2004 Saturn ION Level 2 2.2 from North America

Summary:

Good value with problems

Faults:

The car will not start randomly in the mornings. If I wait 15-20 minutes it will start again. Service Engine light ALWAYS comes one when this happens. After I get it started it runs fine.

There is only one other time I had a problem starting the car... after it went through the car wash. This makes me suspect that moisture is causing the problem.

I think Saturn needs to figure out what is wrong and fix the cars that have this problem. It is obviously not a isolated issue.

General Comments:

I like my ION otherwise. I just get tired of fighting with it in the mornings randomly.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th November, 2007

2004 Saturn ION 2 ecotech from North America

Summary:

Feelings about this car cannot be described without breaking the rules of posting on this site

Faults:

Ignition switch more than TEN times.

Brakes.

Computer (twice)

Suspension.

Shocks.

Seat fabric.

Ignition firing system.

Throttle body.

Idle speed sensor.

General Comments:

Hands down the worst car I have ever owned.

It wouldn't be so bad if it were not for the complete lack of dealership support.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th October, 2007

2004 Saturn ION Level 2 2.2L Ecotec I4 from North America

Summary:

This car is very dependable, reliable and solid

Faults:

The first thing that went wrong with the car was the Idle Control Valve which the car turned off while I was on the freeway. So I pulled over and turned the car back on no problem went straight to dealer it was replaced in under 30 min. Next was the gauge cover at 10,000mi it warped and was replaced no further problem. Everything else was cosmetic to the interior the center of the dash was replaced because it started pealing at the lower part where my leg would rest. The headliner was replaced because a tech had got his dirty hands on it. The seat belt loop on the pass seat broke because my cousin used it to get out the car. My Driver side rear door the ext panel cracked when it was re adjusted a tech tightened it too much. The driver airbag was replaced because my sister decided to punch the horn to honk it and the air bag started coming out from behind the metal emblem. the last problem was also a technicians fault the when they replaced the air bag the first time I honked the horn it shorted the horn and the ignition switch. I got a 4 day rental for that.

General Comments:

Overall I give this car a 9 out of 10. This car has been very excellent and it's a daily driver. I have never been stranded in this car due to a mechanical break down and it continues to run like she is brand new. I was 18 when I got the car so its first two years I was a little rough with it and use to drive 90 miles round trip to work. This car has Almost 80,000 in three years and it still feels solid and new. All maintenance was either don't at an Authorized Saturn Dealership or by my self. All maintenance was done on time as Saturn Specifies. This was my first brand new car and I am very pleased with the car and the service i receive when I go to the dealership. I am DEFINITELY getting another Saturn.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th August, 2007

16th Aug 2007, 05:10

With all those problems at 80000 I would stay away from saturn!

27th Mar 2009, 08:58

Actually those are very little problems for 80 000 MILES done by a younger driver...

31st Dec 2009, 19:08

I have a 2004 Ion sedan, and love my car. Have no major problems knock on wood. If SATURN stayed in business longer, I would buy another car from them. My car has about 59,060 miles on it. All I really had to replace so far is the brakes, sway bar links, and bushings.

My stylish Saturn ION onyx black is a great car. I think that this car should have stayed on the market a little longer. Driving Fords really didn't impress me much. There was always something wrong with the suspension. Highway driving was a nightmare. But highway driving in my Ion is a piece of cake now.

13th Aug 2010, 09:37

Saturn Ions are the worst car on the market. That being said, here's a list of the problems:

1) Unable to shift into higher gears

2) No power steering

3) Power windows don't work

4) Air conditioning unit has gone out 2 times

5) Reverse switch plate went out

6) Unable to adjust radio volumes

7) Will not start in cold weather

8) Loses RPMs when too hot outside

9) Passenger door leaks water

10) Brakes have been replaced 3 times, and tires 3 times as well...

Do you need any more reasons NOT to buy this car?

26th Jan 2011, 22:11

I got a 2004 ION 4 door.

It runs and drives great. The only problem is the ignition. At 93000 miles I replaced the ignition switch in the steering column and it's all good now...