Used 2004 Saturn ION Consumer Reviews
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BEST CAR EVER
StetLaw, 07/13/2019
2004 Saturn ION 2 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought a 2004 Saturn Ion with 138k miles from the original owner a year and a half ago. The car now has 186k miles (yes I drive a lot). I had to replace the alternator at 155k because it was the ORIGINAL one. This car is a hidden gem, its better than a corolla because it doesn't have the reputation and you can get the car way cheaper! I bought the car to get me through law school, but I've grown so attached to the car because its been so reliable that I just can't sell the car. Its going to stay with me till it falls apart.
Bought in 2004, still love & own it!
toms04ion, 11/07/2011
2004 Saturn ION 2 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this Ion new on 10/28/03 and have enjoyed the last 143k miles. Sure, in the beginning there were some bugs to work out, wiring harness, computer glich, shifter block and a few other small bulletin items that the Saturn dealer dilligently fixed. Other than general maintenance, the only thing replaced was the ignition switch. Each set of tires has gotten 55k, and the oem battery got over 5 years of use. The car has been extremely reliable. Since 25k, the car runs on Mobile 1 and a K&N filter, this has made a difference on mpg. Sometimes I think of selling to get a new car, can't justify it, do a comp with a Cruze, size, power,features, vertually same car! Not sexy, but delivers!
Disappointing
MeOhMy, 10/24/2004
2004 Saturn ION 1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
One really wants the US to build a better economy car, but ION is merely another failed attempt. The car handles very poorly. Foremost, beware of the shoddy steering, which has an electric assist motor rather than a vacuum. This means the steering mistakes a bump in the road for the driver turning the wheel and pulls you off course with sudden and alarming frequency. What control you do have is administed through a shrunken steering wheel which was miniaturized in consideration of easing the 3 seconds spent getting into and out of the car rather than the hours spent driving it. The wheel has a slippery texture and no indentations for a sense of grip. Taking the car in bends is harrowing
A bad used car-fails to start
Mike Dbn, 01/17/2010
2004 Saturn ION 2 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5A)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
This Saturn has the infamous "Passlock" anti-theft defect. The IC chip in the ignition column switch fails to recognize a genuine key and fails to start, usually in winter, but this has happened other times as well. The IC chip has been replaced twice, but I refuse to pay $300+ for an out-of- warranty repair. Not a reliable used car because of this. Also, the McPherson struts are noisy in winter, and make anoying "click" sounds. Seats feel cheap (no back support). Electric steering is too tight and you might oversteer into the next lane. Bad blind spots on both side pillars. Basically this is a 2004 Chevy Cavalier with plastic side panels. A real dog!
Pleasant Surprise
Saturner1, 03/26/2005
2004 Saturn ION Red Line 4dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl S/C 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Never would I have expected to buy a Saturn. But I liked the looks when the car came out. Still, it was sort of unexciting. When the Redline came out the excitement was added and I purchased one. It had been a few years since I drove stick, but this one is so easy and smooth that it came back right away. Excellent seats (Recaro), great wheels, nice styling. Unique enough to draw stares, fast enough to surprise most and economical to drive and own. A very pleasant surprise.