2006 Saturn ION Consumer Reviews Page 3

Why is my car knocking?

Written by: readingteach on 02/13/2009

Vehicle

2006 Saturn ION 3 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I owned an SL2, and it went almost 150,000 miles until I traded it in for my current car, a 2006 I0N 3. The quality of the ION 3 is much poorer than with the SL. It's obvious that Saturn cut corners with the ION, which may account for its short run. Like others, I've noticed that the interior seems cheaply made, and the material does easily stain. The biggest problem is that the car keeps surging when I'm idling at a stop sign or a red light. I've taken it to the dealer multiple times, and they can't find anything. I was originally very proud to own a Saturn since the company took a lot of pride in its products, but the company obviously doesn't care about quality like it once did.

Favorite Features

Exterior styling. Trunk room. Fold-down back seats. MP3 compatible stereo

Suggested Improvements

Improve the interior's quality and durability Improve the engine's pick up Find out what's wrong with my engine!

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ION

Written by: CG on 01/09/2009

Vehicle

2006 Saturn ION Red Line 4dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl S/C 5M)

Review

I got this car used. Only 27000 miles on it. Now it has 35000. It feels like new. it accelerates fast, it might not be the quickest car out there but for the price it's the best. I had no problems with it. I love this car. Some of the cons are rear view is minimal (because of the spoiler) and if you mess with the AC too much engine light will light up

Favorite Features

The racing exterior and iterior.

Suggested Improvements

I hate changing the canister oil filter.

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Pretty decent car for the money

Written by: stiehler on 12/10/2008

Vehicle

2006 Saturn ION 2 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)

Review

We purchased this car used with about 30,000 miles on it about 2 months ago. It seems to be a pretty decent car. We have only had a few minor problems, such as the locks not wanting to turn if it's cold outside.

Favorite Features

Stylish interior, fairly comfortable.

Suggested Improvements

Better fuel economy, A 2.2L 4 banger should be able to get better than 25-26mpg. There is no reason why cars today cannot be more fuel efficient!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Still Goin' Great

Written by: Carl Camann on 12/08/2008

Vehicle

2006 Saturn ION 2 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)

Review

A follow-up to my 10/07/05 review. Car now with 32K+ miles. Total repairs=$0. Total days out of commission=0. Total warranty work=1 minor brake adjustment. No rattles, minimal tire wear, consistent handling, interior materials holding up well, paint & exterior pieces still bright & shiny. Consistent 30+ mpg on road, low 20s around town. Everything as advertised. Selling dealer (and others used for service) have been tremendous when service and one warrantee item needed. I am as pleased with this car as I have ever been with any vehicle of any brand I have ever owned.

Favorite Features

Starts, stops, steers as intended and expected. Rock solid reliability.

Suggested Improvements

Too late, they don't make it any more, but they seem to have gotten this one right.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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I will not buy another Saturn.

Written by: Charles on 11/10/2008

Vehicle

2006 Saturn ION 2 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought this car new. I have the key stuck in the ignition problem. The car wouldn't turn off. I could not remove the key. The car is less than three years old. The warranty has passed because of the mileage. The dealer refuses to even look at it unless I agree to pay. The ignition switch does not wear with mileage. This should not break within three years. I have searched the internet and this seems to be a common occurance with this car. This should be a recall but isn't. If you want me to buy a new car from you then stand behind the broken one you already sold me!! I am looking for a new second car. I was going to buy the Vue, but now it won't be a Saturn.

Favorite Features

I do like the design, layout, and the way it drives.

Suggested Improvements

Stand behind your products! If your product has a design flaw fix it!

5 out 7 people found this review helpful

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06 Blue Ion3

Written by: 06BlueIon on 09/16/2008

Vehicle

2006 Saturn ION 3 4dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought this Ion new, a little over two years ago. For my first brand new car I was very pleased with my purchase and remain pleased as the miles add up. Utilizing a 5 speed manual and the 2.4L engine this car can handle itself with ease on the highway and throughout the city, I also average about 34mpg with a 50/50 mix of city/highway driving. The vehicle has been relatively trouble free with only 3 minor warranty claims. Besides that, I've just kept up with regular maintenance. Excellent car overall that doesn't deserve the amount of negative reviews it receives. ery happy with my Ion!

