The Saturn Ion is a stylish compact with innovative features. It drives nicely and its base engine offers adequate performance. Ion delivers good value and lots of interior space for people and cargo. Saturn buyers report happier experiences when buying and servicing than with other brands. Dent-deflecting and rust-resistant plastic body panels add to the Ion's appeal.
NewCarTestDrive.com editor Mitch McCullough reported from Detroit and Los Angeles.
Model Line Overview
Model lineup:
Ion 2 sedan ($11,925); Ion 3 sedan ($14,325); Ion 2 Quad Coupe ($12,925); Ion 3 Quad Coupe ($15,625); Ion Red Line coupe ($19,425)
dual-stage frontal airbags; load limiting retractors with pretensioners for front seatbelts
Safety equipment (optional):
ABS, traction control; side-curtain airbags
Basic warranty:
3 years/36,000 miles
Assembled in:
Spring Hill, Tennessee
Specifications As Tested
Model tested (MSRP):
Saturn Ion 3 sedan ($14,325)
Standard equipment:
air conditioning; cruise control; power windows; remote central locking; power mirrors; 16-inch alloy wheels; AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo; 40/60 split fold-down rear seat; fog lights; daytime running lights; OnStar
Options as tested (MSRP):
automatic transmission ($900); ABS and traction control ($400); head curtain airbags ($395); leather-trimmed seats, steering wheel and shift knob ($700); XM Satellite Radio ($325); AM/FM Stereo w/6-Disc In-Dash CD & MP3 ($240) includes auto tone control & 4 coaxial speakers; advanced audio system ($290) includes 6 premium speakers, 160-watt amplifier & subwoofer
Destination charge:
($565)
Gas guzzler tax:
N/A
Price as tested (MSRP):
$18,140
Layout:
front-wheel drive
Engine:
2.2-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
140 @ 5800
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
145 @ 4400
Transmission:
4-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
25/33 mpg
Wheelbase:
103.2 in.
Length/width/height:
184.5/67.2/57.4 in.
Track, f/r:
58.8/58.4 in.
Turning circle:
35.4 ft.
Seating capacity:
5
Head/hip/leg room, f:
40.0/49.5/42.2 in.
Head/hip/leg room, m:
N/A
Head/hip/leg room, r:
37.0/49.6/33.3 in.
Cargo volume:
14.7 cu. ft.
Payload:
N/A
Towing capacity:
1000 Lbs.
Suspension, f:
independent, MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Suspension, r:
twist-beam axle, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Ground clearance:
N/A
Curb weight:
2802 lbs.
Tires:
P205/55R16
Brakes, f/r:
disc/drum with ABS and dynamic rear proportioning
Fuel capacity:
13.0 gal.
Unless otherwise indicated, specifications refer to test vehicle.
All prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) effective as of August 01, 2005.
Prices do not include manufacturer's destination and delivery charges.
N/A: Information not available or not applicable.
Manufacturer Info Sources:
1-800-522-5000 -
www.saturn.com
