae - September 14 - 3:13 am

  I was first attracted to the car by its low price tag, but Ive found it to be a great little car to drive. True, it doesnt live up to the gas mileage estimates, but whose car does? Most of us dont drive our cars at 55mph anymore. This is a great vehicle for the price

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  My second Saturn - 2003 Saturn ION
  By TChoirAlto 2 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Saturn I have owned, and just like my last one, it is reliable, well-made and really fun to drive. The ION has all of the things I liked about the SL and it has lots of new features to like as well. The positioning of the instruments near the center of the dashboard allows excellent visibility through the windshield. The car is roomier than the SL and is higher off the ground, which makes entering and exiting much easier. Electric power steering is much quieter than hydraulic, and the IONs turning radius far surpasses that of the SL. The price is fair, and you get a lot for your money.

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  Edmunds is Rude - 2004 Saturn ION
  By ndspelman - September 5 - 2:00 am

  If you havent noticed by now, every compact/economy car, the edmunds ratings have been "sub-par." whatever, i guess if you compare the saturn ion to lets say a lexus, than hmmm, maybe it is a little less than---maybe perfect! But lets be realistic, what do you expect for $17000. Anyway, this is my second saturn, the first trade in was a 97 sl2 with 180000 miles! This one will take that trip as well. I love saturn, i love the ion, and my next will be the Vue. GO ION!!!!

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  Saturn ION3 - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Disnydude1 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  After having this ION 3 for 1 week, I am totally in love with it. All the automatic features are awesome. The pickup is great for a 4 cyl. engine. It rides beautifully and handles great. There is plenty of room for me in the front.

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  ion does it for us - 2004 Saturn ION
  By berbbel - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Im very pleased with the ION. Perfect first car for my daughter at a great price-competitive with used. Fun to drive for my wife and me as well. Someone should get a life when they critique the flat seats.

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  Something different - 2005 Saturn ION
  By JennyJ9986 - September 3 - 11:23 pm

  If you’re looking for something fun to drive, but you don’t want the cost of an RSX or the unpleasant ride of an SRT-4, then an ION Redline is the way to go. Its fraternal twin the Colbalt SS has the same engine, however the seats are not as comfortable as the Recaros and it doesnt have the two suicide doors for easy access. I like those things so I went with the ION. As far as the center console, I think it allows me to see more of the road, so really it’s just a matter of getting used to it. Plus it’s got 5 star crash test ratings, so not only is it fast, but its safe too.