The Saturn Ion is a stylish compact with innovative features. It drives nicely and offers adequate performance. Ion offers a good value and lots of interior space for people and cargo. Saturn buyers report happier experiences when buying and servicing than with other brands. Dent-deflecting and rust-resistant plastic body panels add to the Ion's appeal.
New Car Test Drive editor Mitch McCullough filed reports from Detroit and Los Angeles; with Keith Buglewicz in LA.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
Model Lineup:
Saturn Ion 1 sedan ($11,430); Ion 2 sedan ($14,380); Ion 3 sedan ($15,909); Ion 2 Quad Coupe ($14,930); Ion 3 Quad Coupe ($16,680); Ion Red Line coupe ($20,885)
Engines:
2.2-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4
Transmissions:
4-speed automatic
Saftey Equipment (standard):
dual-stage frontal airbags; load limiting retractors with pretensioners for front seatbelts
Saftey Equipment (optional):
ABS, traction control; curtain airbags
Basic Warranty:
3 years/36,000 miles
Assembled In:
Spring Hill, Tennessee
Specifications As Tested
Model Tested (MSRP):
Saturn Ion 3 sedan automatic ($16,805)
Standard Equipment:
air conditioning; power windows; remote central locking; power mirrors; 16-inch alloy wheels; AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo; 40/60 split fold-down rear seat; daytime running lights; automatic transmission
Options As Tested (MSRP):
ABS and traction control ($400); head curtain airbags ($395); OnStar ($695); leather-trimmed seats, steering wheel and shift knob ($700); XM Satellite Radio ($325); AM/FM Stereo w/6-Disc In-Dash CD & MP3 ($240) includes auto tone control & 4 coaxial speakers; advanced audio system ($290) includes 6 premium speakers, 160-watt amplifier & subwoofer
Destination Charge:
565
Gas Guzzler Tax:
Price As Tested (MSRP):
20615
Layout:
front-wheel drive
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
140 @ 5800
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
145 @ 4400
Transmission:
4-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
25/32
Wheelbase:
103.2
Length/width/height:
184.5/67.2/57.4
Track, f/r:
58.8/58.4
Turning circle:
35.4
Seating capacity:
5
Head/hip/leg room, f:
40.0/49.5/42.2
Head/hip/leg room, m:
Head/hip/leg room, r:
37.0/49.6/33.3
Cargo volume:
14.7
Payload:
Towing capacity:
1000
Suspension, f:
independent, MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Suspension, r:
twist-beam axle, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Ground clearance:
Curb weight:
2831
Tires:
P205/55R16
Brakes, f/r:
disc/drum with ABS and dynamic rear proportioning
Fuel capacity:
13.2
2005 Saturn ION consumer reviews:
overall rating
value
comfort
reliability
This is the second Saturn that I've owned. Saturn Ion is a great little car. I love the steering radius and the handling my the Saturn. It looks like a really cool sports car without all that expensive stuff.
posted by Leady on Oct 07 2007
overall rating
value
comfort
reliability
This vehicle is reliable, affordable, and good looking. My favorite part of the car is the design. It looks so glamorious. Recommended!
posted by Chirs on May 14 2007
overall rating
value
comfort
reliability
This car is a great car to own. Overall the car is vastly improved over the previous model. Wheels and tires, 6 in dash CD, sun roof, and redesigned steering wheel are just close to perfect. For the price its the best car around!!
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