2007 Saturn Ion Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Ion stands pat for 2007, which Saturn says is the car's final model year. A replacement is due for 2008. Ion 2 and uplevel Ion 3 sedans and coupes return, as does a sporty Red Line coupe. All are 4-dr models; coupes have rear "access" doors that don't open independently of the fronts. Ion 2 and 3 have a 145-hp 4-cyl engine and manual or automatic transmission. Optional is a 175-hp 4-cyl. The Red Line coupe comes with a supercharged 205-hp 4-cyl and manual transmission. ABS and traction control are optional on 2 and 3. Curtain side airbags are available for all models. Leather upholstery is standard on Red Line, available for 3s. Coupes have a folding front-passenger seat. Ion's 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 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 100 inches or longer.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic and Mazda 3. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, and Mazda 5.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Versa, and Pontiac G5.

News

Ion's 2008 replacement is Astra, an Americanized version of GM's German-designed Opel Astra. It's expected to bow with 2- and 4-dr hatchbacks and maybe 4-dr sedans. All will be sourced from a GM plant in Belgium, at least for now. Powertrains and other underskin components won't change radically, as Astra uses the same Delta small-car platform as Ion. So why the switch? Because GM wants to redefine Saturn as a more-upscale brand with "European" flair. What better than an actual European design built "over there"? Astra pricing is rumored to be more upscale with a starting point of around $16,000, some $3500 above an Ion 2 sedan. Sensibly, GM has scaled back projected sales to around 30,000 per year, well below Ion level. Incidentally, Opel's Astra also offers wagons, a sporty 2-dr hatch and even a retractable-hardtop convertible, so Saturn's Astra could conceivably add some or all of these if things go according to plan.

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2007 Saturn Ion Road Test

Pros	Cons

Steering/handling	Interior materials

Acceleration (Red Line)	Noise

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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	6.5

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	52.9

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		42
Average Score		52
High Score		60

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2007 Saturn Ion Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 12/08/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Ion 2 4-door sedan, manual	$12,300	$11,501	$590

Ion 2 4-door sedan, automatic	$13,200	$12,342	$590

Ion 2 4-door coupe, manual	$13,300	$12,436	$590

Ion 2 4-door coupe, automatic	$14,200	$13,277	$590

Ion 3 4-door sedan, manual	$14,700	$13,745	$590

Ion 3 4-door sedan, automatic	$15,600	$14,586	$590

Ion 3 4-door coupe, manual	$16,000	$14,960	$590

Ion 3 4-door coupe, automatic	$16,900	$15,802	$590

Red Line 4-door coupe, manual	$19,900	$18,607	$590

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, 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	$995	$915
Cruise control, height-adjustable driver seat, power mirrors and windows, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, alarm.

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

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

Sport Appearance Pkg.
3 coupe	$500	$460
Unique bumpers and fog lights, rocker panel moldings, chrome exhaust tips. Requires Enhanced Performance Pkg.

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	$199	$183
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
Red Line	$380	$350


Rear spoiler delete
Red Line	$0	$0


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

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2007 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.	145 @ 5600	175 @ 6200	205 @ 5600

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	150 @ 4200	164 @ 4800	200 @ 4400

Availability	Standard	Optional	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

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

4-speed automatic	24/32	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	NA

Front Impact, Passenger	5	NA

Rollover Resistance	4	NA

Side Impact, Driver	3	NA

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	4	NA

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	5/100,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	All Saturns have a 30-day, 1500 mile vehicle exchange program.

Corrosion	6/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	5/100,000	--

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

< 2007 Saturn Ion Photos

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Also in the 2007 Saturn Ion Review:

Saturn Ion

Saturn Ion Road Test

Saturn Ion Prices & Equipment

Saturn Ion Specs & Safety

Saturn Ion Photos

Saturn Ion Full Review