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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  its all new to me - 2006 Saturn ION
  By DJ - February 21 - 8:36 pm

  well just bought it but so far so good, its a big change for me cause i fianlly got rid of my 93 roadmaster with a 350-5.7l..so to go to a 4cyl its a change. the car looks great feels great and sounds great..the center dash is nice once you get used to it. it was worth it though for myself, my wife and 2 kids...happy driving..and go try one it wont hurt..lol

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  excellent deal for your money! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By hopperdoc - February 16 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent car! I love it and you will too! I searched and searched before buying, and found this to be the best deal AND quality for your money. The sticker price is the price you pay at Saturn, there is no haggling, which is nice...you know right away what you are paying. Its a great car, period!

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  Saturn Ion 3 Review - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Michael Sico - February 16 - 10:00 am

  great car, drives well, not had 1 problem with the car so far unlike the mini cooper which I had for 3 months and was given my money back under lemon law. only suggestion would to make larger seats and more comfortable.

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  Dissappointed, sad, and upset - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Annie - February 13 - 10:03 am

  I bought my Saturn Ion new in February of 2006. After the first year of ownership I had the transmission replaced and it was not something I did but something they say just happened. I paid for it out of my pocket. I called GM and they said they were not going to reimburse me. I still own the vehicle and cannot drive it now. As of April 6, 2009 I was returning home from work, tried to turn off the ignition and it would not turn off. I called Onstar and they GM. Neither one knew what to do. My Saturn Ion ran for three hours sitting still because they could not figure out how to shut the car off. I had to have the ignition switch, steering column, and the key replaced. GM said it was natural.

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  Crude Design - 2006 Saturn ION
  By talismanPHL - February 8 - 12:00 pm

  Dark gray exterior looks great when its clean - very sleek lines. However, the interior is awful. Its filled with cheap mismatched plastics. We never did get used to the centrally placed dashboard - why not go with a normal dashboard with larger gauges? Extremely cheap seat fabrics that stained very easily and small rear seat with very little legroom.

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  Love My Saturn - 2003 Saturn ION
  By wvmediamogul - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my ION. It handles very well. The steering is extremely responsive. Also, the engine doesnt drive like your average 4 cylinder. It feels like it has much more power. The ION is also a lot more roomy than the old S-series. I used to own a 99 SL and at times I felt like a contortionist getting into and out of it. Granted, I am 63" and 280lbs. I have no problem getting into and out of the ION. I even have legroom to spare. Even though Saturn was about 5 years late for a re-design; it was well worth the wait.

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  so far so good - 2006 Saturn ION
  By bowtieguy4 - February 6 - 8:03 am

  hello, i owned a 2006 cobalt prior to this car and i had 65,000 miles on it. i had some of the same problems as other saturn owners had. i do however i enjoy the saturn more than the cobalt. it seems to be a better built car and drive better, the sound system is much better it has a dome light big improvment.I hope the power steering dont go out like on the cobalt that is a expensive fix,the center dash is a very nice design.the performace is better that is a nice upgrade. this car has a r title to it only paid 6000.00 for it in very good cond,will give more updates as i drive it more.

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  very satisfied in NY - 2004 Saturn ION
  By satisfied in NY - February 3 - 1:20 pm

  The car is fun to drive and gets excellent gas mileage. Love the polymer door panels no dings from parking lots. We bought the car new in 2004 and have put 80,000 miles on it other than tires and front wheel bearings the only thing we have done is oil changes. We bought the upgrades of Anti lock brakes and traction control. The car is great in central NY winters and has been dependable since the day we bought it.

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  Love my 1st Saturn - 2003 Saturn ION
  By migs40 - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive; Able to carry large items because of suicide doors

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  Great Car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By pauljb201 - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Tons of Space in the vehicle, and i love driving it. I traded my mercury mountaineer for it because the gas was killing me. Saturn gave me 1000 for down payment, then another 750 for being a college grad. I do love it, and it has some pep.