2005 Saturn Ion consumer reviews

I gave my Ion-2 an average reliability rating because if you average the terrible time I had while the car was in warranty (ignition, stereo, wheel bearings, window motor, replaced and a leaky sunroof) to having no problems from 36,000 to 62,000 miles -- I guess that would be "average" reliability. I do like the large up-front interior room, comfortable ride, and looks. So I'd recommend it (now)!

This car is a great highway vehicle due to its high gas mileage. Car is NOT a sports car by any means, and isn't meant to be driven that way! A car that isn't great for kids, but fine for a one person daily commute.

I have a 2005 Saturn Ion. I bought it new and started having problems right away. First of all, my car doesn't always let me have my key out of the ignition. It sort of locks up and won't let me have my key back. Saturn claims it isn't a problem with the car, but rather with my key. So I tried the spare key I had, no luck. I had a new key made and no luck there. When I took the car in, the repairmen claimed it never happened to them. Other than that, my biggest complain is that my car completely broke down at about 48,000 miles. I've already spent about $2200 on it and Saturn still can't tell me what's wrong with my car. It lurches when driving and has trouble shifting gears. Obviously, I'm quite upset that a car with less than 50,000 miles is already breaking down on me and needing extremely expensive repairs. Other than those problems, I really do like the ion. It's comfortable to sit in, the ac/heater are awesome, and it gets great fuel milage. However, the interior is ugly and cheap. It's not a bad car to drive at all but it's just buggy....it seems like every month, I'd have some weird problem with it. Once I had my breaks just give out. I pulled over to the side of the road, used my emergency break, and stopped the car. I tried driving it again and my breaks worked just fine and never did it again. I also had the cd player have weird issues. Also, a few times when I was driving, I had the car just die. When I'd try to start it up again, it was fine. Weird car....

Bought my Ion3 with 32k miles, mainly for the fuel economy. It averages 30 all-around. No mechanical problems at all, and no major complaints. The steering wheel is a reach and the seats are a little too firm and low, but typical for a car this size. Roominess and trunk size are better than expected, and the utility of the rear doors (I have the 4door coupe) is great!

Bought it used with 30,000 miles. No problems what so ever. Rides smooth. Good gas mileage (26 city/35 hwy.) Would recommend this car to anyone.

the car is okay. i would not really recommended it to any one. its a pain to drive at times. i have let people drive and they say its okay car. its not a mans car. even though it takes off like a beast...

I own two of these money funnels. These are the problems My Ion 3 - Front right shock went out while driving, windows had faulty wiring twice, cd player needed replace at dealership, and weather stripping is poor. My Ion 2 - Power steer went out which resulted in a whole new steering column, ignition module failure, 2 tires blown out with no apparent cause, and the windows don't work right in this one either. By the way the Ion 3 has 24,000 miles and the Ion 2 just went in for its' 30,000 mile service. My father in law has a 15 year old Volvo and makes fun of us for buying these cars all of the time.

Never owned a Saturn Ion, but have driven numerous long-term rentals. They have all been very dependable, good seats, great maneuverability, and good gas mileage. I would strongly recommend this model for those looking for a small, spacious, dependable, commute and trip car.

It seems every couple months something in the front end goes wrong and I am without my car again for a whole day. It has been one thing after another, Front Bushings twice, Sway bar twice, ignition, gauges not working at all, the list goes on and on. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!!!!

Enjoy car more every day. The Saturn buying experience way surpasses the other car companies. No pressure, just friendly, helpful support. Saturn Ion has to be the best value on the market in terms of fuel economy, reliability, price and ride - Nothing else comes close. I have made the switch from SAAB for the forseeable future.