2005 Saturn ION 2 review from North America

Driver's side window went off track around 2 years, repaired under warranty no questions asked.

I got the ION as my first car and as a 3 year lease to keep the payments low while I was in school. It has been a very good, simple car to get started with. Sure it wasn't luxury and there were many other more desirable cars on the market at the time, but given the chance to decide again, I'd still get the ION.

While others have criticized its appearance and comfort, you have to remember it is a lower end car. The seats weren't uncomfortable, but more comfortable ones would have been nicer on long trips, of which I did many. The center dash was touted as a safety feature, but it was really more annoying than anything. Everyone commented about it being in the center and there really was no need for it to be there. I took good care of the car since it was a lease, so it didn't get beat up as much as someone else might and therefore can't really comment on how sturdy parts were.

My biggest complaint was always that it didn't feel solid. The plastic doors always made a creaking sound when I turned corners. There were also a few annoying rattles that I've never figured out what they were.

I think the ION was an unexpected flop for Saturn, which worked nicely for my lease. My buyout price was $11,000, which was retail price in Kelley Blue Book, but dealer trade and private party were both 2-3k less than that. If you're keeping it for just a short time, it may not hold its value. If you'll drive it into the ground, it may work out.