As the special name indicates, the 2004 Saturn Ion Red Line supersized the original Ion. However, while you might say the Red Line looks a little different, you'd need x-ray vision to know what the manufacturer did to the engine. Saturn refrained from any significant remodeling with the exterior and packed all the extra power under the hood. The end product left consumers with a mixed bag.

The 2004 Saturn Ion Red Line comes in one Quad Coupe trim with a 2.0 L, 205 hp I4 engine. This re-vamped model uses 5 speed manual transmission and fuel consumption ranges from 24 mpg in the city to 30 mpg on the highway. Unlike the other 5 trims on the regular Ion, the Red Line does have standard leather seats and ABS brakes. Other standard features include power windows, power door locks, and cd player. The Red Line goes from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds.

Reviewers say that the greatest step up from the original Ion comes in the improved power, handling, and steering. On the other hand, quality of materials, control panel design, and engine noise remain noteworthy concerns for a domestic manufacturer that started off on the wrong foot against its foreign counterparts. Consumers agree that the 2004 Saturn Ion Red Line represented a step in the right direction. However, the Red Line's survival would depend on Saturn's determination to meet the demand for innovation.