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Used 2003 Saturn ION Consumer Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
284 reviews

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Pros
Cons
4.75 out of 5 stars

It's been a great car

George, 06/06/2008
2003 Saturn ION 1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

The Ion has been a great car. The only mechanical failure, other than routine stuff like tires and brakes was a front wheel hub. The engine and transmission was redesigned for this model year and can really move for a 4 cylinder.

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3 out of 5 stars

I'm Done

jewelz, 08/13/2007
2003 Saturn ION 1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Door lock collapsed into the door, daylight running lights went out 3 times, lowest fan speed squeaks, everything stains the seats (even water), interior plastic doesn't line up/panels fell off on the inside, you have to get used to using your mirrors b/c you can't see out the back, hard/flat seats, cd player skips, the horn is hard to press, not enough ground clearance, gear shift obstructs cupholders, grinding noise from steering wheel, bad smell comes from AC, key got stuck in the ignition. I saved the worst for last- The transmission slips and the car jerks forward and the service guys don't believe you because they can't replicate the problem, fun times!

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5 out of 5 stars

Thirteen years and still going strong!

Barry, 09/22/2017
2003 Saturn ION 3 4dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful

I bought my 2003 Saturn Ion 3 brand new and, thirteen years later, it still runs like a top! I've gone through three alternators, two batteries and a water pump but I consider that normal wear and tear stuff for as much driving as I do. I did suffer with the ignition issue but that was fixed after the recall. I recently replaced the rusted out front strut assemblies but that's the only major repair I've had to deal with and the car will be turning over 300,000 miles within the next couple of weeks! I do as much of my own work as possible, change the oil regularly and don't beat it. I've taken care of my car and it has taken care of me. Love my Saturn! Hope it lasts another 300,000 miles!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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3.38 out of 5 stars

OK car

Leo, 11/25/2006
2003 Saturn ION 1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

OK car for its price. Had minor problem with the electric system first year. Original set of tires of very bad quality and no warranty on them at all. On average 30mpg, which is great. Shock absorbing system is bad, can feel any bump on a road. Good ride otherwise. A bit rough switching between gears. Services not of great quality and not that cheap at all, I would say, a bit expensive for an entry level car.

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2.5 out of 5 stars

Would Not Recommend

taergreat, 02/08/2010
2003 Saturn ION 2 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5A)
5 of 9 people found this review helpful

Overall, I wish I hadn't purchased this vehicle. The ride is decent but not impressed with the gas mileage (all I can get is about 24MPG highway). The car has a very cheapy plastic feel to it. Build is below average and seats stain very easily. My Saturn has been fairly reliable until recently when a problem all-to common to Saturns cropped up. I can't turn the key to the off position in the ignition. It just locks up. This, in turn, drains the all to expensive battery.

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