2003 Saturn ION Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
After a long and successful run, Saturn decided to replace the S-Series with the Ion in 2003. The new model gave loyal Saturn consumers a...
After a long and successful run, Saturn decided to replace the S-Series with the Ion in 2003. The new model gave loyal Saturn consumers a roomier, sportier, and more powerful version of what they had come to expect over the years. As in previous Saturns, the 2003 Saturn Ion used polymer based panels to minimize scratches and dents. In addition, the car operates with a 2.2 L, 140 hp engine, an improvement from the 1.9 L and 124 hp in the most powerful S-Series trims.
The 2003 Saturn Ion comes in 5 different trims: Sedan 1, Sedan 2, Sedan 3, Coupe 2, and Coupe 3. All trims have standard 5 speed manual transmission with optional ABS brakes and traction control. The sedans have optional 5 speed automatic while the coupes offer optional continuously variable transmission (CVT; see earlier Saturn VUE models). In addition, all trims give you 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The coupes seat 4 and the sedans seat 5. Other innovations include 4 doors on the coupes and trunk space in the sedans that has increased almost 2.5 cubic feet from the S-Series.
Overall, consumers agree that the 2003 Saturn Ion represents an upgrade from the S-Series. However, many wonder whether Saturn did too little too late. Occasionally rough handling, road noise, and internal vibrations detract from the driving experience while hurting Saturn's initial position against competitors such as the Civic and the Corolla. Like Chicago Cubs fans, Saturn consumers would have to wait til next year for the home team to come through in the clutch.
What owners say
"The 2003 Saturn ION has received mixed reviews from drivers. Many appreciate its fun driving experience, good gas mileage, and appealing exterior design. However, some drivers are frustrated by the cost of repairs and minor reliability issues. Overall, the ION is seen as an affordable option with a unique style and decent performance."
This car is awesome! not only is it awesome looking, but it performs extremely well. its easy to handle and i like that the brakes arent touchy like most models out there. its only needed minor repairs like fuses that keep blowing and one time the windshield wiper came off track. It's appearance is stellar. i love the coupe doors and the low profile tires. the interior could be a little prettier, though. i'd say it gets maybe a little under par on gas mileage which is one major downfall of this car. But overall, this car is wonderful! i'd recommend it to anyone who wants to have a sweet looking ride that handles well.
June 29, 2008accels well, handles the road awesomely, power pretty much everything, little repairs, reliable, awesome on gas, available in manual! looks good, super fun to drive. headlights arent the brightest, but can be fixed with aftermarket bulbs, parts are fairly easy to find second-hand, but to buy new can get a little costly! overall, i love it, since parts are rarely replaced.
October 27, 2009This is my wife's car it's got 100,000 miles and it's running strong.
February 22, 2008What owners say
This car is awesome! not only is it awesome looking, but it performs extremely well. its easy to handle and i like that the brakes arent touchy like most models out there. its only needed minor repairs like fuses that keep blowing and one time the windshield wiper came off track. It's appearance is stellar. i love the coupe doors and the low profile tires. the interior could be a little prettier, though. i'd say it gets maybe a little under par on gas mileage which is one major downfall of this car. But overall, this car is wonderful! i'd recommend it to anyone who wants to have a sweet looking ride that handles well.
June 29, 2008accels well, handles the road awesomely, power pretty much everything, little repairs, reliable, awesome on gas, available in manual! looks good, super fun to drive. headlights arent the brightest, but can be fixed with aftermarket bulbs, parts are fairly easy to find second-hand, but to buy new can get a little costly! overall, i love it, since parts are rarely replaced.
October 27, 2009This is my wife's car it's got 100,000 miles and it's running strong.
February 22, 2008Great car, love the placement of the speedometer and whatnot. Makes for a smaller steering wheel which is perfect for women. I have had my car for 2 years and have never had a single problem with it. It's a great car, fun to drive. The only negative thing I could possibly say is that the seats can get a little uncomfortable if you are on a long drive. Otherwise, it's a great car!
August 10, 2008I loved this car. It's definitely not as sexy as my new car but it's a solid GM vehicle. It had amazing features. It never broke down or needed more than gas for 2 full years of me driving it.
February 14, 2008This car was purchased from a private seller who took excellent care of it. I have had very little maintenance done to it since purchasing in Feb. 2014. I would absolutely recommend this car to others. I just have to get the knocking noise behind the glove box tended to - I have been advised about this situation by several people.
May 1, 2014Too many little things have gone wrong that cost a lot to fix. Tires are super expensive for a little car.
June 10, 2008Has been a great car for the wife. Fun, safe & reliable. I see why there are so many Saturn ION followers. The maintanance has been easy and affordable, the ride is nice and smooth & the car stops fast and straight.
July 15, 2013Its a fun little car to drive. I love it mostly because its a 5 speed and its good on gas.
December 30, 2007It drives nice. It looks really good. It really is a SHARP looking car! It gets GREAT gas mileage. I can go to work and home for a week on a quarter tank of gas. This car is fun to drive.
August 11, 2009Trims & specs
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 $14,595 | Seating 4 |
Engine 2.2L 140 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 14.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 26 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $15,050 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.2L 140 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 14.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG 27 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $11,995 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.2L 140 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 14.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG 26 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $16,575 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.2L 140 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 14.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG 27 | Drivetrain FWD |
