Used 2004 Saturn ION Consumer Reviews
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Run Away from the ION
needanewcar5, 12/28/2007
2004 Saturn ION 2 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Ion is my 3rd Saturn it will be my last. #1 and #2 were great. Now they are just any other GM. Then the lemon is #3 The ION. This car seems to be in the garage more than on the road. It is 3.5 yrs old 42k and averages a repair about every 5k. 4 break issues including completly loosing all breaks while driving. Talk about a saftey issue. The rear lights shorted out, wiper arms needed replaced, now the wipers catch on the antenna, numerous heating and cooling repairs. The dealer has been awful, each issue takes multiple trips for the dealer to make repairs. I would not wish this experience on my worst enemy.
Avoid this car at all costs
Diana V, 06/23/2009
2004 Saturn ION 3 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is one of the major reasons GM has been having problems. Within a month of driving the car off the lot I began having problems. I had to take the car back to the dealership every month that I owned the car for the first year. Every month was a different problem, and since it was not the same problem twice I was unable to file lemon law on the car. Problems include but are not limited to the electric steering failing (at 74,500 miles and year 3 that I owned the car, warranty expired at 75,000, when I was able to get car to dealership I was 200 miles past warranty so I was told by Saturn corporate that it was my problem), central computer glitches, faulty wiring to headlights, anti-theft device would lock car ignition upon inserting key in ignition during cold weather, and a problem with the crank case is what caused my Ion 3 to go to it's final resting place. The final year I had the car (Dec 2008, exactly 5 years from the date I bought the car) I again started having monthly problems and dumped a lot of money into the car.
I love my ION 2
BLACKBEAUTYION , 11/25/2010
2004 Saturn ION 2 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car since 2008 and besides the little problems I love it I have had just the normal maintenance done to it and I think Saturn should have been around still the have great long lasting cars I would have bought another Saturn I loved the whole car line I have talked to other owners who say they have never got the mileage out of the other cars they have owned
Going to be my last Saturn...sad
Aaron, 08/16/2008
2004 Saturn ION 1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife and I bought a new ION (9th Saturn for my family since 94) and before it reached 10000 miles we had to take it to the dealership 3 times for suspension issues (suspension arm/brushings replaced). It also lunges forward between 2nd and 3rd gear when accelerating slowy and it downshifts and jerks backwards when coasting down hills. When I roll my windows up and down it sounds like a jack-in-the-box before it pops open. My 94 Saturn was great. It had 180,000 on it before we traded it in and got a 2008 Civic. I really don't think the ION will make it that long.
Great example of thinking outside of box
Sidney, 02/06/2009
2004 Saturn ION 3 4dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car. Great example of thinking outside the box. It is an example of what I used to like about Saturn, not afraid to try something new. How many times have you bought a new car and only months later, find that you have door dings all over it from parking? Solution: Polymer body panels. The center console some people hate but I just love it. So much easier to see the instrumentation without having to look thru the steering wheel. The engine is smooth and refined, but the trans could use a bit of tuning. 2nd to 3rd shift is a bit abrupt when cold. The only service issue I have had in 50,000 miles are loose front stabilizer bushings. Front seats a bit soft. Very reliable so far.