2006 Saturn ION Consumer Reviews Page 4

Good Fuel Economy, Electrical Glitch

Written by: Andrea on 06/12/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I knew I wanted a 4 door car with rear side curtain airbags, on a limited budget. Saturn ION was only one I could afford, plus it had good fuel economy according to the window sticker. It does have good fuel economy for American, around 28 with mixed use. I didn't own an MP3 player when I purchased the car but I do now and love the audio jack! The center console was an adjustment but I love it, it gets the eyes moving around instead of staring straight ahead, less strain. I have had horrible problems in winter with doors freezing shut, seal around doors is bad water gets into cavity and freezes at hinge, also leaks through window seals, and drips inside car. Electronic issues see below.

Favorite Features

MP3 audio jack, fuel economy, center dashboard, fold down seats, CD that came with car, OnStar (although never had to use it, peace of mind)

Suggested Improvements

Electrical glitches in the automatic windows, don't always work, pain when driving through tolls! The cruise control doesn't always work either, dealer couldn't fix b/c it worked for them. Interior fabric is cheap. Seats are awful no lumbar. Legroom and comfort of backseat is bad. Windows leak.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

Report It

My First Car

Written by: hot4coldplay18 on 05/21/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

My Saturn ION 2006 was bought for me, so I didn't have a say. Although it is only my first car, I love it! It is fun to drive, has a great stereo system with tons of presets, and is a gorgeous color (laser blue) which was taken out of the lineup after my saturn was purchased. After reading other reviews, I have had no problems with my Saturn's engine. That being said, my two complaints are regarding the fuel efficiency and the dent resistant plastic body. I do not get the 30 mpg that were promised, and after backing into a parked car, the other car looked untouched while the back bumper of mine was not only dented, it was literally cracked. Overall, this is a great, cheap car for anyone.

Favorite Features

MP3 jack, the center placement of speed gauges, spoiler on the trunk

Suggested Improvements

Better fuel efficiency, temperature/direction on the rearview

Report It

Saturn needs to brag a bit more!

Written by: Jason on 05/09/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I bought it spanking new. Now has just over 12000 mi. on it. For a 4 cyl. this car can move! I upgraded to stage 2 and it is a much more agressive beast. I have 2 kids that love to ride in my car. I can't say I've pushed it to its limits, but I've pushed it to my limits and it suits me just fine. I really like the center gauge cluster over the typical behind-the-wheel gauge cluster in other vehicles. Dent resistant door panels are a plus. Too bad Saturn no longer makes their vehicles this way any longer.

Favorite Features

Rich intake sound from the s/c. Trunk mounted battery. I'm a desert dweller and heat destroys them. Fold flat rear seats really help with larger objects. Trunk is roomy enough without folding down the seats. A week trip for 4 people and luggage easily fits!

Suggested Improvements

The aero wing is intrusive for rear view. Wish there was an HID headlight option and more aftermarket upgrade parts.

4 out 6 people found this review helpful

Report It

Not my best car purchase

Written by: Stephen on 05/05/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

At the time of purchase, I needed an inexpensive, fuel-efficient car. For those requirements, it has fit the bill but I sadly can't say it has exceeded my expectations. It replaced a 1995 Saturn SL-2 with 130,000 mostly trouble-free miles, so at the time I felt confident in the purchase. Since then, I've been plagued by a significant number of "little problems" that would have cost me upwards of $1200 to fix had they not been covered under the warranty. None of these problems were "normal wear" items. The dealer is great about fixing them, but the many problems in the first couple of years have convinced me to sell before the (extended) warranty expires. Pity, as I do like the car.

Favorite Features

Efficiency: I routinely get 27 to 29 mpg per tank with a mix of city/highway driving. Suicide doors: Believe it or not, makes it much easier to get a child seat back there (No pillar to get in the way). Fold-flat passenger seat: Nice to be able to carry long items from time to time.

Suggested Improvements

My suggestion to Saturn is to re-evaluate their quality standards! I have acquaintences with the exact same car who have had no trouble at all (and aren't nearly as obsessive about maintenance as I am). I'm disappointed at the spottiness of their quality, but if they'd just dot their i's.

