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2005 Saturn Ion Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2005 Saturn Ion Review:
2005 Saturn Ion Review
A change in automatic transmission and some freshened styling are Ion's 2005 news. These compacts from General Motors' Saturn division come as sedans and as 4-dr coupes with small, rear-hinged back doors that don't open independently of the front doors. The base engine is a 140-hp 4-cyl. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard and, for '05, the optional automatic is a conventional 4-speed. This replaces the previously available 5-speed automatic and continuously variable automatic (CVT). Coupes also come in sporty Red Line form with manual transmission, a supercharged 205-hp 4-cyl, and 4-wheel antilock disc brakes. Other Ions have rear drum brakes and offer optional ABS bundled with traction control. Optional are head-protecting curtain side airbags that cover both seating rows.
Sedans and coupes come in trim levels labeled 2 and 3; sedans also offer an entry-level 1 series. The 1s have 14-inch wheels, 2s have 15s, 3s have 16s, and Red Lines have 17s, plus a sport suspension and their own exterior and interior trim. All Ions get revised steering and suspension for '05, and 2s and 3s gain new front and rear seats in retrimmed interiors. Leather upholstery is standard on Red Lines, optional on Ion 3s. All come with split folding rear seatbacks. Coupes add a folding front-passenger seat. The 2s and 3s are available with OnStar assistance, and satellite radio is optional for all but 1s. Ion's doors, fenders, nose, and tail are made of rustproof, dent-resistant plastic composites. Ion shares its basic design with the Chevrolet Cobalt.
Sedans and coupes come in trim levels labeled 2 and 3; sedans also offer an entry-level 1 series. The 1s have 14-inch wheels, 2s have 15s, 3s have 16s, and Red Lines have 17s, plus a sport suspension and their own exterior and interior trim. All Ions get revised steering and suspension for '05, and 2s and 3s gain new front and rear seats in retrimmed interiors. Leather upholstery is standard on Red Lines, optional on Ion 3s. All come with split folding rear seatbacks. Coupes add a folding front-passenger seat. The 2s and 3s are available with OnStar assistance, and satellite radio is optional for all but 1s. Ion's doors, fenders, nose, and tail are made of rustproof, dent-resistant plastic composites. Ion shares its basic design with the Chevrolet Cobalt.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise the smallest passengers cars. These vehicles range from tiny economy models to slightly larger popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons.
Our Best Buys include the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.
Our Best Buys include the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.
News
Ion's 2005 update was surprisingly early for a two-year-old design. Whether the revisions will be enough to perk up lagging sales remains to be seen. Look for another makeover, perhaps just as heavy, for 2008 or '09. That's because Ion's Delta platform, shared with the new-for-'05 Chevy Cobalt, probably won't be replaced before 2010 at the earliest.
Coming much sooner are two Saturns that also aim to boost the brand's overall sales. The first is Sky, a Mazda Miata-like two-seat roadster due in late '05 or early '06. It's basically a restyled, somewhat upscale version of Pontiac's 2006 Solstice. Both use GM's new Kappa rear-wheel-drive platform and share many underskin components, including a 170-hp 2.4-liter 4-cyl engine mated to 5-speed manual and optional 5-speed automatic transmissions. An all-independent suspension will be tuned to give Sky a slightly cushier ride than Soltice. GM execs hint that starting price will be only slightly upstream of the Pontiac's planned $20,000 base.
Saturn's second hoped-for sales-booster is a replacement for the hapless L-Series midsize sedan that ended production in mid-2004. Due to start sale by summer 2006, it will be very much like the recent Aura concept, based on GM's European-market Opel Vectra. That means the showroom version, which may keep the Aura name, uses the same front-drive GM Epsilon platform as the Chevy Malibu and Saab 9-3. Saturn's version should have its own Opel-influenced styling, plus specific powertrains and suspension tuning. The concept carried a 250-hp 3.6-liter V6 and a 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential manual shift. We'd guess this combo will be optional to a base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine offered with manual and 5-speed automatic transmissions.
Saturn says it's aiming Aura at the likes of Honda Accord and VW Passat, so we'd look for 4-cyl versions to start in the low to mid-$20,000s, V6s in the high-20s. Keep checking back with us for further news on both Aura and Sky.
Coming much sooner are two Saturns that also aim to boost the brand's overall sales. The first is Sky, a Mazda Miata-like two-seat roadster due in late '05 or early '06. It's basically a restyled, somewhat upscale version of Pontiac's 2006 Solstice. Both use GM's new Kappa rear-wheel-drive platform and share many underskin components, including a 170-hp 2.4-liter 4-cyl engine mated to 5-speed manual and optional 5-speed automatic transmissions. An all-independent suspension will be tuned to give Sky a slightly cushier ride than Soltice. GM execs hint that starting price will be only slightly upstream of the Pontiac's planned $20,000 base.
Saturn's second hoped-for sales-booster is a replacement for the hapless L-Series midsize sedan that ended production in mid-2004. Due to start sale by summer 2006, it will be very much like the recent Aura concept, based on GM's European-market Opel Vectra. That means the showroom version, which may keep the Aura name, uses the same front-drive GM Epsilon platform as the Chevy Malibu and Saab 9-3. Saturn's version should have its own Opel-influenced styling, plus specific powertrains and suspension tuning. The concept carried a 250-hp 3.6-liter V6 and a 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential manual shift. We'd guess this combo will be optional to a base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine offered with manual and 5-speed automatic transmissions.
Saturn says it's aiming Aura at the likes of Honda Accord and VW Passat, so we'd look for 4-cyl versions to start in the low to mid-$20,000s, V6s in the high-20s. Keep checking back with us for further news on both Aura and Sky.
