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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  A car for the masses - 2003 Saturn ION
  By Summers - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Yes, in the 1960s the Soviet Union purchased a Fiat car plant from Italy and built a new town in Russia called Togliatti. At this plant they built the Lada. The Lada was a basic automobile. Advanced for its day, it was to become the car of the masses in that communist country. Now GM has come out with something equally benign. It all comes wrapped up in a pretty cool pakage. I dont care what people say about the futuristic lines and the centre mounted console, this car has character. Id say this car is worth the price, its good, its basic, its good to drive and its cheap. Trully a car for the masses!

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  I will never buy another Saturn - 2005 Saturn ION
  By michelle315 - July 14 - 8:36 am

  I have had nothing but problems with this car. I bought it new and have owned it for three years now. It has had three transmissions replaced. The first two were in the first year of ownership. It recently had the bushings replaced in the front control arm. I picked it up from the dealer, drove it less than 30 miles, when the control arm came loose and fell onto the rim of my tire. The mechanic did not tighten the pinch bolt after servicing. I am glad I was only traveling about 30MPH or I would have had a major accident, loosing all control of the steering. It felt like the whole bottom of my car hit the pavement!! I cant wait to trade this piece in, and will never buy another Saturn again

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  I LOVE MY NEW CAR! - 2003 Saturn ION
  By TammyR - July 11 - 10:00 am

  To tell the truth, Im not much of a car person. I cant ramble off specs, but what I can tell you is that this car is fantastic! Its peppy without being jerky and the ride is smooth. My last car was an Eclipse with a bangin sound system. If I can go from that to this...and love it, you will too!

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  First new car. - 2003 Saturn ION
  By nitsuj - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Maybe its just the contrast after driving a 1986 CRX HF (read: 63 hp), but I found the ION to have more than enough power. About a month after purchase, I took a 930-mile marathon road trip. There were a few mountain passes in my way, and i had no trouble blasting uphill with the A/C on full. The variable power steering, while a bit touchy at times, really turns to a rail at about 90. The price cant be beat: Im spending as much on my purchase as most people spend on a lease. And based on other peoples experiences with this company, I expect to be driving this car for a decade or more.

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  Great Car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By A/G - June 29 - 7:26 pm

  This is one great car. Easy to drive, fun, and looks sharp. Great fuel mileage. Great in the winter and summer. Just an all around nice car. I recommend it for a first car, or if you need a daily drive that gets good gas mileage but want to stay American.

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  First Impressions - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Deviant Gerbil - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased an 04 Ion 3 Special Edition Package. Very plush interior and amenities for under 20K. I actually traded in an 02 Subaru Impreza WRX (Expired Warranty, EXCESSIVE Ins. Premium) and will save $1800 in insurance a year. ...Anyway, about the Ion. Positive dealership experience and "Damn near give em away incentives" (GM Supplier Discount - $900 off of MSRP, $1500 Down Payment Assistance, and 0% financing) were exceptional incentives. Exceptional options on our Ion included a power sunroof, SHARP Tan & Black interior, Unique 16" Alloy Wheels (Replacing STD/OPT Wheels), and Anti- Lock Brakes w/ Traction Control.

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  JUNK!! The Worst Car I Have Ever Driven - 2003 Saturn ION
  By BHMnPalmBeach - June 25 - 1:56 pm

  Now that the car is a year and a half old I have observed many problems. One recall, a transmission problem that the dealer cant figure out, and countless other trips to the dealership for various repairs. The build quality is horrible. Everything rattles, the car gets horrible gas mileage compared to everything in its class(my Acura gets better economy and it has 60 more HP), and the transmission downshifts into to high a gear going down hill rather than letting the driver use the brakes. About the brakes, not very effective and the rotors warped after 100-200 miles. The value after 18 months is only $6000 compared with my Acura which is $16000 and the Acura was only $1900 more when new.

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  Great small car - 2005 Saturn ION
  By satisfiedsaturnowner - June 23 - 9:46 am

  Have had the car for almost a year now, and still love it. I have had no mechanical problems to date with it. Keep in mind it is a Saturn and will have its occasional pops and squeaks from all the plastic. Most of the noise is coming from the rear quad door, the top molding comes loose towards the rear of the door, but is easily popped back into place. It seems most of the reviewers have a problem with passlock, from experience on Saturn forums it appears this only happens in extremely cold conditions.

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  You get what you pay for - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Imalm - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a cheap dependable car to get me from point A to point B. That is what the ION delivers and not much else. It is uncomfortable on long trips and while it can seat five the leg room in the back seat is only suited for small children. Also, had a minor fender bender and it end up costing over $5000 to fix the car. The autoshop had a hard time finding parts.

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  Happy Satun Owner - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Saturn Guy - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I recomend this car. Got the coupe in silver and love the style and design of the out side with the rear spoiler. The quad coupe was a great idea. Gives you the sporty look of a coupe with the practicality of a four door. Like the simplicity of the design inside. The dealers low presure aproach to sales and good customer service is great. Fun car to drive.