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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  Whats Really Going On - 2004 Saturn ION
  By matthew romero - May 12 - 8:33 pm

  I,ve had my quad coupe for about two years,It ran good for about a year,with scheduled maintenance. At about 40,000 mi. it started getting out of control with problems. Power windows stopped working, when starting the car it began to idle at 4,000 rpms and down,or not start at all, and finally the transmission quit, and the car has been parked for almost a year, with $5,400 in aftermarket parts, time to part it out, and get a new honda civic.

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  Worst car ever owned - 2005 Saturn ION
  By von - May 12 - 1:40 pm

  I have had more problems with this car than any other. It has been in the shop too many times to count. I now could swim inside my car its leaking soo bad, yet Saturn is telling me its not there problem. This problem, along with many others that Im having with the vehicle are listed on what Im being told is recalls. Saturn of course is telling me there is no recalls. 2005 was the worst year they had with this vehicle so I find it hard to believe there is no recalls. I have many other problems but too many to list. I have owned a Saturn in the past and loved it which is why I bought another one, but I will never buy one again.

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  Memphis thang!!!!! - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Bibbles - May 4 - 5:07 am

  I love my ion to death. Bought the 07 model in 2010. This vehicle has been there for me in more ways than 1. Still goin strong til this day. I love u my ion. 177,000 miles and we aint stopping til the wheels fall off...

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  Great little car - 2006 Saturn ION
  By jgroovydaisy - May 3 - 4:50 am

  I needed a reliable car and that is what I got. Once I got used to the instrument panel being in the middle, I havent had any problems. I am enjoying my vehicle and looking forward to years of use.

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  Favorite out of 9 cars - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Sue - May 2 - 5:20 am

  So far so good. It is a quick little car without the hassle of too much hype. Great in all seasons.

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  Go fly the outer skin. - 2007 Saturn ION
  By Sylvia - April 26 - 2:43 pm

  Just dont drive on windy days after 8 years. Gm ambassadors dont return calls and suggest its your fault that their plastic exterior is faulty. Its costing us approximately $800 TO FIX THEIR FAULTY PASTIC EXTERIOR COVERING. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER GM PRODUCT.!!!!!!!!

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  Good, cheap car - 2003 Saturn ION
  By bobwill - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car at the end of December, so far everyone whos seen it has liked the looks, and everyone whos ridden in it likes the performance and ride. I got it with ABS/traction control, A/C, and CD-Player. I have to say, its quiet, responsive, gets decent mileage, and has plenty of room. Reviewers have complained about uncomfortable seats, but I have to say I find them more comfortable than most car seats. I think this has to do with my 63" frame, and sitting in a seat that is molded to fit a 59" person like a glove does not work with my back.

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  Ok car - 2007 Saturn ION
  By cloewe08 - April 21 - 5:10 pm

  I got an 07 ION sedan 2.2l automatic alloy wheels spoiler sunroof and was excited. I loved the car for about the first 6 months then realized some of the poor quality that went into it. The seats are extremely cheap. I only have 22,000 miles on the car and the fabric in the drivers seat is coming loose. Also the light grey fabric throughout the interior stains extremely easily. This is more apparent as you own the car for a year at least and anything will stain the seats/carpet. At 18000 miles the driver window fasteners failed and the window was loose inside the frame. The sunroof creaks when you go over a bump or change in road incline (like up a steep driveway). Engine s great.

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  Unhappy with Saturns 2005 ION3 - 2005 Saturn ION
  By tialynn510 - April 9 - 3:30 pm

  Dont buy a Satrun unless you want to spend a lot of time at the dealership. Within the first month I had it in for service on the cruise control, it didnt work at all. I had to have the cd player replaced twice because they ate my cds which they did not bother to replace. The front turn signal bulbs keep blowing out I have had to replace them both twice. While I understand that these are not major isuues they are thing that you have to take time out of your day to take care of. They want you to drive clear across town so they can fix it when and if they have an opening for you, and god forbid you have somewhere to be like work you have to demand a rental car. Which is a total joke.

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  not a happy camper - 2005 Saturn ION
  By Samantha - April 8 - 8:13 pm

  i bought this ion from a friend, in which i just bought it before winter came, had the car not start for me. called the dealership and they were very helpful, replaced the ignition switch. all seemed fine and dandy, due to the nice weather showed up again. march/April of this year, i installed command start, guess what, got cold out car would not start. u buy a command start for this purpose or am i not correct on that lol. they replaced the bcm *body control module* and so far so good, hasnt stranded me yet. i live in Saskatchewan Canada, so ya, we go from plus 30 to minus 10 in 24 hrs.