Saturn ION

The Saturn ION is a compact car sold by General Motors' Saturn brand. It uses the GM Delta platform. The ION replaced the Saturn S-series in 2003.

See Wikicars' comprehensive Saturn ION Review.

Recent Changes
The 2007 Saturn Ion's 2.2L Ecotec feature an increase in power from 140 hp to 145 hp at 5600 rpm and an increase in torque from 145 ft·lbf to 150 ft·lbf at 4200 rpm. The 2.4L Ecotec has an increase in power from 170 hp to 175 hp at 6500 rpm and an increase in torque from 162 ft·lbf to 164 ft·lbf at 4800 rpm. The RECARO seats on the Redline have been replaced with black leather-appointed seats with passenger sensing system.

Styles and Major Options
The 2007 ION comes available in three trims: the 2, 3, and Red Line. While the 2 and 3 share the same 2.2L 145hp I-4 engine, the 3 offers an optional 2.4L 175hp I-4, and the Red Line is powered by a 2.0L 205hp I-4 engine. All models are front wheel drive, and a 5-speed manual transmission w/OD is standard as well. For a list of the standard safety features, see the Safety section below. Some of the standout features on the ION include:

ION 2
 * 15" steel wheels
 * 4-way front bucket seats
 * Cloth seating and door trim
 * 4-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system
 * OnStar
 * Manual windows and mirrors, power locks

ION 3 Adds to or replaces ION 2 features with:
 * 16" machined alloy wheels
 * 6-way driver's bucket seat
 * Premium cloth seating and cloth door trim
 * Manual front air conditioning
 * MP3-capable audio system
 * Cruise control
 * Power windows, locks, mirrors

Red Line

Adds to or replaces ION 3 features with:
 * Sport suspension
 * 17" silver forged alloy wheels
 * Sports seats
 * Simulated suede/leather seating and leatherette door trim
 * Leather steering wheel
 * Four wheel anti-lock brakes
 * Rocker panel extensions
 * Rear wing spoiler

Pricing
Today's actual prices for the Saturn ION can be found at CarsDirect.

Gas Mileage
As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Reliability
The most recent model of the ION to be reviewed by Automotive Information Systems, the 2003 model, received all around Green ratings, indicating minimal problems in all areas inspected. Consumer Reports states that reliability for the 2007 model "has been average."


 * RECALL ALERT: GM recalling 53,000 Chevy Cobalt, Saturn Ion, and Pontiac G5 models over fuel leak concern

Safety
In safety tests carried out by the NHTSA, the Saturn ION made an average showing. While it received 5-Star ratings for front-impact crash tests, rear side-impact and rollover tests earned it a 4-Star rating, and the front side-impact test yielded a 3-Star rating. Some of the standard safety equipment found on the ION includes:
 * Front and rear anti-roll bars
 * Driver/passenger front-impact airbags
 * Occupancy sensors
 * Side impact bars
 * Ignition disable
 * Front seatbelt pretensioners

Colors


Colors will vary by trim, and a complete list is viewable at CarsDirect.com. Some of the available combinations include:





Main Competitors

 * Mazda Mazda3
 * Toyota Prius
 * Honda Civic
 * Toyota Corolla
 * Subaru Impreza
 * Hyundai Elantra
 * Volkswagen Jetta
 * Nissan Sentra
 * Ford Focus

Hybrid Models
There are currently no hybrid versions of the ION in production.

Resale Values
According to Kelley Blue Book, "the Ion Quad Coupe holds a slightly higher projected resale value than the sedan. Both are average after 24 and 36 months, but fall below average after four years. The Ion parallels the Hyundai Elantra in projected resale value, but falls far short of the high marks set by Honda's Civic and Toyota's Yaris."

Criticisms

 * "Fabric on the test car seats gave me so much static electricity, I hesitated each time I exited the Ion before touching the car door to close it." - MSN Autos
 * "Acceleration is good for its price class, ride and handling about average. In interior comfort and refinement, Saturn still has a way to go." - New Car Test Drive
 * "If interior design is important to you, the Ion's interior, though improved, still feels somewhat Spartan when compared to its competition. Also, the Ion's resale value can't match the numbers set by the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla." - Kelley Blue Book

2003
The 2003 ION came standard with a 140 hp (104 kW) DOHC Ecotec I4 engine. The ION's instrument panel is mounted on the top center of the dashboard, rather than behind the steering wheel. The ION is available in sedan and coupe forms; the coupe is called a "quad coupe" due to the two smaller rear-opening "suicide doors" behind the front doors.

A Getrag F23 5-speed manual or an Aisin AF33 5-speed automatic transmission are available. The 2003 and 2004 IONs were available with the VTi continuously variable transmission. In 2004, Saturn introduced the high-performance Redline variant of the ION, featuring a supercharged engine. In 2006, the ION received exterior facelift to give it more of a family resemblance to the 2007 Saturn Aura and Saturn Sky roadster. Under the hood, the long-rumored 170 hp 2.4 L I4 engine with variable valve timing became available for the ION3.

2005
In 2005 the Aisin 5-speed automatic used in the sedans from 03-04 and in the quad-coupes from mid 04 on, along with the VTi trans used in the quad-coupes from 03 to mid-04 were both discontinued for various issues. Reliability being the main issue for the VTI and the Aisin had a common documented problem called shift-flare which also was somewhat common in the other manufacturers that used Aisin transmissions (i.e. Toyota, etc). The GM 4T45-E replaced both transmissions and is the only automatic option for 05-on. While less technologically advanced than the previous offerings, it is a long term proven design.

Also in 2005 the 'hockey-puck' style steering wheel was discontinued and the design used in the 2004 redline model became standard on all models. In mid 2005 the seats in the base ION-1 model were upgraded with new fabrics and a height adjustment feature. 2005 also saw the introduction of "quiet steel" multilaminate technology for sound reduction. The front fascia was upgraded as well with a much larger grill opening.

The ecu was switched from a speed density system to a mass air system. An acoustic engine cover was added to reduce engine noise.

2008
The ION will be redesigned for 2008 with new styling by Opel, which will introduce the similar Opel Astra for 2010. Its model name will be Saturn Astra which is a small hatchback. Production will move from the Saturn plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee to GM's Lordstown, Ohio plant, where it will be built alongside the Chevrolet Cobalt, a fellow Delta car.

Design quirks and oddities
Polymer door panels