2003 Saturn ION review from North America

Air Conditioning/Heating fan broke down within first 6 months.

Car Lighter/Charger broke within first 6 months.

Transmission began slipping at 60K miles.

Brakes had to be ground down and pads replaced at 80K miles.

Ignition Switch failure in cold weather has led to $1500 in associated repair costs due to inability to pinpoint this problem previously.

The only good thing about this car is its turning radius.

The faulty ignition switch has become a serious issue for me. I first had my starter replaced at a non-dealership ($300) ; then when problems continued, I took the Ion in to a dealership, where they replaced the battery ($180; $100 for the battery and $80 for labor). When the no start persisted after battery replacement, I contacted the dealership, and the service reps indicated over the phone that it was probably the ignition switch. I had to have the car towed in to the dealership ($80), then pay for an "inspection" ($144), then pay for the Ignition Switch replacement ($300 part and labor total).

My husband and I complained to the service manager and he reduced the inspection fee by half, but we were told to contact Saturn directly regarding the Ignition Switch complaint. The Service Manager told us that their dealership sees 3-4 Ions/week with this problem.

Despite the many recorded instances of this problem with this part and this make and model on this site alone, Saturn Corporate stated that they would have done a recall if necessary, and that it's not. They have cited my mileage and maintenance done as contributing factors (which in my opinion has nothing to do with a manufacturer defect) and have offered a $100 refund as well as a $100 gift certificate towards future repairs. This is unacceptable, and I am currently seeking legal assistance to recoup the other costs I've had to incur for their failure to provide a quality product.