2004 Saturn Ion: Road Test
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2004 Saturn Ion ▼
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- MSRP: $10,430 -$20,385
- Invoice: $9,753 -$19,012
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Our road test for the 2004 Saturn Ion includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Saturn Ion from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Saturn Ion, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Saturn Ion help you decide if a 2004 Saturn Ion is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2 sdn, auto. | 2 cpe, man. | 3 cpe, man. | Red Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 4 |
1s, 2s, 3s adequate from a stop with either manual transmission or conventional automatic. That's reflected in Saturn's 0-60-mph estimates of 9.5 sec with manual transmission, 10.0 with the 5-speed automatic. Once underway, manual-transmission versions feel lively, have pleasant shift action. Automatic is quick to downshift and doesn't hurt acceleration much. Despite traction control, test manual-transmission model suffered copious tire slip when accelerating from a stop on wet pavement. CVT coupe unavailable for testing. Red Line's supercharged engine adds healthy dose of responsive power, and its shifter has shorter throws than in other manual-transmission Ions.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2 sdn, auto. | 2 cpe, man. | 3 cpe, man. | Red Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.6 |
Test 2-model sedan with automatic transmission averaged 22 mpg; test 3 coupe with manual averaged 25.1 mpg. No opportunity to measure Red Line. Saturn recommends premium-grade fuel for Red Line, regular-grade fuel for others.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2 sdn, auto. | 2 cpe, man. | 3 cpe, man. | Red Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.4 |
Firm, controlled suspension readily soaks up small bumps but can jolt over larger ones. No models with 14-inch tires made available for testing yet. Red Line stiffer than others, but not punishing.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2 sdn, auto. | 2 cpe, man. | 3 cpe, man. | Red Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 5.3 |
Ions corner with little body lean, feel secure at highway speeds. Level-3 coupes have slightly firmer suspension tuning, but don't handle appreciably better. Red Line firmer still, with less body lean and sharper steering response. Low-speed maneuverability aided by tight turning radius and light steering, but electric-boost steering felt unnatural in some test cars.
QUIETNESS
| 2 sdn, auto. | 2 cpe, man. | 3 cpe, man. | Red Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Wind noise well-muted, but 16- and 17-inch tires transmit considerable road noise on some coarse surfaces. Both standard and supercharged engines produce pronounced but refined whine at higher rpm, but are otherwise subdued.
CONTROLS
| 2 sdn, auto. | 2 cpe, man. | 3 cpe, man. | Red Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.6 |
Gauges large, plainly marked. Locating them in center "pod" is an annoying design quirk to some testers. Because the driver need not look through steering wheel to see gauges, wheel on 1, 2, and 3 models is of unusually small diameter; that doesn't affect its function. Red Line steering wheel is of normal size. Controls clearly labeled, easy to reach. Despite upgrading, most interior surfaces and switches look and feel budget-grade.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2 sdn, auto. | 2 cpe, man. | 3 cpe, man. | Red Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Ion is among the largest subcompacts. That 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 absence of a center armrest on 1 models, and by the 3's slippery optional leather upholstery. Red Line seats have prominent bolstering for more side support. Visibility to all directions fine in sedan, marred over-the-shoulder in coupe by rear roof pillars.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2 sdn, auto. | 2 cpe, man. | 3 cpe, man. | Red Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.9 |
Coupe seats two. Sedan seats three, but center passenger will be squeezed. Acceptable comfort in both body styles, though no excess of foot room, and head room is tight for 6-footers. Quad Coupe door design simplifies rear-seat entry/exit, though once seated, closing rear doors requires uncomfortable reach.
CARGO ROOM
| 2 sdn, auto. | 2 cpe, man. | 3 cpe, man. | Red Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.9 |
Good trunk volume for the class and a low liftover. All have 60/40 split folding rear seatbacks that fold flat. Coupes have added convenience of folding front passenger seat to accommodate long items.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2 sdn, auto. | 2 cpe, man. | 3 cpe, man. | Red Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5.6 |
Despite still-disappointing interior decor, Ion matches most like-priced competitors for comfort and performance. The Quad Coupe has more storage flexibility and easier rear-seat entry/exit than other subcompact coupes. And no rival offers Saturn's dent-resistant, rustproof body panels. Note that contrary to long-standing policy, Saturn is now offering rebates.
Total Score
| 2 sdn, auto. | 2 cpe, man. | 3 cpe, man. | Red Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48 | 49 | 48 | 48 | 48.4 |
Total Score: 48
Scores for all Compact Cars
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