2006 Saturn ION 2.2 from North America

Summary:

Very happy Saturn owner!!!

Faults:

- Changed brakes and rotors - dirt cheap - at $110 for all parts, and I changed it all myself very easily!!

- Tire change - no big deal.

General Comments:

Very happy with the car overall!! I'm a 6'2" man and there's plenty of space for me, but the kids get squished somewhat in the back seat.

The suicide door system is nice and great when you need to put something big in the car. Also all the seats go down flat, so there's tons of space!!! The only thing with the suicide doors is that the people in the back have a hard time opening the door to get out.

Canadian winters can be very tough, but this car had no issues starting and handling over the winter!!

Parts are very cheap!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th January, 2013

2006 Saturn ION 2 2.2 from North America

Summary:

Very happy, great price, all round good car

Faults:

Front disc brake & pad change; $120, great price, very easy do it yourself.

Oil change, $80, synthetic.

That's it.

General Comments:

I've had this car for about one year now, and am very satisfied. Due to people being nervous about the company issues, I got a great deal on the purchase!! Let them be nervous, parts are always available. Easy to work on, and the body will never rust!!!

The suicide doors provide great access to placing large items in the car, and all the seats fold down flat, so it's great to lug stuff around!!!

The only negative thing I can think of is the clutch is very touchy, and I tend to stall the car from time to time.

Hope this helps!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st September, 2012

2006 Saturn ION Quad 2.2 from North America

Summary:

Good enough, but not dazzling

Faults:

Replaced the battery at 80,000.

Security system can shut down the ignition for no reason, even with the original key. I have to wait 10 minutes to try again. This is aggravating. The problem has only happened in winter (when I most want to warm it up). It's been OK since the weather has warmed, and we've decided to leave it alone. It does keep me from totally trusting this vehicle.

General Comments:

The word "generic" is perfect to describe this car. It's kinda cute with the suicide doors and the sunroof. For most purposes it's certainly good, but nothing really stands out.

Those suicide doors leave the rear passengers trapped. They can only get out if the front door is opened. They're inconvenient to use if you just want to toss groceries or paperwork on the back seat.

It's comfortable on the highway, and doesn't feel as small as it is.

Acceleration is modest, and the fuel economy is not as good as I expected; only low 30s MPG at 55-65MPH. For a car this small, I expected mid to high 30s, especially since we drive it pretty easy.

No big problems, nothing really outstanding, just middle-of-the-pack. My mechanic gives Saturn good reviews, but it hasn't given him any work yet, other than oil changes.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 20th April, 2012

27th Apr 2012, 14:14

GM really should have designed those security systems to automatically deactivate five years after first use, as by then there is little chance that anyone is going to try to steal the car, and they only serve to aggravate the unfortunate owner of the vehicle when they malfunction.

13th May 2012, 20:55

That is a really good idea!

8th Apr 2014, 09:40

We kinda found a solution to the ignition security problem: we always lock the car using the remote, even when it's in the garage. Then when it is unlocked using the remote, it will start every time. If it's left unlocked and it's cold out (below freezing) the security function will often prevent starting. Maybe when the remote is used, it "knows" it's an authorized driver.

2006 Saturn ION 2.2 Ecotec from North America

Summary:

Ugly cheap car + repairs = expensive ugly car

Faults:

My cylinder block has cracked.

My transmission had to be changed at 70000 km.

Check engine light due to misfire, so I had to change the spark plugs and wiring.

Link kit twice.

Clutch pedal spring.

Handbrake cable (entirely my fault).

General Comments:

I am a full time student, and I need my money. But unfortunately, it all goes into my 4 year old Saturn.

The transmission has been changed recently for 2000$, and I have to change my cylinder block soon.

My link kit, well it must be fragile, because it broke down for no apparent reason twice. The gearbox is rough and cheap compared to many cars I've driven. Mini's, Audi's, Mitsubishi's, and even a cheap old Mazda Protégé's gearbox were more decent than this one. Then the suspension is too soft.

And finally, since I live in Québec, snow is present 4 months a year, and I enjoyed drifting in the snow. Drifting = handbrake. Handbrake drifting = broken handbrake cable.

Through the months I owned this car, I've noticed that it is very powerful for its price, but if you unleash the power, it WILL go wrong.

What's good about the car?? Well the sound system is decent when seated in front, the windshield washer is spread well on the windshield, resists small impacts like a champion, and... that's it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th February, 2011