2005 Saturn Ion Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Steering/handling | Interior materials |
| Noise | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
2005 Saturn Ion Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/12/2005
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| Ion 1 4-door sedan, manual | $11,430 | $10,684 | $565 |
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| Ion 1 4-door sedan, automatic | $12,410 | $11,595 | $565 |
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| Ion 2 4-door sedan, manual | $14,380 | $13,427 | $565 |
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| Ion 2 4-door sedan, automatic | $15,280 | $14,264 | $565 |
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| Ion 2 4-door coupe, manual | $14,930 | $13,939 | $565 |
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| Ion 2 4-door coupe, automatic | $15,830 | $14,776 | $565 |
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| Ion 3 4-door sedan, manual | $15,905 | $14,846 | $565 |
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| Ion 3 4-door sedan, automatic | $16,805 | $15,683 | $565 |
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| Ion 3 4-door coupe, manual | $16,680 | $15,566 | $565 |
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| Ion 3 4-door coupe, automatic | $17,580 | $16,403 | $565 |
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| Red Line 4-door coupe, manual | $20,885 | $19,477 | $565 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
1
Powertrain
2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunk release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, AM/FM radio, digital clock, tachometer, visor mirrors, rear defogger, variable-intermittent wipers.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 185/70R14 tires, wheel covers.
2 adds to 1:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, height-adjustable driver seat, fold-flat passenger seat (coupe), power door locks, rear-hinged rear doors (coupe), AM/FM/CD player, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
195/60R15 tires.
3 adds to 2:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, power mirrors, power windows, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler (coupe), fog lights, sport suspension (coupe), 205/55R16 tires, alloy wheels.
Red Line adds to 3:
Powertrain
2.0-liter supercharged 4-cylinder engine.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, cloth/leather upholstery.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: floormats.
Red Line Suspension, 215/45WR17 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Power Pkg.
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2
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$825
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$767
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Cruise control, power mirrors and windows, remote keyless entry, alarm.
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Travel Pkg.
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2, 3
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$200
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$186
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, map lights.
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Safe and Sound Pkg.
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2
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$1,215
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$1,130
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3
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$1,235
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$1,149
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Travel Pkg. plus traction control, curtain side airbags, antilock brakes, OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player (2), AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer (3).
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Competition Pkg.
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Red Line
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$1,470
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$1,367
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Limited-slip differential, special tachometer, boost gauge, fog lights, unique alloy wheels.
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Safety |
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Curtain side airbags
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1, 2, 3, Red Line
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$395
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$367
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Antilock brakes
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1, 2, 3
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$400
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$372
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Includes traction control.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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OnStar assistance system
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2, 3
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$695
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$646
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Includes one-year service. Requires Travel Pkg. 2 requires optional radio.
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Air conditioning
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1
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$960
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$893
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Power sunroof
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2, 3, Red Line
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$725
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$674
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2 requires Power Pkg.
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Leather upholstery
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3
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$700
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$651
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Includes leather-wrapped steering wheel.
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AM/FM/CD player
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1
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$290
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$270
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AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
|
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1
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$510
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$474
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2
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$220
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$205
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
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2
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$460
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$428
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3, Red Line
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$240
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$223
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Satellite radio
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2, 3, Red Line
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$325
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$302
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Requires monthly fee after 3rd month. 2 requires optional radio.
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Premium radio system
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2, 3, Red Line
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$290
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$270
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2 requires Power Pkg., optional radio.
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Floormats
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1, Red Line
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$80
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$74
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Rear spoiler
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2, 3 sedan
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$250
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$233
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Aero wing rear spoiler
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Red Line
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$380
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$353
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Rear spoiler delete
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Red Line
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$0
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$0
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Alloy wheels
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2
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$375
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$349
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2005 Saturn Ion Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Saturn Ion 4-door coupe | Saturn Ion 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.2 | 103.2 |
| Overall Length, in. | 185.0 | 184.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 67.9 | 67.2 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.0 | 57.4 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2751 | 2692 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.2 | 14.7 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 13.2 | 13.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.9 | 40.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.2 | 42.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.5 | 37.0 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 32.7 | 33.3 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| Supercharged dohc I4 | dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.0 /122 | 2.2 /134 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 205 @ 5600 | 140 @ 5800 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 200 @ 4400 | 145 @ 4400 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 23/29 | 26/35 |
| 4-speed automatic | --/-- | 24/32 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Saturn Ion 4-door coupe | Saturn Ion 4-door sedan |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 3 | 3 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 4 | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | Buyers can choose between 5/60,000 Bumper-to-Bumper coverage or $1000-1250 cash back. All Saturns have a 30-day, 1500 mile money vehicle exchange program. |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Safe and Sound Pkg., Head Curtain Side Airbags, Map Lights, Auto-Dimming Inside Mirror with Exterior Temperature Gauge and Digital Compass, Antilock Breaks with Traction Control, Onstar System, AM/FM 6 CD Changer with MP3), Leather Appointments (Storm Grey Exterior, Grey Interior Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 24.96 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Kirk Bell At $19,200 for the test model, I can think of a lot of better deals (Mazda3 comes to mind). It's unfortunate that Ion's improvements have come on the 2 and 3 models. The 1s would probably be the best deal, when you consider that the capable engine performance and roominess are not compromised. Rick Cotta At first, the $19,000 sticker set me aback. But that includes items not even offered on some rivals: curtain airbags, compass/temp, and OnStar. Also leather, at a reasonable $700. But the Ion just doesn't look or act like a $19,000 car, unlike a Jetta or Mazda 3. |
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Also in the 2005 Saturn Ion Review:
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