2004 Saturn ION Review | Edmunds.com
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2004 Saturn ION

 
 
 
Edmunds Review (288) MPG

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Saturn ION Features and Specs

Features & Specs

  • Engine 2.2 L Inline 4-cylinder
  • Drivetrain Front wheel drive
  • Transmission 5-speed manual
  • Horse Power 140 hp @ 5800 rpm
  • Fuel Economy 23/32 mpg
  • Bluetooth No
  • Navigation No
  • Heated Seats No
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Review of the 2004 Saturn ION

  • Despite some improvements in interior materials, the Ion remains a generally substandard economy car that's outclassed by nearly every other compact sedan and coupe on the market.

  • Safety

  • Pros

    Low price, customer-focused dealers, large trunk capacity, coupe's innovative rear access doors.

  • Cons

    Flat seats with little support, limited rear legroom, low-grade interior materials, build quality not up to competitors' standards.

  • What's New for 2004

    Saturn has upgraded the Ion with new fabrics, improved plastics and a new radio with MP3 and satellite radio capability. The electric…

 
What Others Are Saying

Customer Reviews

  Average Consumer Rating (288 total reviews)

Long term, great car

by on
Vehicle: 2004 Saturn ION 1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)

I purchased my 2004 Ion3 almost new at the Saturn dealer, with about 2k miles. That's been 9 years and just over 100,000 miles ago. Perfect car, for me. Only replaced struts, belts, brakes, filters, oil, etc. Had auto transmission serviced once. Absolutely NO problems with this vehicle. Great trip vehicle for me. Disneyland, Grand Canyon, Salt Lake City, wherever I want to go. 30 plus mpg on freeway. I get better mpg when I go faster than stated limits, hmm.. Anyway, I love it so much, that my extended family have purchased three others. Looks like a Saturn lot when all are here. Others may have had problems, but for us. Great car. Wish they still made them. All 5 still work fine.



I'm gonna miss this car

by on
Vehicle: 2004 Saturn ION 1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)

I bought this car 4 years ago with 59K miles already on it. 2 months ago, I totalled it in a rollover. First off, I'm completely unscathed--I had a couple minor cuts and a little whiplash. Secondly, in 4 years, I took this car to 147K miles--nearly 90K miles--and I had one major repair around 125K, when my timing belt tensioner went out. I had another repair bill over a grand about 5K miles earlier, but that was for the AC fan, wheel bushings in both front wheels, alignment, a radiator flush, and a tuneup. You know, normal wear and tear. This car ran and ran and ran and ran, with good fuel economy (~26-29 mpg) a smooth ride (though a little noisy) in almost all weather. Would buy again.



Bought w/ salvage title -

by on
Vehicle: 2004 Saturn ION 1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)

I traded in my big SUV for this little thing 4 years ago. It had a rebuilt salvage title (flipped over in accident) and 75k miles. I'm up to 120k and we still love it. 30+ mpg and minimal repairs. The only things we've had to do are: keep relays on hand for when the electrical steering goes out. At first this was a monthly occurrence, it has been 2 years since we've had to replace them. We did struts and brakes at 110k. A fuse for the cigarette lighter. Then of course the normal things, battery, oil changes, spark plugs, etc. We plan to drive this car until our family doesn't fit!


 
 

Full 2004 Saturn ION Review

What's New for 2004

Saturn has upgraded the Ion with new fabrics, improved plastics and a new radio with MP3 and satellite radio capability. The electric steering has been revised for improved feel at highway speeds, while the sedan's five-speed automatic and the coupe's CVT have been recalibrated for improved gear selection and response. Finally, Saturn has installed additional sound-deadening material to reduce cabin noise. A Special Edition version of the sedan provides black exterior paint, distinctive 16-inch wheels and a two-tone interior.

 

Talk About The 2004 ION



2004 Saturn ION Discussions See all Started By

john355
john355
06-06-2003
Saturn Ion Redline
According to Edmund's future vehicle section, Saturn is coming out with a 200 hp Ion Redline in the fall of 2004. Does anyone know anything more about this car?...

sadsaturnion
sadsaturnion
11-25-2013
Saturn Ion Starting Problems
So I have been experiencing the bipolar starting issues on my Saturn Ion 2004 2.2l, for about 5 years and just about 100,000 miles. It is more prominent in the cold, but can happen at any time. I have...

regfootball
regfootball
10-28-2003
Saturn Ion
http://www.saturnfans.com/Cars/ION/2004/ionproduction.shtml...


See all 2004 Saturn ION discussions
 

More on the 2004 ION

 
 
Gas Mileage

EPA-Rated MPG

  • 23
  • cty
/
  • 32
  • highway
Calculate Yearly Fuel Costs
 

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