2007 Saturn Ion: Road Test
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2007 Saturn Ion ▼
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- MSRP: $12,300 -$19,900
- Invoice: $11,501 -$18,607
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Our road test for the 2007 Saturn Ion includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Saturn Ion from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Saturn Ion, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Saturn Ion help you decide if a 2007 Saturn Ion is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2 sdn. | 3 sdn. w/Perf. Pkg. | 2 cpe. | Red Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 4 | 7 | 4.6 |
The 145-hp Ions are spry enough, clocked 9.5 sec 0-60 mph with manual transmission in our tests. The 175-hp engine feels only slightly stronger. Red Line feels as potent as Saturn's claimed 6.3 sec 0-60. Manual versions are lively once under way, have pleasant shift action, with shorter throws on Red Line. Automatic 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. | 3 sdn. w/Perf. Pkg. | 2 cpe. | Red Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.4 |
Test 145-hp models averaged 24.9-25.4 mpg with either manual or automatic transmission. Test 175-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 175-hp engine, regular for 145-hp Ions.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2 sdn. | 3 sdn. w/Perf. Pkg. | 2 cpe. | Red Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5.3 |
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. | 3 sdn. w/Perf. Pkg. | 2 cpe. | Red Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 5.8 |
Modest cornering lean, good highway stability. More taut 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. Electric-boost steering provides natural, direct feel, but is lighter than some testers would prefer.
QUIETNESS
| 2 sdn. | 3 sdn. w/Perf. Pkg. | 2 cpe. | Red Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4.4 |
Wind noise well-muted, but noticeable engine whine at high rpm and excess coarse-pavement thrum with 16- and 17-inch tires. Red Line suffers more engine and tire noise.
CONTROLS
| 2 sdn. | 3 sdn. w/Perf. Pkg. | 2 cpe. | 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. | 3 sdn. w/Perf. Pkg. | 2 cpe. | Red Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
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. | 3 sdn. w/Perf. Pkg. | 2 cpe. | Red Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
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. | 3 sdn. w/Perf. Pkg. | 2 cpe. | Red Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4.8 |
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. | 3 sdn. w/Perf. Pkg. | 2 cpe. | Red Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
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, dent-resistant plastic body panels are an asset, as are the coupes' rear access doors.
Total Score
| 2 sdn. | 3 sdn. w/Perf. Pkg. | 2 cpe. | Red Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48 | 49 | 47 | 48 | 52.8 |
Total Score: 48
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