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 car to own. - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Papacat - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I love everything about it. Its costomizable and very fun to drive. Peppy engine.

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  my saturn - 2004 Saturn ION
  By kayk - August 30 - 2:00 am

  i have been a loyal saturn owner,my current saturn is my second and i love it as much as my first. i would recommend one to anyone.

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  Best Car Ever! - 2005 Saturn ION
  By My_Shell - August 25 - 11:43 am

  Not only was the purchasing experience amazing but the car itself surpasses expectations! It is amazing to drive! Very sporty feeling on the road yet compatible with family needs. The back "suicide" doors are not only attention grabbers, but fun and functional. The center dash mount is easy to get accustomed to and is a great conversation piece. Love this vehicle. The $3000.00 in rebates right now make this vehicle more than affordable. What a great purchase!!

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  Good Commuter Car - 2006 Saturn ION
  By epic_sandwich - August 24 - 6:36 am

  Ive owned my 06 Ion for 4 years, purchased used from a Saturn dealer with 22k on the clock. It just passed 80k the other day and thus far has been a good car. Average 33mpg, over 40 on trips. Issues thus far: AC compressor failed (replaced under warranty), power steering motor failed (out of warranty, dealer wanted $1300 to fix, I bought a used ps motor off eBay and did it myself for $80 bucks), ignition module failure (twice, $82 part at AutoZone), and now the front right wheel has a bad bearing and is causing excessive road noise. Most of the problems are easy and quick to fix, no car is 100% failure proof and I think this car is a good trade-off. People have unrealistic expectations.

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  My Last Saturn - 2005 Saturn ION
  By sfr - August 22 - 6:50 am

  This is my second and last Saturn vehicle. The ignition has been replaced three times in three years and is ready for a fourth replacement. Ive now developed a new problem where the power steering randomly cuts out but comes back if you turn the vehicle off and on again. I liked my first Saturn. The gas mileage is good - but there is a serious design flaw in the steering column architecture.

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  New Owner - 2005 Saturn ION
  By KenSat - August 20 - 6:26 pm

  I am the new owner of a berry red ION 1. It was purchased as basic transportation-my only option is air condiditoning. So far I love it, it rides well, has more than adequate acceleration, and the chassis feels solid and rattle free. I chose a basic Saturn over more heavily optioned Korean models and I am glad I did...The engine, suspension, and other major mechanical (engine, suspension, body) items more than compensate for extra colors in the plastic on the dash or power windows. The seats are comfortable, if firm. I do wonder about the longevity of the fabric. I even like the center gauges so loathed by auto magazines.

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  Saturn ION2 - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Sara - August 14 - 2:10 am

  With only 35,000 miles i already had to replace a gas cap and vent and valve because it did not pass emmissions. I cannot believe that I am already putting money into this car. I will make sure not to buy another Saturn again.

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  Re-thinking GMs quality - 2006 Saturn ION
  By KAMH - August 12 - 5:46 am

  The Saturn Ion is a sharp-looking 4cyl. sedan. I feel it has much more personality than, say, the Cobalt. My former 96 Saturn (before GM began manufacturing them) was built to last. My Ion is very reliable, but only with some fixing of things Ive NEVER had to fix on any car before, even when it was 10 years old. Ions are notorious for bad ignition switches. When you turn the key....nothing happens, not even a click of the starter. Ive replaced sway bar links, insulator and bushings. The catalytic converter is partially blocked up. My gearshifter was replaced in the first year for chrome chipping off the top. The current one needed the top superglued back on.

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  Was not ever happy with my Saturn - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Kim - August 11 - 4:26 am

  I have recently been in an accident with my ION2 and when they say they made the car out of dent resistant plastic they mean it. I hit another car and the left front fender literally shattered like glass. The frame of the car also broke. Needless to say my car was totaled. The good thing about it is the riding compartment of the car was not damaged at all. All of the damage was done on the exterior of the car.

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  Quiet,quick and responsive. - 2003 Saturn ION
  By jimbob67 - August 11 - 2:00 am

  We bought our Saturn Ion 3 in January. As far as reliabiliy 2 months is not enought time to fully judge, but so far no problems.. with anything. I like the smaller than usual steering weel which frees up room and contributes to the very responsive steering. The leather seats are nicley sewn dispite what I have read about the fabric seats. The 2.2l echotech 140 hp engine has plenty of power and does very well on the interstate.The automatic lighting is a plus and the 160 watt advanced audio kicks. The car could use wider leg room though.