Used 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 - 2 (M5) Coupe
Pros: The style, acceleration, and smooth ride.
Cons: interior needs slight improvement, more buttons, gadgets, and creature comforts.
Advice: Remember, your Saturn won't turn into a rust bucket in 3 years.
I thought the critic's review was very biased. I test drove several Japanese and German small cars before settling with the Saturn ION. I have no problem with the plasic, and it almost sounds as if the critic is a son of a sheet metal tycoon. The Plastic of course isn't going to sound like metal when shutting the door. But it's lighter and doesn't rust, also it does not dent. I'd rather pay a little more for those comforts, rather than look like I'm driving a beater in 2 years. -
2004 Saturn ION - 3 (M5) Sedan
Pros: the look
Cons: back seat leg room
Advice: go for the newer models ( most of the kinks have been worked out)
i got my ion in june 04. so far the only problem u have has with it was the left turn signal which was recalled and fixed once and havent had a problem since. I love the sporty look and think its a great car. I do think the interior could have been a little better but it does it job and more without problems. -
2004 Saturn ION - 1 (M5) Sedan
Pros: good for us shorties
Cons: problem, after problem, after problem, after problem, after problem, after problem, after problem,...
Advice: DON'T BUY IT!
I bought a 2003 Saturn ION in September of 2003. The first 10 months were great...with the exception of getting backed into and being unable to replace a part that the factory can no longer make properly (head lamp holder) - so the new part is in worse shape than the one that broke when being backed into. In March and again in August of 2003, I had to replace a front signal night - took it in and got fixed under a technical service bulletin. I soon noticed that the back passenger door always sounded like it was open - turns out I needed new weathering on it. The really annoying problems started in October when the car would randomly not start. First, they couldn't duplicate the problem, so they gave it back. It was towed in one week later because it wouldn't start again. Then, they replaced the body module stabilizer (?) but while testing it before returning it, it wouldn't start again. They then replaced the ignition protection switch (anti-theft system on all ions). I got the car back and two days later, it wouldn't start. This time they had the car for almost a month, and finally identified the problem - it was the fuel pump, which they described as sounding like a dying cow when tapped. So, they replaced it. The car has been starting ever since (knock on wood). Ten days ago however, they replaced a fan in the heater because it was sqeeking - now I have to take it in again tomorrow because the problem has started all over again. The worst part is, I'm leasing it and can't just sell it. Service techs have been nice, but need to take more initiative to get this hunk of junk out of my possession. -
2004 Saturn ION - 2 (M5) Coupe
Pros: the look
Cons: the dependability
Advice: Buy something else.
Below is a list of problems that I've had with my 2004 Ion, bought brand new. Nov. 03 - Bought the vehicle. It had a scratched armrest that needed to be replaced. Dec. 03 - Started having problems with static in the radio. Radio is replaced for the first time. March 04 – Continued problems with static in radio. Replaced it for a second time, and replaced recalled fuel filter. Also replaced the retained accessory power software, also recalled. April 04 - Continued problems with static in radio and it is replaced for a third time. Also complained of an idle problem while going downhill. It was tested and found to have no problem. Aug. 04 – Radio is finally recalled by Saturn and an updated replacement is installed. I complained of a thumping noise coming from the front of the car when going over bumps at low speed. The front antisway bar bushings were determined to be defective and they were both replaced. Also, a grinding noise was coming from the VTI transaxle. They replaced the transmission case cover assembly, valve body assembly, and the oil cooler lines. Jan. 05 - Brought in vehicle because of a grinding noise when first starting up, and a whistling noise coming from the vent fan. They found nothing wrong. Jan. 05 – Brought back vehicle for the same grinding noise and they found the entire transmission to be defective. They replaced it. They also replaced the HVAC blower motor to fix the whistling problem. The problem still exists. The car has less than 25,000 miles on it and is only fully covered by the warranty until 36,000 miles. If the warranty was not in place, the repairs listed above would have cost me almost $11,000. Not to mention the costs involved in car rentals, and the inconvenience of continuously having to bring my brand new car back to the dealer over and over, then picking it up again. Unfortunately, this car has been a huge disappointment, and has not lived up to the quality standards that I thought Saturn was known for. -
2003 Saturn Ion - 2 (M5) Sedan
Pros: the dash
Cons: trade in value
Advice: dont buy it unless you plan to have it forever
drves ok if you dont like performance or any kind of quality it's my wifes car and we can't wait to get rid of it -
2003 Saturn Ion - 2 (M5) Sedan
Pros: Comfy seats.
Cons: Transmission and electrical problems.
Advice: Get the exteneded warranty, at 40,000 miles I still have to take it in for repair.
Car is comfortable and quite roomy. Issues we have had are transmission problems (automatic) and other electical problems. Too many visits to the service department have been difficult. -
2004 Saturn ION - Red Line Coupe
Pros: supercharger
Cons: center island
Advice: try it out, performs like a V6 with gas milage like many 4 cyl.
A blast to drive... Quick out of the blocks and the improved suspension/brakes hold you tightly to the road. A completely different ride than other saturns I've been in. My only complaint is the center island where the stick is mounted. There is no room to put anything other than a soda.