8 out 9 people found this review helpful

Report It

ION Red Line, what a car

Written by: Michael on 04/17/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I purchased this car used with 7500 miles on it 3/07. When I first drove this rocket I was amazed how much power it had for a I4. The handling and the out of box thinking from Saturn is solid. I will know how this engine and car perform because it will be 250,000 mile before I hand it down or even think of selling it.

Favorite Features

I really like the composite panels (no dents). I also like the stage 2 upgrade which will take you from 205hp to ~260hp for a mere grand. This is awesome if you ask me.

Suggested Improvements

I know this isn't possible but keep making em and continue with the composite body panels.

Report It

Not too happy with my Saturn right now

Written by: Kim on 03/30/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I purchased a 2006 Saturn Ion 2 after the transmission went out in my Cavalier. My car only has 44,000 miles on it and the electrical power steering unit went out in it already. It is going to cost me about $1500 to get it fixed. The warranty conveniently ran out so I have to pay for this out of my pocket. I was told that since 2004 when they started using these units they have had nothing but problems with them. I checked with Saturn there have been no recalls issued on the units either.

Favorite Features

Dashboard placing

Suggested Improvements

Put better material in the inside as it stains easily if you do not scotchguard it.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report It

My Car Rocks!

Written by: Talitha on 02/02/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I have had my Saturn Ion since October of 2005 and it is awesome. It looks great, it takes very little up keep and I am very happy with my purchase. This is my second upgrade, the first was also a Saturn and when I get another it will be a SUV by Saturn. I love their cars!

Favorite Features

I like that the panel being turned towards me.

Suggested Improvements

None

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

Report It

ION Red Line is fast, fun

Written by: ron on 01/25/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Got a used 2006 ION Red Line about 6 months ago, it was a nice find since not too many around. Engine design and performance is great, supercharger responds perfectly to deliver big acceleration. Sweet shifting 5-spd. Suspension seems solid. Absolutely fun to drive. Very generous headroom and legroom for tall driver. Completely reliable, no problems at all so far. On the outside, the ION Red Line looks similar to the regular ION coupe, but mechanically they live on different planets.

Favorite Features

Small touch on the gas pedal when doing 3200 rpm in 3rd will push you back into your seat.

Suggested Improvements

It could use a little more storage space in the console area for CD cases, maps, garage opener remote, etc. Glove compartment is only good place to put stuff like this. Other than that, I wouldn't change a thing.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report It

Did well with my second Saturn

Written by: MIKE on 11/06/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

I had a difficult choice to make for an automobile that was good on gas and comfortable to drive. I found it in the Saturn ion 2. The interior is a good size with all the items that I need to haul around. The mileage is better than expected. The ride is great even on rough roads. The ION rides as if it was heavier than it really is. Changing the oil is a breeze when compared to my previous automobile. I had to jump my wife's car and it was easy to figure out where to place the cables on the ion. The fold down back seat is a real plus when hauling. The visibility is great with the positioning of the dash and the front window position. I am very happy with my purchase, the price sure was right

Favorite Features

Mirrors, dashboard configuartion, radiom and center arm rest.

Suggested Improvements

Lower the rear end for improved view

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

Report It

No-brag gem for the practical driver

Written by: Greenwich CT on 10/25/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

My cars: 80 Audi 5000, 82 Olds Ciera, 89 Bronco, 95 Explorer, 2000 Taurus SE, 2003 BMW 325xi, 2006 Saturn Ion 2. We have Mercedes and Toyota vehicles too. Most reliable: Ion. Cheapest: Ion. Best mileage: Ion. Best in all weather conditions: Ion, Taurus, 325. Best base stereo: Ion. Most practical storage features in a sedan: Ion. Cheapest interior: Ion. Least adjustable everything: Ion. Least curb appeal: Ion. Fastest depreciation: Ion. The Ion is a solid, simple, reliable, comfortable enough, safe, low cost American car if what you mostly need from a car is...a car. A friend has a Maserati. Cool. But worth nine of these? Pfff. Buy this and a Solstice and laugh all the way to the bank.

Favorite Features

Altogether practical. Zero chance of being stolen. Plastic sides are handy, the shopping cart idiots are foiled. Nothing is exceptional, but except for interior trim, nothing too bad.

Suggested Improvements

Interior trim, a few ergo things, and both power outlets should be 'always on' (one is ignition controlled).

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

Report It