Acceleration

2 sdn, 140-hp auto.	3 sdn, 170-hp man.	2 cpe, 140-hp man.	Red Line	Class Average
4	5	4	7	4.4

The 140-hp Ions are spry enough, take about 9.5 sec 0-60 with manual transmission. The 170-hp engine feels only slightly stronger. Red Line feels as potent as Saturn's claimed 6.3 sec 0-60-mph time. All feel liveliest once under way. Manual transmission has pleasant shift action, with shorter throws on Red Line. Automatic quick to downshift, 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, 140-hp auto.	3 sdn, 170-hp man.	2 cpe, 140-hp man.	Red Line	Class Average
7	7	7	6	6.7

Test 140-hp models averaged 24.9-25.4 mpg with either transmission. Test 170-hp model with manual transmission averaged 26.0 mpg. Test Red Lines averaged 19.4-19.6. Saturn recommends premium-grade fuel for Red Line and 170-hp engine, regular for 140-hp Ions.

Ride Quality

2 sdn, 140-hp auto.	3 sdn, 170-hp man.	2 cpe, 140-hp man.	Red Line	Class Average
5	5	5	4	4.9

Mainstream Ions' firm, controlled suspension readily soaks up small bumps, but can jolt over larger ones. Red Line stiffer, but not punishing.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2 sdn, 140-hp auto.	3 sdn, 170-hp man.	2 cpe, 140-hp man.	Red Line	Class Average
6	6	6	7	5.6

Modest cornering lean, good highway stability. Tauter Red Line shows even less body lean, sharper steering response; its optional limited-slip differential enhances front-wheel grip. Tight turning radius aids low-speed maneuvers in any model. Steering has natural, direct feel, but is lighter than some testers would prefer.

Quietness

2 sdn, 140-hp auto.	3 sdn, 170-hp man.	2 cpe, 140-hp man.	Red Line	Class Average
4	4	4	3	4.2

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

Controls

2 sdn, 140-hp auto.	3 sdn, 170-hp man.	2 cpe, 140-hp man.	Red Line	Class Average
4	4	4	4	5.9

Large, legible main gauges sit in a central dashtop pod, a layout that annoys some testers. Controls generally simple, handy, clearly labeled. Red Line's optional Competition Package adds racy programmable shift lights on the steering column, but all models suffer low-buck interior look and feel.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2 sdn, 140-hp auto.	3 sdn, 170-hp man.	2 cpe, 140-hp man.	Red Line	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.5

Ample head and leg room even for tall adults. Visibility fine to all quarters in sedans, hampered over the shoulder in coupes by rear roof pillars. Seat comfort OK in mainstream models; Red Line's seats add prominent bolsters for extra lateral support.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2 sdn, 140-hp auto.	3 sdn, 170-hp man.	2 cpe, 140-hp man.	Red Line	Class Average
4	4	4	4	3.9

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

Cargo Room

2 sdn, 140-hp auto.	3 sdn, 170-hp man.	2 cpe, 140-hp man.	Red Line	Class Average
4	4	3	3	4.7

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

Value within Class

2 sdn, 140-hp auto.	3 sdn, 170-hp man.	2 cpe, 140-hp man.	Red Line	Class Average
5	5	5	5	6.2

Most rivals are more mechanically refined and have nicer interior decor, but Ion holds its own for roominess and, especially in Red Line trim, performance. No-rust, ding-resistant plastic body panels are an asset, as are the coupes' rear access doors.

Total Score

2 sdn, 140-hp auto.	3 sdn, 170-hp man.	2 cpe, 140-hp man.	Red Line	Class Average
48	49	47	48	52

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		37
Average Score		52
High Score		64