2005 Saturn Ion Ratings
Getting firsthand information from an actual car owner is one sure way to get an idea of car performance once it leaves the lot. Autobytel features real consumer reviews that give the unbiased experience of a car.
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2005 Saturn ION
great car, nice on the road
Pros: Easy driving
Cons: i added front door locks, it came with none
Easy to drive, I loved it from the beginning,- Recommend this vehicle to a friend? Yes
- How long have you owned this vehicle? 5 years
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2005 Saturn ION - 1 (M5) Sedan
Pros: Quiet and comfortable ride
Cons: The size
Advice: Drive one for yourself.Don't let articles like the one here on Auto Bytel discourage you. Doesn't even seem close to the car that I actually own and live with every day.
Best kept secret in the industry. The reviewers love to hate it, but it's been a fault free, quiet economical car since day 1.The ride alone is worth the price of admission: smooth and comfortable. Just returned from a road trip: LA to Tucson, to Salt Lake City back to LA, hit all conditions incl. freezing and snow and ran it like I stole it and it still returned 35-37 mpg, with an automatic. This one will be running long after the auto scribes who hated it have retired. Get one now, production stops Mar. 27, 2007 -
2005 Saturn ION - 1 (M5) Sedan
Pros: none
Cons: my engine light comes on every 3 weeks.
Advice: DO NOT BUY THIS CAR ITS HORRIBLE!!!!
I would never recommend to anyone to buy this car. I wish someone warned me about the problems this car has. My car has been back to the dealer every month since i bought it in July of 2005. I wish I bought some other car and not this one. -
2005 Saturn ION - 3 (M5) Coupe
Pros: I love the 'suicide doors'. I like having a two door with the ability to be a four door for kids.
Cons: I can not depend on it. I wonder what is going to go wrong with it next.
Advice: Do not buy it.
My Saturn Ion is at the dealer once again. I have owned it for exactly two years. Within the first couple of hundred miles, the car shook terribly on the expressway and when braking. The tires were rebalanced and the rotors were replaced because they were warped. That was the least of my worries. I am now on my third set of rotors due to warping. The front right strut was blown which consequently ruined my tire. The car has a constant sound like a bearing is out. Bushings were replaced in the front due to a thumping sound under the front of the car. The door behind the driver had to have the window and rubber replaced due to leaking water on the floor. The handle to open the hood came off in my hand. The handle to adjust the passenger front seat comes off repeatedly. The door behind the driver rubs the quarter panel and the running board from time to time. The fuel door chipped paint off of the car because it wasn't centered properly. I complained about an idling problem repeatedly, but only recently was it addressed. One morning, the car would start and then shut off. The pass lock sensor and ignition switch was replaced. The radio is frequently cutting in and out. I complained about a growling noise at low speeds. The transmission was updated and the fluid was replaced and a detergent was added. About a week later, the transmission went completely out. The belt in the transmission broke! I got it back last week and now the car has a bad vibration, the transmission makes noises, and I hear a thumping noise when I go over bumps!!!!! I am supposed to pick it up tomorrow. I am afraid!!!!! Did I mention that I used to be a 'Saturn Girl'? This is my third Saturn. I was even at the Homecoming in Spring Hill, TN. This is my last Saturn!! -
2005 Saturn ION - 2 (M5) Sedan
Pros: Handing. Electronic power steering is flawless, sharp curves a 'kick' with +.80G standard chassis bits.
Cons: I honestly haven't found anything major, although the behind-shifter tray could be a little deeper.
Advice: Don't be scared off by possible negativity about the brand. The '06 ION is a decidedly more refined vehicle than when it was introduced. Saturn dealers are great to work with, which is a key to fixing problems ALL makes will have.
Bought an '06 Ion after driving it and several other makes. Smart, simple engineering, good performance and great handling. Ordered with automatic, ABS, traction control, side air bags, PW,PS,PDL, keyless remote. Otherwise a 'plain' ION 2. Could not beat the price for the equipment received. Delivered to dealer from factory within 9 working days. Delivers right on the EPA 'money' gas mileage. Plenty of room. Huge truck. I keep cars for a long time, so I was particularly interested in dent-resistent plastic panels and not concerned about potential depreciation. Outside and inside fit and finish very good, better than on my two Ford vehicles (one of which required a new long block at 6500 miles--but that's another story). Car receives positive comments from everyone (Berry with Grey interior.) Having a great area dealer also helped, as did painless buying/financing process. -
2005 Saturn ION - 2 (M5) Sedan
Pros: Power sun roof
Cons: None
Advice: Consider ABS and side air bags. Give this car a test drive before you buy an import.
I test drove an Saturn ION2 with a 5 speed. I am not fan of non-US cars. The drive was firm and tight without being hard. Shifting was easy and fluid. Matched with the five speed, its performance was much more than peppy. Controls are easy to reach. The car's ride and interior space were like a larger car. The plastic body panels are a nice feature here in Michigan where we salt the roads every winter. Interior design is a bit edgey. The offset speedometer, etc. is easy to read without taking your eyes off the road. It is right below the rear view mirror. I bought this car and it is giving me 30 mpg with a mixture of highway and city driving on my 20 mile round trip to work. -
2005 Saturn ION - 2 (M5) Sedan
Pros: the cabin layout
Cons: the rearview mirror
Advice: excellent choice, i have no regrets
Extremely smooth and quiet ride. Very roomy.