2006 Saturn ION Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Saturn continued to tinker with the Ion in 2006 and made solid progress. Perhaps the most drastic change came from eliminating the Sedan 1...
Saturn continued to tinker with the Ion in 2006 and made solid progress. Perhaps the most drastic change came from eliminating the Sedan 1 and creating separate automatic and manual versions for each remaining non-Red Line trim. This brought the total trim count to 8, including the Ion 2 Sedan automatic, Ion 2 Sedan manual, Ion 3 Sedan automatic, Ion 3 Sedan manual, Ion 2 Coupe automatic, Ion 2 Coupe manual, Ion 3 Coupe automatic, and Ion 3 Coupe manual. In addition, the Ion 3 sedans and Ion 3 coupes came with an optional 2.4 L, 170 hp I4 engine, also known as the Enhanced Performance Package.
All trims still come with a standard 2.2 L, 140 hp I4 engine with either 4 speed automatic or 5 speed manual. Cargo space still comes out to 14.7 cubic feet for the sedans and 14.2 cubic feet for the coupes while gas mileage averages out across the trims at around 25 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway. Saturn dropped prices even more and altered the center dash for more interior room. The coupes still have the unique 4 door design with 2 larger doors in front and 2 adjacent smaller doors for easier access to the back.
Overall, reviewers appreciate the Ion's evolution into a well-balanced, affordable compact with plenty of optional features. Handling and steering have improved without sacrificing the trademark features that gained the Ion a loyal following. Some drivers would still like to see the Saturn Ion catch up to the competition with interior design and materials. However, despite the minor qualms, the public agrees that the 2006 version represents the best Ion yet.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2006 Saturn ION are quite pleased with their vehicle, highlighting its fun driving experience, reliability, and impressive fuel economy. Many appreciate its comfortable ride, sporty look, and spacious trunk, making it ideal for commuters and road trips. On the downside, some mention limited rear seat legroom and expensive dealer service as negatives."
Best car I have ever owned when it comes down to cost of ownership and reliability. Wish I could afford to have 2 cars. 34mpg plus every amenity from MP3 to ice cold air, cruise and on star, keyless entry and much more
February 12, 2013Nice car and good gas mileage, what more could you ask for!? With it being a manual, it's fun to drive! I am a huge fan of Saturn, I only wish they still made them! I like the way the car handles, and drives.
June 24, 2013love the car. 31 mpg (so far) plenty of room. rides great on the highway. Very Quiet. interior & exterior is laid out great. the features are in just the right spot.Update: 05-23-2015, 227,700 miles. Still running Great. New spark plugs, New struts, A/c Compressor, Wheel hubs. I change the oil, myself, every 2 months, Synthetic blend (Castrol). I am getting 34 miles to the gallon. No leaks, not burning any oil. Great car.
February 27, 2010What owners say
Best car I have ever owned when it comes down to cost of ownership and reliability. Wish I could afford to have 2 cars. 34mpg plus every amenity from MP3 to ice cold air, cruise and on star, keyless entry and much more
February 12, 2013Nice car and good gas mileage, what more could you ask for!? With it being a manual, it's fun to drive! I am a huge fan of Saturn, I only wish they still made them! I like the way the car handles, and drives.
June 24, 2013love the car. 31 mpg (so far) plenty of room. rides great on the highway. Very Quiet. interior & exterior is laid out great. the features are in just the right spot.Update: 05-23-2015, 227,700 miles. Still running Great. New spark plugs, New struts, A/c Compressor, Wheel hubs. I change the oil, myself, every 2 months, Synthetic blend (Castrol). I am getting 34 miles to the gallon. No leaks, not burning any oil. Great car.
February 27, 2010First car and it has been great. Had no problems with it at all and its been on the road for two years now. Very pleased with the car and would recommend it to anyone looking for both a commuting and fun to drive car.
June 1, 2008Its not as fast as a Mustang. But it has a ton of pep! I drive aggressively and it performs beautifully. Could use a lot less torque steering, but my overall impression is that its a fun car! I always enjoy my commute home.
March 19, 2008Bought it for mileage, keeping it because its fun to drive. Used as a commuter car (45 miles each way). reliable, good in snow or on ice Recently completed a cross-country trip and found it to be amazingly comfortable on a long drive and I packed enough stuff with me to move into my house and live comfortably for the month it will take the rest of my stuff to get here!
March 18, 2008This is a Ion 2.4 5speed manual that is a rocket. Being a light weight car with 170HP and a manual tranny it accelerates with lots of power through all 5 gears. No complaints about build quality fit is good. Handling is well balanced in straight highway driving and on curvy roads.
March 20, 2011Good on gas. Had some power when you needed it. Very comfortable. The suicide doors made it very convient. Nice handling. Went through alot and was always in one piece. Loved it. Good first car. Roomy and efficent. Handling was good
October 24, 2009It doesn't allow itself to be totaled out with over $10,000 worth of damage - but I didn't die or get hurt, so I suppose that's pretty good. And! It's still the current body style, so nobody has to know it's not new.
October 18, 2009I actually really love this car. Out of all the car I've owned, it runs the best, it has the get up and go, it's not really that expensive...just don't stick your hand out the window while you're going 70, you'll swerve.
December 13, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $14,890 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.2L 140 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 14.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG 27 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $16,190 | Seating 4 |
Engine 2.2L 140 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 14.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 27 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $12,490 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.2L 140 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 14.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG 27 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $13,490 | Seating 4 |
Engine 2.2L 140 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 14.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 27 | Drivetrain FWD |
