2006 Saturn Ion Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

A new engine option and standard OnStar assistance lead changes for Saturn's 2006 compact cars. Ion 2 and uplevel Ion 3 sedans and coupes return, as does a sporty Red Line coupe. The price-leader Ion 1 sedan is dropped. All are 4-dr models; coupes have rear "access" doors that don't open independently of the fronts. Ion's standard powertrain mates a 140-hp 4-cyl with 5-speed-manual or optional 4-speed-automatic transmissions. A 170-hp 4-cyl is newly optional for 3s. The Red Line coupe comes with a supercharged 205-hp 4-cyl and manual transmission. ABS and traction control are included with the 2.4 engine, are optional otherwise. Curtain side airbags are available for all models. Leather upholstery is standard on Red Line, available for 3s. Split folding rear seatbacks are standard. Coupes include a folding front-passenger seat. Ion doors, fenders, nose, and tail are made of rustproof, dent-resistant plastic composites, but the basic design is shared with Chevrolet Cobalts.

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 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.

New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet HHR, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Volkswagen Golf and Jetta.

News

A sales disappointment since debut 2003, Ion is being dropped after model-year '06, though dealers should have inventory for much of calendar 2007. Replacing Ion for 2008 is a modified Opel Astra from General Motors' German subsidiary. Ion and Astra share the corporate Delta small-car platform, as does Chevrolet's Cobalt, but the Astra better fits a new GM plan to make Saturn a "European" brand for the North American market. Other future Saturns, including the 2007 Aura midsize sedan, will also be parented by Opel. The Ion replacement, as-yet unnamed, would likely be sourced from GM Brazil, then possibly built later alongside Cobalts in the U.S. Keep checking back with us for further news.

2006 Saturn Ion Road Test

Pros	Cons

Steering/handling	Interior materials

	Noise

	Acceleration (Red Line)

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

2006 Saturn Ion Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 07/11/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Ion 2 4-door sedan, manual	$11,925	$11,025	$565

Ion 2 4-door sedan, automatic	$12,825	$11,853	$565

Ion 2 4-door coupe, manual	$12,925	$11,945	$565

Ion 2 4-door coupe, automatic	$13,825	$12,713	$565

Ion 3 4-door sedan, manual	$14,325	$13,233	$565

Ion 3 4-door sedan, automatic	$15,225	$14,061	$565

Ion 3 4-door coupe, manual	$15,625	$14,429	$565

Ion 3 4-door coupe, automatic	$16,525	$15,257	$565

Red Line 4-door coupe, manual	$19,425	$17,925	$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

Powertrain

2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunklid release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Power steering, tilt steering wheel, OnStar assistance system w/one year service, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, fold-flat passenger seat (coupe), center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power door locks, rear-hinged rear doors (coupe), AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, rear defogger, variable-intermittent wipers.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, 195/60R15 tires, wheel covers.

3 adds to 2:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, interior air filter, cruise control, height-adjustable driver seat, power mirrors, power windows, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, 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: fold-flat passenger seat.

Rear spoiler, sport suspension, 215/45ZR17 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Preferred Pkg.
2	$875	$805
Cruise control, height-adjustable driver seat, power mirrors and windows, remote keyless entry, alarm.

Travel Pkg.
2, 3	$200	$184
Automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, map lights.

Sun and Sound Pkg.
3	$865	$796
Power sunroof, premium radio system, satellite radio (requires monthly fee after 3rd month).

Enhanced Performance Pkg.
3	$995	$915
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, traction control, antilock brakes, Ride and Handling Suspension.

Competition Pkg.
Red Line	$1,375	$1,265
Limited-slip differential, turbo-boost gauge, shift lights, projector-beam fog lights, unique alloy wheels.

Safety
Curtain side airbags
2, 3, Red Line	$395	$363


Antilock brakes
2, 3	$400	$368
Includes traction control.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning
2	$960	$883


Power sunroof
2, 3, Red Line	$750	$690
Includes map lights. 2 requires Preferred Pkg.

Leather upholstery
3	$700	$644
Includes leather-wrapped steering wheel.

AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
2	$220	$202


AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
2	$460	$423
3, Red Line	$240	$221


Satellite radio
2, 3, Red Line	$325	$299
Requires monthly fee after 3rd month. 2 requires optional radio.

Premium radio system
2, 3, Red Line	$290	$267
2 requires Preferred Pkg., optional radio.

Floormats
2, 3, Red Line	$80	$74


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler
2, 3	$275	$253


Aero wing rear spoiler
2, 3, Red Line	$380	$350


Rear spoiler delete
Red Line	$0	$0


Alloy wheels
2	$440	$405
Includes 205/55R16 tires.

2006 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.	2784	2743

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	14.2	14.7

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	13.0	13.0

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

	dohc I4	dohc I4	Supercharged dohc I4

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.2 /134	2.4 /145	2.0 /122

Horsepower @ rpm.	140 @ 5800	170 @ 6200	205 @ 5600

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	145 @ 4400	162 @ 5000	200 @ 4400

Availability	Standard	Optional	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	26/35	25/34	23/29

4-speed automatic	25/33	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	4	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	All Saturns have a 30-day, 1500 mile vehicle exchange program. VTi vehicles are covered for an additional 5/75,000 miles.

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

Tester's Comments

(what's this?)

Vehicle Evaluated: 2006 Saturn Ion
Trim Level: 3
Arrival Date: 01/04/2006
Engine: dohc I4
Bodystyle: 4-door sedan
Transmission: 5-speed manual
4WD/AWD: No
Base Price: $14,325
Price as Tested: $16,565
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 3093
Mileage at End of Test: 4626
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 12.63 gals.

Major Options: Enhanced Performance Package (2.4-liter 4-cyl DOHC 16V 170 hp engine, sport tuned suspension, Antilock Brakes with Traction Control), XM Satellite Radio, Decklid Spoiler, Front and Rear Floor Mats

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 23.99 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Ed Piotrowski On paper, this car has the goods: 170 hp, lots of standard equipment, reasonable pricing and a dealer body with an excellent sales/service reputation. Adding curtain side airbags and MP3 CD support will keep the sticker price at about $17,000 and change. But the lackluster performance of the 2.4-liter engine, premium unleaded gas recommendation and subpar material quality disappoint. There are several other, and more solid, choices in this class.

John Biel Overall, the Focus, Civic, or Elantra are better cars in terms of refinement and, perhaps, quality (assembly, materials, etc.). Still, the Ion 3 in this test had options like the 170-horsepower engine, ABS/traction control, satellite radio, and more on it, but stickered for $16,565 delivered. At that price, it is worth a shopper's time to consider it.

Rick Cotta With a comprehensive list of standard equipment plus optional 170-hp engine, ABS, and satellite radio, our Ion 3 tester seemed like quite a deal for $16,000. And Ion's plastic body panels are a strong selling point. But it lacked the refinement and expected features of even its least-expensive competitors, making it an also-ran even at its bargain price.

< 2006 Saturn Ion Photos

Also in the 2006 Saturn Ion Review:

Saturn Ion

Saturn Ion Road Test

Saturn Ion Prices & Equipment

Saturn Ion Specs & Safety

Saturn Ion Photos

Saturn Ion Full Review

All Saturn Ions

All Saturns

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