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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  My Third Saturn - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Katrina6366 - October 5 - 10:00 am

  So far, I really like this car. Ive had a Saturn S series and a Saturn L series in the past. The trunk is huge and the back seat is set up higher which is great for car seats. Its not perfect, but to find a car that was I would have spend 5K more and that wasnt something I was willing to do. Its a good car for the money.

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  Best for the money - 2005 Saturn ION
  By LovetheSat - September 30 - 11:43 pm

  I now have 12,000+ miles on it after 16 months of ownership. I have had one problem, the cruise control malfunction after a couple months and Saturn fixed it and no problems since. It is fun to drive, handles nimbly. Fuel milage is determined how you drive it, go quick and fast, 28 MPG, take it easy, 30+ MPG. I have had no problems except the cruise control and the Saturn Dealer has been the greatest in normal checkups. For the money, the ION 2 has been worth every cent and I will stick with the Saturn for many years to come and plan to replace it with another Saturn. I am very satisfied with the dealer and the car.

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  great car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By stantheman - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I compared everything in its class...Saturn reputation really won me over...the more time I spend in the car the better I like it...awesome

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  Saturn ion - 2004 Saturn ION
  By dvswift - September 22 - 2:00 am

  The new ion is not only has a cute exterior, but the interior design is very driver friendly. The car performs well and "feels" safe when you are driving. After driving Fords for the past 10 years, this is a very nice change.

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  saturn ion - 2004 Saturn ION
  By simone - September 16 - 2:00 am

  bought it for my daughter, has a a four speed standard trans thats really easy to drive(and fun! )great on gas, handles real well, rear drs swing out opposite front drs,fairly roomy for a small car, and it has an upgraded stereo system. 0% financing for 5 yrs made it a real sweet deal.

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  great car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By jgirl - September 16 - 2:00 am

  The saleswoman was wonderful. I owed a lot more on my trade in than it bluebooked for and she got me four hundred!!! dollars more than any other dealership bacause of the condition and the new tires,etc.

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  Love my new Ion - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Barbara Orishak - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Great handling, economy priced, I moved down from a full size car and I am not disappointed in the Saturn. Dealership was wonderful and continues to be helpful with questions. Handling is easy and fun to drive. Enough bells and whistles to feel like a more expensive car.

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  2004 Saturn Ion Redline - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Wrecked Redline - September 9 - 5:16 am

  I was recently a proud owner of a 2004 Saturn Ion Redline. I lost this amazing car to a T-Boning. This car is a blast to drive. With a 205hp supercharged LSJ, this car got up and went. The transmission was excellent with very solid shift points.The interior was a little bizarre but it had a very good feel. It was ergonomic and comfortable. The steering was awesome and precise but with all front wheel drive cars, you have torque steer, and this car had some torque. This car gets between 23 and 27 miles per gallon, so not the best for a four banger, but again this car is supercharged and I gunned it a lot.Again this car is a blast to drive, I’m proud to of owned this car.

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  LOVE THIS CAR - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Paulie - September 6 - 4:10 pm

  I have had my Saturn ION 3 for almost 3years now and i love it! I bought it used with 15,000 miles ...it now has 30,000 and its AMAZING! Great car, very reliable, great price, ITS A SHAME SATURN is no longer!!

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  pretty impressive - 2006 Saturn ION
  By ann - September 5 - 12:16 pm

  I brought my 2006 ION in October 2005 and I have had seemingly minor problems. The gas cap situation! Ive had to have that looked at three times because the admissions light continually stays on, which is still not working. My key did get stuck in the ignition twice, but I turned the wheel while turning the key and it worked (my brother taught me that!). Other then that, after three and a half years of owning my car, I just had my brakes changed and I have about 60,000 miles on it! With the exception of the dealership not being about to correct the ignition light staying on, I am pleased with the performance of my car. Sorry, but I would buy another Saturn if GM were not losing 21,000 jobs