EDMUNDS.COM 2004 SATURN ION
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Despite some improvements in interior materials, the Ion remains a generally substandard economy car that''s outclassed by nearly every other compact sedan and coupe on the market.
Pros
Low price, customer-focused dealers, large trunk capacity, coupe''s innovative rear access doors.
Cons
Flat seats with little support, limited rear legroom, low-grade interior materials, build quality not up to competitors'' standards.
What''s New for 2004
Saturn has upgraded the Ion with new fabrics, improved plastics and a new radio with MP3 and satellite radio capability. The electric steering has been revised for improved feel at highway speeds, while the sedan''s five-speed automatic and the coupe''s CVT have been recalibrated for improved gear selection and response. Finally, Saturn has installed additional sound-deadening material to reduce cabin noise. A Special Edition version of the sedan provides black exterior paint, distinctive 16-inch wheels and a two-tone interior.
Overview
Introduction:
A replacement for the aged S-Series, the Saturn Ion arrived as a new model in 2003. Built on GM''s all-new "Delta" vehicle platform, the Ion benefits from its increased structural stiffness, an ability to accommodate multiple engine/transmission combinations and a larger overall size. Significant effort was directed toward reducing noise and vibration throughout the vehicle using technology such as hydraulic engine mounts and a thicker windshield. Styling and trick features are certainly a big part of what makes vehicles in this category popular, so Saturn engineers came up with a few innovative tricks to catch the attention of potential buyers. Interchangeable trim panels that reside along the exterior roofline and around the instrument cluster allow owners to quickly and easily transform the look of their Ion to suit their mood. Ion "coupes" actually have four doors -- two traditional openings in front and a set of rear-hinged access doors for easier access to the rear seats. Both the sedan and coupe offer spacious cabins and the largest trunk in the class, but poorly designed seats make them generally uncomfortable to spend time in, regardless of whether you''re seated in the front or rear. A center-mounted instrument cluster gives the interior a unique look as well as offers more room for the driver to adjust the steering wheel, but in terms of functionality we prefer the "old-fashioned" location -- in front of the driver. Options like an in-dash six-disc CD changer and the OnStar communications system allow buyers to deck out the Ion with the latest high-tech electronic gear. But there''s more than just features and style; the Ion also offers buyers the Saturn no-hassle buying experience, a pull so strong it keeps almost half of all previous Saturn customers coming back. And in a society that seems to have forgotten about the idea of customer service, not having to dread each trip to the dealer is a feature no army of engineers could have possibly tackled. Nevertheless, it seems unlikely to us that this will be enough to draw customers away from the high-quality offerings from any number of import manufacturers, not to mention Ford. Although a handful of improvements for 2004 should make the Ion more hospitable for driver and passengers, there''s little doubt in our minds that it needs some major-league revisions before it can effectively compete in the economy car segment.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Ion is available in two body styles: sedan and quad coupe. The Sedan is available in three numerical trim levels -- 1, 2 and 3 -- while the Quad Coupe comes only in two levels of trim -- 2 or 3. The Ion 1 is your average econobox with 14-inch steel wheels, manual windows and locks and an AM/FM radio. The Ion 2 adds basic comfort options including air conditioning, power locks, a height-adjustable driver seat and a CD player, along with 15-inch wheels. Add the Convenience Package to get power windows and mirrors, cruise control and keyless entry. The Ion 3 takes a sportier step forward adding 16-inch alloy wheels, full power accessories and an anti-theft system. Leather upholstery is optional on the Ion 3, and both 2 and 3 models can get a sunroof and an in-dash CD changer. A Special Edition sedan offers black paint, machined 16-inch wheels, a chrome exhaust tip and a two-tone interior with leather seats.
Powertrains and Performance:
Both the sedan and coupe feature a 2.2-liter, Ecotec four-cylinder engine rated for 140 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. Both the sedan and coupe come standard with a five-speed manual transmission, with two automatic transmission options -- GM''s VTi, a continuously variable transmission, for the coupe, and a five-speed automatic for the sedan. Fuel economy estimates for manual-shift Ions are 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway; automatic-equipped sedans and CVT-equipped coupes are rated 24 city/32 highway.
Safety:
Antilock brakes with traction control are optional, as is a head curtain side airbag system that unfolds from the roof rail to provide coverage for both front and rear outboard occupants. Also available is GM''s OnStar communication system, which can summon aid automatically if the airbags deploy. In government crash testing, the Ion earned a perfect five stars for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts. In side-impact testing, an Ion without head curtain airbags earned three stars for the protection of rear occupants (front-occupant protection wasn''t tested).
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The speedometer and other related instruments are housed in a center-mounted pod, freeing up space in front of the driver for better sight lines and more steering-wheel adjustability. The Ion coupe has two additional dual rear-access doors (RADs), hence the name "quad coupe," that makes it easier for rear passengers to get in and out. Unfortunately, poorly designed seats make sitting in the Ion a generally uncomfortable proposition for front and rear occupants alike.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The engine provides adequate, if not entirely refined, power throughout the rev range. The five-speed automatic transmission is responsive, but the manual box is still a little rough through the gates. Built on a completely different platform than its S-Series predecessor, the Ion displays commendable ride and handling characteristics. It''s soft enough to soak up rough roads, yet it still handles itself well in tight turns and freeway off-ramps. We''ve previously criticized the Ion''s steering, which never seemed to provide the right amount of power assist, but 2004 revisions yield some improvement in this area.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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