16th Jul 2007, 13:48
There is no way you got it to 90 in first gear without littering the highway with engine components. Fuel cut-off would occur WAY before that speed.
19th Jul 2007, 22:00
We have a 2003 Saturn Ion and in the past several months we are having a problem where the A/C condensation is pouring into the inside of the car, under the dashboard on the passenger-side floor. Has anyone else experienced this problem? We had been told by our dealer initially that debris (e.g. maple seeds, etc.) was getting into the A/C system via the air intake and clogging where the A/C condensation would normally drain. Their solution is to come in periodically and have the drainage area cleaned out. Just last week we went in for one of our normal maintenance services and they "supposedly" cleaned it out. Less than a week goes by and the water is on the floor again. Between this and other problems we have had with this car, it's turning into a real lemon.
19th Jul 2007, 23:46
I have a 2003 Saturn ION... no mods, nothing after-market; just the most standard ION you can get.
Since then, the car randomly shut off (security code...apparently, $450 later), turn signals and all the other bulbs work, but will randomly go off, hood latch broken, coolant light keeps coming on with more than enough coolant; not overheating and the sensors have been replaced.
Also, jerking from time to time, more consistent now.
The interior rear-view mirror is inoperable (time and direction).
Without having the engine light on, I pulled 5 codes from the computer relating to the TCM not having communication with the ECM. along with quite a few other problems.
I can honestly say... "THIS CAR IS GARBAGE!!!"
19th Aug 2007, 20:19
I am just researching the car for the first time because I saw one for sale at a very reasonable price. But didn't I just read somewhere else about this A/C leak thing? I think it involved a recall where an elbow was installed in the A/C drain... Might be worth looking into?
23rd Aug 2007, 19:22
I bought a 2004 Saturn Ion brand new. I've driven 70,000 and have not had any major problems (knock on wood). It's mostly been driven on freeway with speeds up to 100 mph on many occasions- no stalling or dying. The only issue I've had to deal with was when I they recalled the front right bulbs- which Saturn sent me a letter to come in and get replaced. The service at the Saturn I go to is terrific. I'm very happy with my purchase especially at such a steal.
3rd Sep 2007, 11:44
I have a 2003 saturn ion quad-coupe. vehicle has 108,000 miles on it, and still gets 30 mpg. major problem is with (what has been explained to me by serv. tech.) the Body Control Module (BCM) which I'm told is a $500 repair. The failing unit problem manifests itself during (usually) colder weather starts, but also approx once per week in mild weather, by activating the security system, and prohibiting the car from starting for a 10 minute time-frame. Once 10 minutes passes, the car usually starts. This repair quote followed an initial diagnosis, and subsequent $200 repair-replacement of the ignition. When the problem persisted, Saturn stated they were unable to refund my any of the $200 ignition repair, and I would be responsible for the $500 body control module repair.
1st Dec 2007, 08:23
I have a 2007 Saturn ION Coupe with 10,000 kms on it. I bought it new. From about the first 30 days onwards, when braking, it sounds like a dull brake squeal and it happens during about the last 3 seconds of coming to a normal stop under normal brake pressure. I've brought it back several times, to the point where I asked them to replace the car (which they didn't - so much for their replacement guarantee and good customer service). They said there's nothing wrong with the brakes - this after having machined the rotors (new car...), replaced the pads and the brake assembly. Now, it's getting colder up here (Hamilton Ontario) and when the car has been out in the cold for a while, the shocks and springs seem to make noticeably loud noise until they warm up. Is this normal? Is anyone else having this problem or can you maybe advise if something can be done? Your comments are appreciated. Thanks.
12th Dec 2007, 00:48
I own a 2003 Ion3 with 132,000 miles. The car has been very reliable. It has never been in the shop because of a breakdown. However, it does have fogged up headlights and the air-conditioning is starting to make noise. I also owned a 1995 Saturn for 280,000 miles and had few problems.
3rd Mar 2008, 11:28
I can tell you guys that nothing has changed with the Ions, as I have a 2005 Saturn (Purchased New), and have had nothing but trouble from the start.
Under warranty I've had to replace several blinkers, brake lights, head light, and a burnt out socket.
The air conditioning unit has leaked on the floor from the beginning. I have had this fixed 5 times and I am not sure if it is fixed yet as it was fixed during cold weather, so I am waiting for spring.
We have had other things happen that we cannot prove, such as strange beeping when we turn the right blinker on, and the car won't start from time to time because of some security issue. Even if we switch keys (thinking maybe it is the key) it still does not work. Wait about 10-15 minutes and it will start. Only happens once in a while.
Just after the warranty both driver and passenger side windows broke. One has an electrical issue still unresolved, the other has a broken regulator. Now none of the electric windows will work. The light is now out in the glove box.
Now because of all the leaking on the floor the carpet stinks. Contacted Saturn Corp and they gave me free oil changes. All I wanted was for the carpet replaced.
Last year I had to replace the rotors and the pads because the rotors were so rusted and brittle they were falling apart. I am thinking lemon.
25th Apr 2008, 17:17
My issues with my crummy Saturn, include nasty stains on the seats despite scotchguarding it the day I came home...
Swing arm, replaced...
Small plastic piece on the wipers broke, but had to replace the whole set: $400...
Car hits bumps SO hard, and squeaks like someone else wrote...
Fan / A/C just went today, thank you to the person who said that they took theirs apart and found excess grease!
Hood release is a joke - only seem to need it when it's 7 degrees outside...
When I drive it in the rain it sometimes will not start for up to 30 minutes...
Replaced the blinker...
The list goes on and on! I HATE MY CAR SO MUCH!
31st May 2008, 01:31
I have a 2003 Saturn Ion Quad Coupe, and first off it does have a lot of miles on it, but hey.. I'm 17.
Anyway sometimes when I try to start it, it decides that it's not going to start. About 10 or 15 minutes later, she'll start on up.
Then my back doors always LEAK, the passenger back one the most.
The lining on the outside of the door is coming off?
Then the A/C leaks onto the passenger floor board.
And my hood release HA.. What is that, yeah it broke off? And so did the passenger seatbelt holder thing, so if you're riding shot gun you're gonna choke.
I think that the interior is cheap.. cause something is always breaking. And I take good care of my car.
16th Jul 2007, 11:30
To commenter 00:05.
You intentionally damaged your car out of anger? Yeah, that's going to help reliability issues. A fogged up headlight and one time engine stall and that's worth destroying the vehicle?