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:

• 

  Saturn QC 2 with 2.4L engine - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Taxman - December 20 - 11:53 pm

  I traded a 2005 ION 2 sedan manual for this car - a Quad Coupe 3 manual with 2.4 engine. The revised engine, same as Cobalt, plus leather interior plus XM radio/CD/sunroof makes this Saturn a fun car. Revisons to struts and sway bars make for a nice firm and controlled ride - compared to ION 2. Leather is better than I expected - about as good as my old 2001.5 Passat GLX. Fit and finish quite good. No problems as delivered. Very good low end torque when compared with 2.2L engine. And the "deal" was very good - well below sticker plus $1,250 in rebates. Get one if you can find one

• 

  Redline ROCKET - 2005 Saturn ION
  By roderic - December 18 - 3:00 am

  It was unfortunate that there was a service campain to correct a problem with the camshaft timing right after I purchased the vehicle. Once corrected the cars full potential was reached. It has been a lot of fun driving this car. No other major defects. There was an issue with the front brake rotors but the dealership replaced them for me without asking and did it for free. I had some frustration, with Saturn, trying to find some technical answers but did manage to get what I needed eventually.

• 

  It started out good. - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Amanda - December 13 - 6:33 am

  I loved my vehicle. It has been a decent car. In the past two weeks I have begun to have issues with the ignition. This is something that is suppose to be common with this vehicle year and model. Per the dealership and corporate this is something easily fixed. So far the ignition cylinder housing unit has been replace twice and the ignition switch once. It appears I have purchased a lemon. It has been a good car up until this point. Saturn has also been kind enought to point out that there will be no further ION models after the 07 year.

• 

  2003 Ion 1 - 2003 Saturn ION
  By JHemminger - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Ion for 8 months now. This car has been a dream. Everyone who has ridden in or driven my Ion, loves it. The Saturn Ion sells itself i.e. As I was pulling into my driveway, ( I park outside), a neighbor who lives atleast 20 homes down stopped to ask what kind of car is that and asked how much I like it. I told him it is the funniest car I have ever driven and the styling is great both inside and out, it is a beautiful Saturn. 2 days later, I see him driving in his own Saturn Ion. It commonly gets confused with Audi. I have heard that from many a people. Gotta love the unique styling!

• 

  An Underaetd Car - 2007 Saturn ION
  By New Jersey Driver - December 9 - 4:33 am

  I traded in a 97 Sl 1 automatic for my ION. I have been very satisfied to date .I have had no problems at all. I find my ION to be comfortable, quiet & fun to drive . The fuel economy is good. I like the electronic steering. My ION is easier to handle than my SL 1 was . I was surprised by this car and it exceeds my expectations. The build quality is good and the interior is well put together .The Storm Grey color is beautiful. My ION holds the road well. Saturn refined the ION since its introduction and my 2007 shows the results.I do wish that the power window buttons would be easier to find at night. Overall my ION has a degree of refinement that I did not expect to find.

• 

  I hate this car - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Carole - November 13 - 12:00 pm

  I have the 2006 ION 3 and am so disappointed in this car. I bought it brand new and have had it in the shop 4 times in 3 weeks. Saturn has given me a rental car, but the inconvinience and unreliability of this car make getting into it a crap shoot versus a good experience. I hate this car and wish I had never bought it. I paid cash in full and have never been so displeased with a brand new car. Engine problems should not be a factor in a new car with 7000 miles. Ever. The great gas mileage is a lie also.

• 

  Quad coupe - 2003 Saturn ION
  By eyedoc2004 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in april. I was pleasantly surprised this vehicle. I still like it 8500 miles later. It has good performance, comfort, and convenience considery its economy car class. Its alot of car for what you pay for it and its practical and fun to drive. I drove a honda civic as well, and this car blows it away. Lots more power and interior room (im 6 3" and have plenty of head and leg room).

• 

  Great Car - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Tom Marquart - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I have had absolutely NO PROBLEMS with this car. We got it brand new, traded in my old trusty SL2 for it, the only thing I had to replace were the tires, but that was because of nails. The only real issue that I can see with this car is the plastic trim pieces. Although it is purely aesthetic, I had the drivers side trim between the doors break off. It is an $80 fix, so that kinda stinks, and some interior pieces are cheap to, but overall, its a great car, great in the snow, continually gets over 30 MPG, and I have actually been in 2 fender-benders and you cant tell. NO DAMAGE!

• 

  Re-skinned cobalt - 2007 Saturn ION
  By potatomasher - November 9 - 3:57 am

  Bought my Saturn ion sedan for about $6000 with the manual, from private party. As an engineer, I value my Ion. Fun to drive, kinda sporty for compact sedan. Made in Tennessee Comfortable seats Decent fuel economy with the 2.2. I averaged about 27-30 mixed driving. Reliable engine. Easy to work on compared to imports. Two bolts to remove this and that. Nobody I know has a positive thing to say about the styling...however it has composite panels to last on salty Wisconsin roads. This ion wont look like Swiss cheese in 10 years, and believe me, I am tired of working on rusty vehicles. Think of it as a more durable Chevy Cobalt. Have had no problems at all with my Ion.

• 

  Fun and practical - 2004 Saturn ION
  By jmbRN - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I find that the ION is a great car for commuting and for occassional passengers. Performance is more than adequate for freeway driving, and gas mileage is good, although not spectacular, averaging around 32-33mpg. Cruise control is a convenient bonus. The car may be small for a family, but for someone who frequently travels alone, its very comfortable.