2003 Saturn ION Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.28/5 Average
280 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

After 12 long years in production, Saturn is finally retiring its aging S-Series sedan and coupe in favor of the all-new Saturn Ion sedan and innovative quad coupe.

Pros:
  • Innovative rear-access doors on coupe, customer-focused dealers, numerous personalization options, great cargo capacity.
Cons:
  • Build quality not up to segment standards, unusual styling, lack of established service and repair history.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 280.00
  • I wanted to like it, really I did. - 2003 Saturn ION
    By -

    Ive had my ION3 for a little over 3 years, after owning an SL2 for 4 years. Honestly, I am not very happy with the car. The SL2 was a much better car. Most notably, the ION gets terrible gas mileage. I get about 16 city and 22 highway. My father has the same model ION3 that I do and his mileage is even worse than mine: 12 city, 19 highway. This is unacceptable. Also, there is nearly no leg room in the back seat. Its extremely uncomfortable back there. The novelty of having the instrument panel in the middle of the dash, rather than behind the steering wheel wears off rather quickly. I find myself wishing it were behind the wheel. And as with most Saturns, the car is too loud.

  • My blue baby - 2003 Saturn ION
    By -

    I love my car. I have had it 8.5 years. I had 0% for 60 months. I paid it off. I did have to put a new tranny in for like 3k in 09 at around 80k miles and a new (used) ac compressor for about 420$ in 2010 as well as a new tail pipe/catalyc converter due to a tiny hole in the muffler that midas said wouldnt pass inspection, but other than that I havent had any major repairs. I never broke down because of a car problem. In summer 2011, I was rear ended because the girl behind me didnt stop when I stopped behind a school bus and she cracked and messed up my back bumper on the drivers side. Bent the tailpipe (another replacement) but HER cars front end smashed up like an accordion!

  • Saturn Ion 2 - 2003 Saturn ION
    By -

    I purchased this NEW Ion 2 in late May of 03, its now late July. During this time my hood release fell off, I had to take it back in to get it fixed. Then I put my key in the passenger door to unlock it and the little metal piece that you put your key in fell into the door, the dealership in Columbia, SC said "That seems to be a similar thing happening to the Ion". Yesterday the little change drawer came off, I managed to fix it myself though. My wife also pointed out that the gas door is getting crooked and needs to be tightened. It is reliable so far though as far as getting yout from A to B.

  • You will love it too - 2003 Saturn ION
    By -

    Fantastic Buy Big trunk Engine Type: Four-cylinder 2.2 Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 140 @ 5,800 Torque (ft-lb @ rpm): 145 @ 4,400 Braking System: Front disc/rear drum Steering System: Variable assist power steering Suspension Type (front): Independent strut, stabilizer bar Suspension Type (rear): Semi- independent torsion beam, stabilizer bar Tire Size (front): P195/60R16 Tire Size (rear): P195/60R16 Curb Weight (lbs.): 2,769 Recommended Fuel: Regular unleaded Fuel Tank Capacity (gal): 13.5 EPA Fuel Economy (mpg): 24 City 32 Highway

  • Saturn Ion 2003 - 2003 Saturn ION
    By -

    Just bought an Ion and I want to tell you that GM has done it again. It handles like a dream and the interior is the best. I just recomended one to a guy at the gas station and he really like the car. Especially the bright blue color.

  • Best dollar for dollar car ever - 2003 Saturn ION
    By -

    Great ride, MP3 player is gread. Centre positioned gagues are easy for everyone to read and allow a lot more front windshield for the driver

  • Good Commuter - 2003 Saturn ION
    By -

    My ION has passed 87000 miles and has not given me any problems. The only repair issue has been a faulty oxygen sensor. The engine is decent for power and gets 30 mpg. The transmission does well enough but doesnt impress. The interior is touchy. The center instrument panel takes getting used to. The cup holders are badly placed, the seats are stiff and anything will stain the upholstery. The plastic interior and fans develop squeaking problems that require some mild garage rework to silence. The trunk has lots of space but has a small aperture. This was my first Saturn and the car has been very loyal, but it hasnt sold me on Saturn - the next car will be an open field.

  • It took me two years - 2003 Saturn ION
    By -

    I had worked for a Saturn dealer for a little over 2 years when I decided to buy my ION 3 Sedan. I had been driving them all the time for the past two years and new it was exactly what I needed. I love my ION. It is peppy and fun to drive. The seating is comfortable even after a 5 hour drive across state and then another 5 hours back. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a safe, reliable, fun to drive car that gets great gas mileage (30-35_ on mine - because I dont drive 95 mph like the people who only get 20-25 on theirs). Or to any other college student who needs a deal on car insurance like I do!

  • Good Car for Us - 2003 Saturn ION
    By -

    Weve been quite happy with this car. We did buy it used with 48k miles on it and have put on another 40 ourselves. We have taken it on a two week trip from MI out to CO going through several States and their cities in the process. There was 4 of us in the car with all our stuff in July and we were cool and comfortable averaging 32 MPG. Weve gotten as high as 34 unloaded w/o AC and 28 in the city. The 2.2L is pretty peppy in regards to a 4 banger and the 5 speed manual is a little sloppy but still fun. It stops well, turns on a dime and I think very fun to drive. We have only had to replace tires and change oil. It has been a very reliable car so far.

  • Love My Saturn - 2003 Saturn ION
    By -

    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.

Saturn ION Reviews By Year:
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