Acceleration

2 sdn, auto.	3 sdn, man.	2 cpe, man.	Red Line	Class Average
4	4	4	7	4.1

Red Line feels as punchy as Saturn's claimed 6.3 sec 0-60-mph time suggests. Other Ions do 0-60 in about 9.5 sec with manual transmission; no opportunity to time with 4-speed automatic. Manual versions feel lively once under way, have pleasant shift action, with shorter throws on Red Line. Automatic is quick to downshift and doesn't hurt acceleration much. Despite traction control, test manual-transmission sedan suffered much tire slip in fast takeoffs, especially on wet pavement.

Fuel Economy

2 sdn, auto.	3 sdn, man.	2 cpe, man.	Red Line	Class Average
7	7	7	6	6.7

Test automatic-transmission sedan averaged 25.0 mpg. Test 3 coupe with manual averaged 25.1. Test Red Line averaged 19.4 mpg in mostly city use. Saturn recommends premium-grade fuel for Red Line, regular for other Ions.

Ride Quality

2 sdn, auto.	3 sdn, man.	2 cpe, man.	Red Line	Class Average
5	5	5	4	4.6

Mainstream Ions' firm, controlled suspension readily soaks up small bumps, but can jolt over larger ones. No base sedan with 14-inch wheels made available for testing yet. Red Line stiffer than other models, but not punishing.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2 sdn, auto.	3 sdn, man.	2 cpe, man.	Red Line	Class Average
6	6	6	7	5.4

Modest cornering lean, good highway stability. Level-3 coupes have slightly firmer suspension than other mainstream Ions, but aren't much more agile. Red Line tighter still, shows even less body lean and sharper steering response. Red Line Competition Package's limited-slip differential enhances front grip during acceleration and when exiting corners. Tight turning radius aids low-speed maneuvers in any Ion. New, larger steering wheel and recalibrated electric-boost steering provide natural, direct feel, but is lighter than some testers would prefer.

Quietness

2 sdn, auto.	3 sdn, man.	2 cpe, man.	Red Line	Class Average
4	4	4	3	4

Wind noise well-muted, but noticeable engine whine at high rpm and excess coarse-pavement thrum with 16- and 17-inch tires. Red Line transmits more engine and tire noise.

Controls

2 sdn, auto.	3 sdn, man.	2 cpe, man.	Red Line	Class Average
4	4	4	4	5.5

Gauges larger, plainly marked. Locating them in central dashtop pod is an annoying design quirk to some testers, as reading speedometer and tachometer requires a longer look away from road than traditional design. Competition Package has helpful programmable shift lights mounted on the steering column. Other controls clearly labeled, easy to reach. New-for-2005 upgrades improve cabin materials, but Ion interiors still have a budget feel.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2 sdn, auto.	3 sdn, man.	2 cpe, man.	Red Line	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5

Ion is one of the largest small cars, so front head and leg room exceed the class norm. Visibility fine to all quarters in sedans, hampered over the shoulder in coupes by rear roof pillars. Seats in 1 models are flat and lack side support, 2s and 3s provide more comfort. Red Line's seats have prominent bolsters for firm lateral support.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2 sdn, auto.	3 sdn, man.	2 cpe, man.	Red Line	Class Average
4	4	4	4	3.6

Coupes have only two seatbelts. Sedans have three, but a middle adult will be squeezed. Comfort acceptable either way, though no excess of foot room, and head room tight for 6-footers. Coupe's rear doors ease entry/exit, but require uncomfortable reach for seated passengers to close.

Cargo Room

2 sdn, auto.	3 sdn, man.	2 cpe, man.	Red Line	Class Average
3	3	4	4	3.9

All models have good trunk volume for the class, a low liftover, and 60/40 split rear seatbacks that fold flat. Coupes' folding front-passenger seat allows carrying items up to 10-ft long with trunklid closed.

Value within Class

2 sdn, auto.	3 sdn, man.	2 cpe, man.	Red Line	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.8

Most rivals are more mechanically refined and have nicer interior materials. But Ion holds its own for roominess and, especially in Red Line form, for performance. Its no-rust, ding-resistant plastic body panels are an asset, as are the coupes' convenient rear-access doors. Note also that contrary to long-standing policy, Saturn now offers rebates.

Total Score

2 sdn, auto.	3 sdn, man.	2 cpe, man.	Red Line	Class Average
47	47	48	49	48.6

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		34
Average Score		48
High Score		63