Favorite Features

Bright, wide-beamed headlights and foglamps. Powerful 2.4L powertrain. Roomy cargo space and comfortable interior. Center console. Exterior styling for the Quad Coupe is fantastic. Lastly, polymer panels!

Suggested Improvements

A sportier suspension would have been great paired with 4 wheel disc brakes on the Ion 3's. Interior plastic could be better.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Distraught with Ion II mpg

Written by: Gayla on 08/23/2008

Vehicle

2006 Saturn ION 2 4dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Originally, my review of this car was very bad, because it had to be towed back to the dealer <10 days after purchase. However, since then it has proved itself as a dependable vehicle. The only issue I still have with it is the mpg. This is a manual transmission, and was claimed to get 34 hwy, and I forget the city, was it 27 mpg or 24 mpg? I'm getting about 28 mpg highway. I could enjoy the car if it got anywhere close to the claimed mpg. I'm probably getting somewhere close to 20 mpg city, but I can't be anywhere near certain because it is never the case that I do all city driving. The 1984 Honda CRX with the fuel efficient 1.3 liter engine got 55 mpg hwy, 45 mpg city.

Favorite Features

Well, it is perky to drive, and comfortable, too. I love the OnStar.

Suggested Improvements

It needs to get mileage that is representative of claims on the sticker.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great car

Written by: GMowner4life on 08/05/2008

Vehicle

2006 Saturn ION 2 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)

Review

My lease was up on my 2006 Cobalt so I wanted to get something comparable to it. I started looking into the Ions because I liked the way they looked and I'm a big fan of the Ecotec engine, I know engineers that have said this will eventually be known as one of the best engines GM has come out with. I wasn't sure about the gauge cluster being in the center of the dash at first but I grew to love it. It drives really smooth and handles bumps nicely, the gas mileage is great too. I have a Waverunner and it pulls it nicely. Overall I'm very happy with this car.

Favorite Features

Dent resistant panels, great gas mileage, very quiet and smooth engine, exterior looks, interior roominess, center dash mounted gauge cluster.

Suggested Improvements

Should have rear cupholders, automatic headlights (standard on Cobalt), doors rattle a little on the highway.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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The Redline Lives Up to It's Name

Written by: SaturnTuners on 07/15/2008

Vehicle

2006 Saturn ION Red Line 4dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl S/C 5M)

Review

I have had my car for over a year now, and put nearly 19,000 miles on it. It is by far the best car you can buy for the price. I got mine for around 20k, with a killer trade in deal on my last car. This car beats 03 Mustang GT's no problem, and it gets twice the mileage! The supercharger whine is amazing, especially with the intake. I also got the thermal R&D exhaust, and it sounds really nice; unlike a Civic hatch. If you are looking to pick up a really good deal, now is the time. You can get a very high performance grocery getter for around 15k loaded.

Favorite Features

Limited-slip diff (competition package), vast amount of after-market support, the sound, the price, no dings, and the sporty look. People laugh at me when I say my car is faster than theirs. Also, no tuneups for 100k miles!

Suggested Improvements

Bring the car back, just make it better (the Astra is a bit of a disappointment). Less plastic on the inside, more comfy and sturdy seats, and a better sound system. Also, regulate the price of stage II.

5 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Great on gas not on corky issues

Written by: saccity on 07/14/2008

Vehicle

2006 Saturn ION 2 4dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I have owned my 2006 ION for 2 years now & I have loved the gas mileage and how it handles while driving to Tahoe ( fun drive) but I have always had a knocking in my car. It sounds like someone is in the truck, just a simple 3 tap noise, and it happens usually every morning during the first 10-20 miles. But now I have a big complaint my key got locked in the ignition after driving home from work one evening, the car was still running, it wouldn't turn off. I disconnected the battery & pulled a fuse out to get it turned off. I have read online several complaints about this issue And I hope Saturn will fix it today, with no money out of my pocket.

Favorite Features

Handles nicely through curvy roads

Suggested Improvements

Seating is too firm, makes a lont trip seem longer.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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