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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  Wow! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By sjdan - May 26 - 10:00 am

  My first car was a saturn, so I know the company and know they are reliable. I expected a lot from this car, and it delivered. The car handles like a dream, it picks up really quickly, and is just fun to drive! Its easy in traffic jams, and just fun on the open road. The build quality is awsome, the seats are really comfortable, and the ride is solid. Its great to have a car thats both functional (with tons of trunk space, folding seats, a roomy back seat, and very safe) and fun.

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  Saturn ION - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Fielder - May 26 - 6:20 am

  Center console is awkward. Have to take eyes off the road to check speed or read displays. All arrows are in BRIGHT RED making my heart rate jump every time I look at it. Back end of car is too high for good visibility. I dont feel SAFE. Mileage is poor, as low as 8 (eight!) miles per gallon, highest has been 24 mpg. Trunk opening is too small, even though the trunk itself is roomy, cant get anything bigger than a small box inside it. Tires are hard to change. Front end is so long and car is so low it drags every time I hit a speed bump or dip. Cant see front and back of vehicle from inside, so hard to figure out where I am in relation to outside objects. I HATE this car!

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  Car Wont Start - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Saturn Stinks! - May 19 - 5:40 pm

  I bought a Saturn because I thought they were reliable and Saturn always made such a big deal of their great service. What a joke! I have the same IC chip problem in the ignition as lots of others. Before I knew this I contacted Saturn and they were absolutely not helpful. Told me to take it to a local GM dealer or drive and hour to the nearest Saturn dealer. No wonder they went out of business. I will never buy and never recommend a Saturn to anyone.

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  Love it after 24,000 + miles - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Big Ed - May 10 - 6:33 am

  Ive owned my ION 2 since July 03 and have nearly 25,000 miles on it. I havent had a single problem, not even the dreaded Daytime Running Light issue. Great mileage, peppy engine, decent sound system, and I like the center instrument panel a lot. It does everything its supposed to do and does it without complaint. I am 65" and was worried about interior legroom but it is comfortable for me to drive. I also have no problems starting it in the dead of winter or driving in snowy conditions. I also love the Saturn dealership. Terrific customer service. All in all, this is a great commuter car!

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  Perfect! Would buy this again - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Paula lang - May 7 - 5:46 am

  Handles fantastic. Easy to reach controls. Great fuel economy. I average 20 around town. Lots of acceleration, and room. Tight steering. Great comfort, seat very adjustable for anyone.

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  Tims Car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Tim - May 1 - 2:13 am

  I have driven this car twice to Ft. Lauderdale from Atlanta. I found that the street noise level was above average because I had to increase the radio volume while driving on the expressways and then lower it on city streets. I was a little uncomfortable after driving about 6 hours. I found that my car is reliable and I feel very safe while in the car.

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  Love my car - 2005 Saturn ION
  By bob - April 29 - 3:23 am

  This is my third straight Saturn product, and it has been as reliable as all the other Saturns that I have owned. I even sold my 93 SL to my daughter, and she still drives it and has not even thought about replacing it. I have traveled from Buffalo, NY to Nashville, TN a number of times, and for a compact car it is very comfortable to drive long distance.The gas mileage I was receiving aprox 400 miles per fill up on a 15 gallon tank

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  Excellent Value for Its Price - 2007 Saturn ION
  By PhantomSoul - April 26 - 10:36 pm

  Bought my ION when my 4-year-old VW Jetta needed a ridiculously expensive amount of repairs in order to pass the NJ emmissions exam. Since, Ive never looked back. The car has no known issues that Ive experienced and is very reliable, stable at high speeds and has actually been more fun to drive than the last car -- believe it or not. The dealership experience was great too. Pretty much everything youd expect from Saturns reputation. For those of us on a limited budget, the ION shows that we can still get a car that we actually enjoy driving.

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  More fun than any other saturns...! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Raj Sakthi - April 24 - 2:00 am

  To keep it simple... Yeas An engine that jumps at your touch. Excellent low end acceleration( much to the dismay of many drag racers..!!) Above par fuel economy Price( Yes price..!! I got mine with full package for about 14.5 Gs...;) ) And of course dealership experience..! ( Me having a friend there makes it even better..! ) Neas Interier – subpar and tasteless. Seats...GM penny pinched and made horrible seats Insulation...you can hear every conceivable road noise. Substandard body panel fittings Bottom line, ION is more fun than the traditional ‘florida’ bound Saturn owners have ever dreamt of…!!.

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  You dont get what you pay for - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Yellowbaxter67 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle strickly because it was the lowest cost for insurance. I like the exterior design of the car (clean and sleek looking). I have had the car for almost 5 months now and had the gas cap replaced twice. It keeps loosing on it on and making the engine light come on. I have taken it in three times and it was replaced twice. The decal on the bumper is already coming off. BEST BET...GET SOMETHING ELSE.