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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  Shouldnt Have Bought It - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Just Eh - September 5 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I needed a cheap car fast (his completely died) but we wanted something that we would keep for awhile and liked the looks of. The ION has disappointed us pretty much from the start. The only thing we really like is that it is attractive from the outside. The frame flexes and creaks when doing something as simple as going over speed bumps. That isnt very comforting considering that one of the reasons we bought it was its safety ratings. We have had it for about a year and a half and are probably going to trade it in for a compact pick-up truck. If we are going to have something this uncomfortable to drive, it might as well be useful.

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  Satisfaction - 2003 Saturn ION
  By M. Knolla - September 3 - 2:00 am

  With 2,500 miles under my belt including 8 hour trips from Rochester, NY to Maine and back I can say that for the money, this is the best vehicle you can buy. At 64" leg and head room is a premium and this was the most comfortable out of the ten I test drove in its class. Handling, fuel economy, and pure aesthetics are all above average in this vehicle.

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  WORST CAR I BOUGHT - 2006 Saturn ION
  By HATE IT - September 2 - 6:26 pm

  Everything was fine the first year or so, but one of the first problems I had I was driving my car and the steering wheel wouldnt turn and I was going on a curve. I also heard rattling inside the steering column and was told it was a loose screw, but I still hear the rattling in there. My engine light came on twice in 6 months. And 5 times my car wouldnt start. Was told it was the battery which wasnt the case. Comes to find out that it was the engine switch. And I also had a transmission leak. And customer service were the ones telling me lies, like how the car "should be" fixed at a certain time. I worked hard for this car and its krap.

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  Ion - overlooked jem - 2005 Saturn ION
  By scott reilly - August 26 - 10:40 am

  I drive a lot of cars in my job. The ION is exceedingly quiet - especially for engine noise in this class of car. The ION 1 seats do need imrovement but the ION 2 seats are very comfortable. For the price - this car is very had to beat. Im getting real world 25 to 30 mpg. The Saturn dealer experience is as advertised - comfortable and accomidating.

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  What a Lemon - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Jhendy - August 22 - 9:06 am

  Car is up on factory warranty end of March 2010. Car has 53000Km Never had any problems until Feb 2010. Stereo went, then 2 weeks later the heater fan made a horrible racket, when in they noticed a axle seal leak. Beginning of march I noticed the car would accelerate from 40-60km/hr, dealership replaced MAR sensor, said my K&N filter caused it, and I replaced with a factory style filter, as per their recommendations. Car is doing the same thing now with only 100km since the last time I saw them. As well one wiper arm is now stuck. This thing is a LEMON DO NOT BUY!!!

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  Different But Good - 2003 Saturn ION
  By catbird1 - August 11 - 2:00 am

  When I initially looked at the new Ion I was not sure if I liked it as it was different as far as the interior and exterior designs. After the test drive I was impressed with the performance and ride and found the seats to be firm but comfortable. After 9,000 miles I continue to be well satisfied with the car and feel as if the center mounted gauge cluster is preferable over the conventional gauge cluster in my previous and other cars that I own.

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  Its been a great car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By George - August 2 - 7:46 pm

  The Ion has been a great car. The only mechanical failure, other than routine stuff like tires and brakes was a front wheel hub. The engine and transmission was redesigned for this model year and can really move for a 4 cylinder.

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  Owning my Saturn ION - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Amy Jordan - July 27 - 1:13 pm

  Ive had no problems owning this car. It has been a wonderful car since day one. I love the way it hugs corners, and the seats really support my body. I love the center dash because I dont really have to take my eyes off of the road to monitor my speed and other things, whereas you would to look between the steering wheel in a typical mounted dash. This economy sedan really puts the fun back into driving. The car is very responsive, but not too responsive like some cars. It seems to get pretty good gas mileage. This car performs very similar to a 6 cylinder car although it is a 4-cylinder. So I get good gas mileage in a car with plenty of power to get out of the way.

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  It Just Goes - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Cecil Mitchell - July 19 - 10:00 am

  The ION2 is a fun car to drive, it is very quiet and comfortable, ease of parking and plenty of headroom.

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  marketing strategy more honest - 2003 Saturn ION
  By TAILSKID - July 17 - 2:00 am

  HAD NO INTENTION OF BUYING ION WHEN I ENTERED SATURN SHOWROOM. A QUICK SCAN OF THE ION WAS APPEALING AND THEN TO THE STICKER ON THE WINDOW, SURPRISED ME TO NOT BE NEAR THE EIGHTEEN OR NINETEEN THOUSAND MARK. SATURN IS ONE OF THE FEW WHO DO NOT JACK THE PRICE UP TWO OR THREE THOUSAND THEN OFFER YOU A REBATE. THE MARKETING STRATEGY OFFERING REBATES AND DEALER DISCOUNTS IS A PROCESS OF PYSCHOLOGICALLY CONDITIONING THE PUBLIC FOR EVER INCREASING COST OF AUTOS. IF A CAR SELLS STRONG THE MANUFACTURER TAKES THE REBATE OFF THUS SKUNKING YOU FOR A HIGHER PRICE. SATURN ISNT DOING THAT AS I SEE IT. END COMMENT -- PRICE IS UP FRONT AND FAIR.