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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  03 saturn - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Hard worker - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I got into a drivers side impact accident and the car saved my life. I walked away with just a bruise and the car was totaled.

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  Saturn ION 3 - 2004 Saturn ION
  By drkeer - April 13 - 10:00 am

  Terrible reflections from dash to interior windshield. Dash lighting(red lamps are terrible. You can see them at night but in the day time they are impossible to read. Noisy rude. Interior finish is also below standard. No dash control for Cabin light. Interior room is lacking . Nowhere to put Items when you are traveling. Coffe holders are too small.

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  excellent car for the price - 2004 Saturn ION
  By carrier - April 13 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a better design than the s series. comfortable and roomy for a family of four, handling is awesome. tunk compartment is huge for a small compact car.

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  Try to find another area - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Razer - March 31 - 2:23 pm

  This car is great, I still haven`t driven to it`s maximum, it gets the heart racing especially when down shifting, real smooth, and with those seats, you stay in place

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  My 28th car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By 1st Saturn Buyer - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Een though I have had my Saturn for only 2 weeks, I feel that it rates a review. I rated it as a 10 because it is a great value. You get a lot of car for the money. I traded an Olds Alero for the Saturn. The ION 3 had more standard equipment than most other cars. The only options I have are ABS/TRAC and the Travel Package. For those of you who want more standard features on the ION 1, why didnt you get a 2 or 3? Then, you would have had your goodies as standard.

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  Fine With Me - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Smookiepooch - March 30 - 5:03 am

  I bought my Saturn at the end of 02 and at 133,000 its still going strong. Ive had some problems recently but with that many miles its bound to happen. My blinker went out but that was a recall item so it was fixed for free. The only 2 major problems I had was my key got stuck in the ignition and my fan went out, fixed both for under $200.

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  Employee reviews? - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Mary S. - March 27 - 5:20 pm

  I only wish I had shopped around before buying this car. Our experience with this car has been horrible yet all these GREAT reviews....sounds awfull fishy to me. Little history. Was in the shop with a transmission problem at a little over 400 miles and now a brake problem. Oh, and did I mention the interior...I thought it would grow on me but cheap is cheap and uncomfortable. My kids hate it and complain it is difficult to sit more than 30 min in the back seats. Oh well, live and learn. Should have listened to my husband. He wanted a Honda.

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  I love it! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Quickbeam - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car about 3 weeks now and Im still so happy with it. The drivers seat is VERY comfortable, the only complaint I had initially was the size of the center console meant my right leg butted against it but a seat adjustment slightly back straightened my leg and stopped the discomfort. I like the height of the seat, which is adjustable higher or lower. The old Saturn felt like your butt was dragging the ground but the new seat really puts you up there for a more comfortable view.

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  Great Bang for the Buck! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By joet - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I choose the Ion 1 with automatic transmission, air conditioning, compact disc player, and anti-lock brakes with traction control. The total retail price was $11,375 after applying $1,000 owner loyalty money, $1,500 Ion incentive, and $750 college graduate money. The whole buying experience is such a relief. If you havent driven an Ion - do yourself a favor and give it a shot.

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  I Love My Saturn ION 3 Quad Coupe!!!!!!! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By bubba1 - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This is the best designed Saturn yet. It is my third Saturn and Im amazed at how well theyve done on the Quad Coupe. This car is responsive, fun to drive, economical, and handles extremely well. The 16" rim/tire combination is a big plus. The ION 3 easily outhandles most of the sports sedans in the tight curves of the road. Its almost as if the cars been glued to the pavement. The CVT trans is a wonder to drive. Its smooth, responsive and well designed. The "drive by wire" power steering is very responsive and gives just the right amount of feedback to the steering wheel.