2006 Saturn ION Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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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.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2006 Saturn ION
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Anonymous
Nov 28, 2024
Having lots of problems with this car. Where is the trans mission stick. Why is my dashboard reading oil change when it was already done. Nov 28, 2024
by Anonymous
Apr 18, 2015
This 2006 Saturn Ion a mid sized car. The vehicle maintenance cost are low however the rear seating has minimal leg room.The vehicle handles well on the road and runs quite.The car has a silver exterior and black interior with cloth seats . Apr 18, 2015
by Anonymous
Dec 29, 2014
Not my cup of tea body style wise, but this a great car for a college student. There isn't a ton of room in the back seats, so not a family car. But there is plenty of trunk space. And it holds up to rust and dents really really well. No issues there.Dec 29, 2014
User rating:
by Anonymous
Nov 28, 2024
Having lots of problems with this car. Where is the trans mission stick. Why is my dashboard reading oil change when it was already done. Nov 28, 2024
by Anonymous
Apr 18, 2015
This 2006 Saturn Ion a mid sized car. The vehicle maintenance cost are low however the rear seating has minimal leg room.The vehicle handles well on the road and runs quite.The car has a silver exterior and black interior with cloth seats . Apr 18, 2015
by Anonymous
Dec 29, 2014
Not my cup of tea body style wise, but this a great car for a college student. There isn't a ton of room in the back seats, so not a family car. But there is plenty of trunk space. And it holds up to rust and dents really really well. No issues there.Dec 29, 2014
by Anonymous
Feb 26, 2014
This was my first car. It took me around the country and back safely. GREAT on gas mileage. My only problem was that it sits very low. I'm more comfortable driving taller cars. That's way why I traded it in.Feb 26, 2014
by Anonymous
Jun 24, 2013
Nice 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.Jun 24, 2013
by Anonymous
Feb 12, 2013
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 moreFeb 12, 2013
by Michael B
Sep 14, 2011
Most reliable car I have ever driven.....the weight distribution is well balanced for diamonding the corners. The dash is in a unusual posistion, however after time it becomes a great asset. Trunk has PLENTY of room. Handling is decent for price range.
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by Anonymous
Mar 20, 2011
This 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.Mar 20, 2011
by Blanche F
Apr 30, 2010
low maintenace, good gas mileage, has trouble starting in the morning you have to try it some mornings and then come back out 10 min. later for it to start but that is only when it is relly cold or wet outside.Apr 30, 2010
by Yanick V
Apr 28, 2010
It is made of polymer, so it does not dent or rust, a really good thing.
With the 2.4 liter engine, the car has good performance and handling.
The trim for the Ion 3 is fairly good inside, the car has really good gas mileage, better than the 2.2 liter.Apr 28, 2010
by Greg M
Feb 27, 2010
love 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.Feb 27, 2010
by Onie K
Nov 01, 2009
Looks good, nice color, not your typical gold Saturn with tan interior. It's only a 4-banger, but it's got enough oomph to get you going. It is inexpensive to repair. There was only one prob when I bought it and it was covered under warranty and is all good now!Nov 01, 2009
by Jennie B
Oct 24, 2009
Good 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 goodOct 24, 2009
by Amanda F
Oct 18, 2009
It 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.Oct 18, 2009
by Carla B
Dec 13, 2008
I 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.Dec 13, 2008
by Chris N
Jul 21, 2008
This car sucks in the winter. The front end is always falling apart replaced both sway bar links twice and swing arm control bushings twice. I only have 32,000 miles on it. I dont think the quality of this car is very good. The oinly plus side is all that is under warranty so far. Gas mileage is good 31-34 mpg. Jul 21, 2008
by Garrett H
Jul 01, 2008
like the stick shift, good gas mileage. This car is worth the money if your looking for a small car with a stick shift. I don't drive it yet but i will drive it when i can.Jul 01, 2008
by Natasha S
Jun 01, 2008
Love that it has the sporty look of a coupe, but has 4 doors.Jun 01, 2008
by Marcus C
Jun 01, 2008
First 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.Jun 01, 2008
by Devyn B
Apr 14, 2008
Pedals are not too touchy and not to stiff, steering is perfect, it is easy to see out of, it is a nice size, and it looks great.Apr 14, 2008
by Stephanie S
Apr 09, 2008
This car is great on gas, looks good on the inside, very safe and affordable . has good gas mileage. Apr 09, 2008
by Scott L
Apr 07, 2008
I have had this car since December 2005, it had 137km on it when I got the keys (after being driven down to me from the Fredericton dealership). The only con I could even think of was that the rear bumper tends to scratch, but you can get a guard added to help with that. Apr 07, 2008
by Desiree G
Mar 19, 2008
Its 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.Mar 19, 2008
by Kirk H
Mar 18, 2008
Bought 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!
Mar 18, 2008
by Julie W
Jan 22, 2008
nice first car :)Jan 22, 2008
by Anonymous
Oct 20, 2007
service from dealer is expensive and lacks customer satisfaction. Fog light goes on and off,
emissions light always goes on. gas lines have already been changed, gas cap changed.Oct 20, 2007
What users have asked
maximum mileage on a 2006 saturn ion 3?
I want to get a 2006 Saturn ion 3 as my first car. it has 105,000 miles they want $8000 for it and id have to finance it for 4 years. im wondering what the maximum mileage on it might be, to know if it will last me past my financing time if i take good care of it and if it will be worth the money.
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Interior lights & alarm/chimes
Every once in a while my saturn, you drive, stop the car, key in igniton, door closed, the chimes start & the interior light comes on. The chimes & interior lights shouldn't come on until the door is opened. When parked & doors locked, alarm goes off randomly. What is the problem?
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Top Comparisons
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2006 Saturn ION Pricing
Original MSRP
$12,490 to $16,190Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: drum
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: seatback
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Locks
Power door locks: remote
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: drum
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Locks
Power door locks: remote
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent