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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  Great Car for the $$$ - 2003 Saturn ION
  By GaIon - August 6 - 10:00 am

  You certainly cant ask for BMW performance in this price range, but for under $15,000 this car is great! More than adequate power, gas mileage, and comfort. Center console doesnt take much time to get used to. Only complaint is the electronic power steering is a little loose and is hard to keep going straight without constant adjustments.

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  1st Saturn purchase - 2003 Saturn ION
  By MCGIRL - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my car. It is fun to drive. It gets noticed. Everyone has a comment about its unique styling, i.e. center mounted cluster bezel. My mom bought one within weeks of my purchase. However, be mindful of purchasing this car if you have children-especially big ones. I have 3. I can only transport two in the rear seat in car seats. With car seats in place, I cannot fit a 3rd person, even a small one in the rear seat. Although Ive got my sites on buying an SUV in the near future since Im doing most of the family transporting, I hope to hang on to this car as my "fun car".

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  Vehicle Rating - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Tamara Manley - August 1 - 8:03 pm

  My car, is literally my office. With all the driving that I do, I am very comfortable. Its great on gas, so it goes easy on my pocketbook. The dealership is also very friendly, and always makes me feel like I am the only customer there. The kids love the car, and when we go on long trips, everyone is comfortable, including my husband who is six foot, four. When I first looked at the car, I was never pressured into buying it, and I went back several times before I bought it.

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  Great... - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Luis - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Great to drive....Great handling...

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  Boo for the ION - 2003 Saturn ION
  By June Ruggiero - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I have been beyond disappointed with my Saturn Ion. We drove up to Syracuse for a wedding with my suitcases in the trunk and my bridesmaids dress laid out on top. When we arrived in Syracuse, it was raining. I opened my trunk to and the rain came pouring off of the trunk ONTO my dress. Not good, especially after a 5-hour car ride and the back pain from the uncomfortable seats. And on top of that...I have already had 2 flat tires on my 4-month- old car. The idiot customer service manager with whom I spoke did not make matters any better. Overall, a HUGE disappointment.

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  Love my ION - 2004 Saturn ION
  By wayne - July 20 - 11:20 pm

  Driving this car is great. The electric steering system is better than other systems. Went through a heavy hail storm, polymer panels came through without any problems.

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  Good inexpensive car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By kevin68 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I really like my saturn Its fun to drive Great gas mileage Alittle noisy Overall a good buy

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  Good Car For The Money - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Mike The LV Bear - July 7 - 10:00 am

  This ION is my second Saturn (I traded in a 2000 SL1), and its the best Ive ever driven. I love its quirky design and interior (a refreshing change from the cookie-cutter designs from Asia) and its overall value for the money. Of course, the large rebates and low financing helped; I went back to Saturn in part because of the dealer and because the SL1 was a reliable car. So far, no regrets.

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  Great value - 2004 Saturn ION
  By ChrisION - July 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my first car. I bought it on 7/31/04 and so far it has been a very good deal. For the price, the only other cars near it are the Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent, Toyota Echo, and Chevy Aveo, but the ION is bigger than all of those. I got the Berry Red ION1 model with Auto, A/C, and CD player. My only complaint is that the sun visors are somewhat flimsy and small. The center mounted IP is convenient since Im on the short side and its easier to see over the wheel. Id buy another one in a heartbeat.

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  My great little car! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By mcnoles - July 2 - 10:00 am

  This car has been wonderful! The fact that the speedometer etc... are in the center of the dash is great! I am on the short side, and it is sooooo much easier to see over the hood! This little car has the get up and go I need when I need it. I drive 120 miles round trip 5 days a week, and have simply had a blast!