2004 Saturn ION 3 2.2

Summary:

Good maybe very good

Faults:

Suspension bushing replaced after delivery.

Brakes need servicing at 50 thou k.

General Comments:

This vehicle was very inexpensive and offered good value for the money. Good acceleration and feels very solid at highway speeds with the bigger tires and wheels of the Ion 3. The polymer panels are excellent and the body looks brand new.

The seats front and back are very hard and uncomfortable. The windows squeek at the top rubber gasket. This is the first time I ever had this problem on any car. Very good radio.

I will seriously consider buying another because of the polymer panels. If Toyota built cars with Panels I would buy their vehicles. A friend has the original model year Saturn sl and it looks and runs brand new.

Saturn is worth consideration.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd October, 2006

4th Nov 2007, 20:19

Agreed, saturn makes AMAZING cars for the money. I have a 2000 saturn SL1 with a pile of miles on it and my dad is so impressed with it that he bought a 2004 saturn ion 3 sedan. we both love our problem free cheapies!!!

2004 Saturn ION Ion II

Summary:

This car is horrible

Faults:

Three months after I bought my car I had to have the sway bar and all four rims replaced.

The valve stems on all four tires had to be replaced because they kept breaking and causing flat tires.

Recently it started idling really high.

There is a rattleing noise coming from somewhere on the dash of the car.

I'm having to have the Lock Cylinder for the ignition replaced because when I turn off the car my key will not come out.

Has any of this happened to anyone else or is it just me?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th September, 2006

3rd Oct 2006, 10:35

I have leased two Saturns. The first Saturn a small 2001 SL1 I returned this vehicle to the dealer after 60 thousaund kil's without a single complainant. The second Saturn a 2004 Ion # presently has 58,000 k and I returned it after initial delivery because of a suspension bushing problem. I believe the brakes will be in need of servicing soon. Overall I am pleased with this Saturn. I am impressed with the Polymer panels both of my vehicles as they were unblemished and looked brand new.

I will seriously consider Saturn when I lease a new vehicle in 2 years.

24th Oct 2006, 08:00

I'm getting worried. I own a 2004 Ion and either 2 or 3 times have had the bushings fixed/replaced on the sway bars. The brakes + cylinders had to be done for $550 now the dealer is saying I need to replace the link supports, to the tune of $330.

I'm really nervous, because the car is not mine for another 2 years. The bank just lets me drive it.

2004 Saturn ION 1 2.2L Ecotech

Summary:

Best bang for the buck

Faults:

The stock windshield wipers streak so I had to buy some after market. The stock tires are awful in all weather conditions – they are the lowest rated tires for that vehicle. I bought Michelin Harmony tires to replace them. Had a few issues with grease in the steering column, and there was a latch that was broken in the trunk. Other than that it has all been general maintenance and warranty recalls.

General Comments:

I got it new for $13,000 Canadian after taxes and other expenses.. My friend works at the dealership and got me the deal.

It has been rear ended by a Jetta and run into a cable guardrail by an old man. The Jetta was almost unrecognizable, the Ion was still drivable and the damage was barely noticeable. The guard rail messed up the paint on the front right bumper, but other than that there was no damage.

I have had many loads of lumber, and pieces of furniture in it. I only wish the passenger seat would lean all the way forward, or back.

It has made it through many road trips and a daily 2 hour commute, year round.

I have had it off road on occasion. It was unavoidable, and I was pleasantly surprised that it made it. My friends Colorado got stuck and I had to rescue him.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th July, 2006