2004 Saturn ION Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

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.

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 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.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

2004 Saturn Ion Redline

Written by: Wrecked Redline on 10/01/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	10

Vehicle

2004 Saturn ION Red Line 4dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl S/C 5M)

Review

I was recently a proud owner of a 2004 Saturn Ion Redline. I lost this amazing car to a T-Boning. This car is a blast to drive. With a 205hp supercharged LSJ, this car got up and went. The transmission was excellent with very solid shift points.The interior was a little bizarre but it had a very good feel. It was ergonomic and comfortable. The steering was awesome and precise but with all front wheel drive cars, you have torque steer, and this car had some torque. This car gets between 23 and 27 miles per gallon, so not the best for a four banger, but again this car is supercharged and I gunned it a lot.Again this car is a blast to drive, Im proud to of owned this car.

Favorite Features

My favorite features are the Powerful motor,the comfortable RECARO racing seats,and of course it was a smooth shifting 5 speed. And my saturn was dent resitant, like most saturns are. LOW MANTENICE!

Suggested Improvements

The only improvement needed is better rear visability, and a RWD powertrain.

Report inappropriate post

One Reliable Car

Written by: Mark3152 on 09/18/2009


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	10

2004 Saturn ION 3 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)

Purchased the car new and I essentially live in this car. Driving for work through out the midwest 12 months out of the year. Currently has 221,000 miles on it, plan to keep it till it dies and don't expect that to be very soon. I truly believe in scheduled maintenance intervals. Most reliable car my family has ever owned. I've thought about a new car but this is too good a car to get rid of. Thank you Saturn!

Fun, easy car to drive.

An electric drivers seat.

Performance and gas mileage!

Written by: evan on 08/06/2009


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	6
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	8
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	9

This care has been great to drive. Its rare to find a six second car with grocery-getter gas mileage. Unsure about annual gas mileage...sorry.

gas mileage, exterior design, performance, its a head turner, not many people believe it's a saturn.

engine setup.....i will admit, its way to complicated just to change the oil filter. I have cold air intake, and its a pain to change. It should not be that difficult.

My lover!

Written by: Jeffroberge09 on 07/28/2009


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	7	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	8
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	9

2004 Saturn ION 1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)

Really great car! Easy to get a part of the car if it's broken. Really easy to maintain! I made many modification on it and I'm really happy of my first car! Of course I have to do some repair on the car but it was an use one, but the part wasn't expensive

Polymere, 2.2L ecotec! Easy to maintain, Fuel economy!

The polymere hood!!! and the seat more confortable!

Death Trap

Written by: Corey Arnold on 06/30/2009


Performance:	1	Fun-to-Drive:	1	Build Quality:	1
Comfort:	1	Interior Design:	1	Reliability:	1
Fuel Economy:	4	Exterior Design:	1

2004 Saturn ION 2 4dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)

This car is a DEATH TRAP! It locks up when driving. Can not shift in and out of gears, especially when driving in rush hour traffic. Has been taken in a total of 36 times to dealership, and only when the warrenty was expired did they know the problem. The vehicle locked up while my little brother was driving and caused a horrible wreck, which landed him and the other person in the hospital. So long story short if you value your life and personal safety BOYCOT SATURN and their death trap vehicles.

lets see my windsheild cracked for no apperent reason, the ac went out, the reverse lights went out, the windows do not roll down and the car locks up when ever it feels like

Saturn going out of business and not being able to produce such life threating products.

2004 Saturn ION Consumer Ratings & Reviews