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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  The BEST Saturn YET! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Cool Jay - June 23 - 10:00 am

  When I first saw the ION I fell IN LOVE! Things like a Powerful engine smooth and quiet ride, plenty of room, great amount of trunck space and unique design. Meanwhile those uncomfortable seats that many complain about, something must be wrong with their butt because I find them very comfortable. As far as any other negative responses, this is an economy car people NOT A CADILLAC. The ION is just as good or better than any other economy car like the Civic or Corrolla and the $16K that I spent on my ION was well worth it.

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  This is a Saturn? - 2003 Saturn ION
  By CSE - June 23 - 10:00 am

  I just recently purchaced a Saturn Ion 3. Never considered this car company before, mainly because of the looks. I had friends that swear by these cars and have beat them to death. I had seen the incentive ads in the newspaper and decided to have a look and a test drive. That was all it took, just went to look and drove away with a loaded 3. Just took it on an straight 18 hour trip, confortable the whole way. Good gas milage, I like the gas filler on the right. I like the small steering wheel, makes getting in and out much easier, with the added plus of more leg room, good design feature. Im 64" tall and I fit! Way to go Saturn.

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  Whole Lot of Fun - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Lucky19 - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for three weeks and have put over 1000 miles on it. I love driving it. Its responsive, quick and turns on a dime. I didnt buy it to go 0-60 in 5, so I am pleased with how fast it is. I have the CVT automatic, and it regularly surprises me with power,agility and responsiveness. My daughter (9)loves the back doors and being able to see the guages. It took all of one outting to get used to guage location. I love the smaller steering wheel and I especially like the view out front. It is everything I expected for the money, and its even more fun than I thought it would be.

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  Great example of thinking outside of box - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Sidney - June 19 - 9:43 am

  Great car. Great example of thinking outside the box. It is an example of what I used to like about Saturn, not afraid to try something new. How many times have you bought a new car and only months later, find that you have door dings all over it from parking? Solution: Polymer body panels. The center console some people hate but I just love it. So much easier to see the instrumentation without having to look thru the steering wheel. The engine is smooth and refined, but the trans could use a bit of tuning. 2nd to 3rd shift is a bit abrupt when cold. The only service issue I have had in 50,000 miles are loose front stabilizer bushings. Front seats a bit soft. Very reliable so far.

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  Not for Winter - 2007 Saturn ION
  By KJC - June 18 - 8:50 pm

  This car is actually very nice to drive in the summer (or places that do not get more than a few inches of snow a year). It is great on fuel. I drive it about 3,000km a month. However saying that, I live in Southern Alberta this car is horrible to drive in the winter. It can get stuck in as little as 3 inches of snow with a slight drift. I have had this car for 2 winters now, one not finished yet and I have had to call road side assistance 3 times to get it unstuck and had to push it out about 30 times it high centers easily as well. In winter the only redeeming quality it isnt to heavy for 2 to push it out. Snow tires a must and youll still have problems.

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  Great Car - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Brian - June 18 - 5:20 am

  There are many cars for the same price and performance, what makes this one stand up? Well uniqueness will be my definition. Other small sport cars only have 2 doors and there rear seat passengers dont have easy access. others have 4 doors and they look like a sedan but with performance. this car does have four doors but once they are close it looks like one. Best part of all people think Saturns are family car with fuel economy and slow, well not the Red Line. 0 to 60 6.2 and 1/4 of the mile 14.80 not bad that all.

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  I had my-eye-on an ION. - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Chris - June 16 - 6:13 pm

  I was unsure about buying a Saturn. I think it was because their are a lot of them on the roads and the older ones have that real plastic look to them. I think that my 2005 Saturn Ion is pretty sharp. It is fun to drive and it handles well in the snow, which is helpful here in Wisconsin. It really is a sharp car inside and out and I would recommend the Saturn Ion to anyone. Chris

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  My Second ION - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Henry - June 10 - 4:20 am

  Buying an ION-2 sedan was one of the best choices I have ever made. I can tell from driving it that numerous improvements have been made since the ION came out in 2003. It handles well and has good acceleration. The automatic transmission works very well and is known for reliability. Also, this one is quieter than the early model IONs. Cosmetically, the steering wheel and the front fascia are big improvements on the 03-04 IONs.

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  Commuting Ion - 2004 Saturn ION
  By cajunmilkballs - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a commuter vehicle and the Ion3, loaded, was less than similiar cars I had priced. The horsepower was similiar to the others but was avaliable at lower rpms, it got 28-32 MPG, and with the incentives avaliable at that time it was a no brainer.

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  Great Small Car - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Cardog - May 31 - 12:26 am

  My college daughter had driven this car in Grand Rapids for the past year with wonderful fuel economy and through a lot of hard winter days. This was a great buy and it is too bad GM stopped making this fuel efficient and affordable small vehicle. She loves the center display as she is short and can see the road better with nothing block her forward vision. With a manual transmission the highway economy is 35mpg. She claims this is a very quiet car and I would agree as I have a couple of Saturn Vues, 2006 and 2007 and it is by far more quiet then these more expensive Saturns on the highway. With full airbags I feel confident she is in a safe vehicle even thought it is a compact.