2003 Saturn ION 1 review from North America
"When it wants to, it runs quite well for an American car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
For about a year, the car has had a problem I saw mentioned, but not addressed in the pages of comments about this car:
Once in a while, the car simply won't start. I turn the key and press the clutch, but there is only a system message saying "service engine." Duh, OK, but after 10 minutes EXACTLY the car starts just fine. How do I know? After many times, I noticed if I just sit and let the radio run for the usual 10 minutes after the key is turned off (without opening the door, which is a nice feature) the radio goes off and I can drive with no problems.
Yeah, yeah, I can go to the dealer and have it looked at, but I need time and money to pay for anything that might be wrong, and if anyone else knows about it, maybe I can save said time and money and fix it myself for a lot less. My friend has the device that talks to the engine and it cannot talk to MY engine. Other engines are fine so it's not his device.
The Saturn dealer didn't see to notice the rattling heat shield that another car repair shop. That was weird... it's quite loud!
General comments?
I like it otherwise. It drives very well, I haven't experienced the turning off at 70 that others have mentioned. That's a bit scary. The dealer always e-mails me when it is time for service.
It also has a satisfying amount of power for a 4 cylinder car.
Recommended reviews
| A cheap pile of plastic crap |
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| I'm not satisfied with the service department, but I like the size and performance of the car |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model year | 2003 |
| Year of manufacture | 2002 |
| First year of ownership | 2006 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 4 cylinder Manual |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 6 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 45000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 99487 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet S-10 |
| Date of Entry | 8th March, 2008 |