Used 2003 Saturn ION Consumer Reviews
Used ION for sale
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good little car
rquest, 11/08/2015
2003 Saturn ION 1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5A)
15 of 18 people found this review helpful
Overall it's a very good car and my wife and I can attest to the "accordion" style safety frame that protects all occupants in the cabin. For years we suffered with the ignition and spent countless hours waiting for the alarm to "reset" so that we could once again attempt to start the vehicle. But the thing that makes you the most upset is that the mechanics at the Saturn dealer act like they had never heard of this problem before. It was like Christmas day when GM was forced to make the ignition/key problem a recall and fortunately for us it took care of all of the starting problems and we could once again not have to worry about leaving the house 15 minutes early for fear of the car not starting. But now it's started having a problem with the 'enginge light" coming on in relation with the evac system. First we replaced the gas cap, ($15) then the purge solenoid and the vent control, ($197.) after that didn't work, we are currently dropping the gas tank replacing the 'pressure solenoid' another ($237) I don't know if this is GM's fault or simply that American auto makers can not manufacture good electrical components because my Jeep Grand Cherokee needed several solenoids and eventually a new PCM and my new Cadillac SRX is having issues with it's computer and traction control system. (Fortunately the Cad is under warranty) When it comes to the end of the day the Ion has been a pretty good car, a little bumpy and rickety but actually is not any worse than my new Cad when it comes to the electronics. I don't understand how anyone could say they hate this car or that it is a piece of junk? These people must just think that all you do to a car is put gas in it and go! LOL Vehicles need your love and attention, take care of your car and it will take care of you.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Will drive it until it dies!
RatPack25, 01/23/2009
2003 Saturn ION 2 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Picked up my Ion new in '03. Car was well priced for what I got (sunroof, auto trans, etc.) Is good gas mileage car, and has enough pep to keep up in city traffic. 3 problems I've had: hood release cable snapped twice, sunroof cover got jammed (was replaced), and drivers side window has trouble going up and down when it's cold (have to hit the door a couple times to make it work). Otherwise, this car has given me no mechanical problems, and has been a very reliable daily driver. I plan on driving it until it dies, or becomes too costly to repair.
I love my ION, but . . .
RBH, 10/19/2003
2003 Saturn ION 3 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
Great gas mileage. Have driven it from coast to coast. It handles well in the mountains. It did hydroplane a couple of times. The where you put the fuel in should be re-engineered so that the gas nozzle stays in when filling the tank. Yesterday (10/18) nozzle slid out while filling my car with gas. Sprayed me with gas. Big mess. Thanks Saturn, I got a great deal on my ION, now maybe I can get a great deal on a new suit and shoes.
Almost 3 years
GaryM, 01/28/2006
2003 Saturn ION 3 4dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The car has yet to let me down. I have had several trips to the dealer, and almost always got the car back while I waited. The free rental with my service contract made any overnight problems bearable. The tires seem to be about gone. This is a little better than I expected for OEM tires. The 16" low profile tires gave the car the best handling I have has with a small car. The transmission shifts good most of the time, but occasionaly hunts when the acceleration drops off near it's shift point. The front seats have a tremendous amount of leg room. However, the rear seat passenger can loose all of their leg room to the front seat. The car is comfortable on long trips.
ION 3 & ME
Wanda Owner, 09/28/2003
2003 Saturn ION 3 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have only had my ION 3 for five days now but have had great fun with it. The ride is wonderful. Handling every turn and corner with ease. The cabin space is comfortable. And the dash is centered with a smaller stiring wheel, I am over 6 foot tall and that is great for not knocking my knees every time I get in. Over all ... I am very satisfied with my new car.
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