2003-2007 Saturn Ion: Road Test

Acceleration is adequate from a stop with either a manual transmission or the conventional automatic. That appraisal is reflected in Saturn's 0-60 mph estimates of 9.5 seconds with manual and 10 seconds with the five-speed automatic. Once underway, manual-shift versions feel lively and have pleasant shift action. Quick to downshift, the automatic does not curtail acceleration by much. Despite traction control, a manual-shift Level 3 sedan suffered copious tire slip when accelerating from a stop on wet pavement. The Red Line coupe has plenty of punch, capable of hitting 60 mph in a claimed 6.3 seconds. EPA gas-mileage estimates are lower than those of rival Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. A test 2-sedan with automatic averaged 22 mpg. Another automatic sedan averaged 25 mpg, and a manual-shift 3-coupe managed 25.1 mpg. In mostly city driving, a Red Line coupe averaged 19.4 mpg. Regular-grade fuel is used, except for the Red Line coupe, which requires premium. The regular Ion's ride is surprisingly firm. Somewhat sporty suspension tuning delivers a controlled ride, but bump absorption may disappoint. Red Line coupes are stiffer, but not punishing. Steering/handling is a high point, and a tight turning radius aids low-speed maneuverability. Steering is firm, direct, and nicely weighted. Ions corner with little body lean and feel secure at highway speeds. Level-3 coupes have slightly firmer suspension tuning, but don't handle appreciably better. Electric-boost steering feels unnaturally light to some drivers. Red Line coupes are tighter still, permitting even less lean and sharper steering response. Wind noise is well-muted, but 16- and 17-inch tires transmit considerable road noise on some coarse surfaces. The engine produces pronounced but refined whine at higher rpm, but is otherwise subdued. Red Line coupes transmit more engine and tire noise to occupants. Gauges are large and plainly marked. Locating them in the center "pod" annoys some drivers, because reading the speedometer demands a longer look away from the road. Because the driver need not look through the steering wheel to see gauges, the wheel is unusually small in diameter, but its function is unaffected. Controls are clearly labeled and easy to reach. Most interior surfaces and switches look and feel budget-grade. Ions are among the largest subcompacts, which pays off in front-seat room. Even robust drivers have plenty of head and leg space. However, seats are flat and lack side support--a deficit exaggerated by the absence of a center armrest on 1 models, and by slippery optional leather upholstery. Visibility is fine in sedans, but marred over the shoulder in coupes by their rear roof pillars. Red Line seats have prominent bolsters for firm lateral support. Saturn considers two rear passengers to be the limit in coupes, but three-across seating in sedans seems equally unrealistic. There's no excess of foot room, and head space is tight for six-footers. The Quad Coupe's door design simplifies rear-seat entry/exit, though once seated, closing the rear doors demands an uncomfortable reach. Sedans have good trunk volume for their class, and a low liftover. All sedans have 60/40 split rear seatbacks that fold flat. Coupes have the added convenience of a folding front-passenger seat.

Value for the Money
Despite disappointing interior decor, Ion matches most like-priced competitors for comfort and performance, though Saturn trails in mechanical refinement. The Quad Coupe has more storage flexibility and easier rear-seat entry/exit than other subcompact coupes. No rival offers Saturn's dent-resistant, rustproof body panels. Ion resale values are lower than those of the Civic and Corolla, which could benefit used-car buyers.