2003 Saturn ION Review
2003 Saturn ION Review
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Used ION for sale
Appraise This CarSaturn ION types
- Sedan
- Coupe
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Innovative rear-access doors on coupe, customer-focused dealers, numerous personalization options, great cargo capacity.
Cons
- Build quality not up to segment standards, unusual styling, lack of established service and repair history.
What’s new
After 12 long years in production, Saturn is finally retiring its aging S-Series sedan and coupe in favor of the all-new Saturn Ion sedan and innovative quad coupe.
Edmunds says
Built to compete among the small Asian vehicles, the less impressive domestic Ion will have a tough time with this segment's leading contenders.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Saturn ION 1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$164/mo for ION 1
ION 1
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Saturn ION.
5 star(61%)
4 star(21%)
3 star(10%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(2%)
284 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
Love my Ion! Has 225k miles on it and still running strong!
rcameron5, 06/30/2014
2003 Saturn ION 2 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5A)
I love my Ion. It is a very trust worthy car. I bought it used and it had 205K miles on it and it now has 225K miles and it is still running strong. The air is ice cold, it runs great. Always gets me where I need to be! The only thing that has been wrong with it. If the wheel isn't just straightly perfect it won't go to the off on the ignition. It will only go to accessories. I just … stick my finger up this hole and press this button and it goes to off and right out. Easy fix!
But, it is stylish for the year and runs good. I love my Ion!! I can't wait to see how long it will last me!
3.63 out of 5 stars
Happy owner since new
cartopcamper, 02/20/2014
2003 Saturn ION 3 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
We've owned since new a 2003 Saturn Ion 3 sedan with 5-speed manual transmission.
It now has about 145K miles and is going strong.
All of our 5 kids learned how to drive a stick in this car.
The clutch finally needed replacement at 137K miles.
I live in Southern California.
While a daughter attended school near Boise, ID, I'd drive up a couple times a year via Nevada back roads.
I … wouldn't see another vehicle for hours while driving through the desert, so I'd drive 100 mph for long periods without a problem - still got great mpg.
I still use this car if driving long trips by myself.
Only problem for us was/is the ignition key switch issue - about $350 to fix, and I haven't yet
4.75 out of 5 stars
ION 3 rocks!!
fiend0810, 10/04/2003
2003 Saturn ION 3 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5A)
This car is fun and sporty. It handles
extremely well in the mountains and on
curves. Plenty of power and just a joy
to drive. This is my first Saturn and
it won't be my last.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Fine With Me
Smookiepooch, 02/02/2009
2003 Saturn ION 2 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
I bought my Saturn at the end of '02 and at 133,000 it's still going strong. I've had some problems recently but with that many miles it's bound to happen. My blinker went out but that was a recall item so it was fixed for free. The only 2 major problems I had was my key got stuck in the ignition and my fan went out, fixed both for under $200.
2003 ION Highlights
Sedan
1
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $11,430 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $164/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassenger3 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalPoor
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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