Flat seats with little support, limited rear legroom, low-grade interior materials, build quality not up to competitors' standards.
What’s new
Saturn has upgraded the Ion with new fabrics, improved plastics and a new radio with MP3 and satellite radio capability. The electric steering has been revised for improved feel at highway speeds, while the sedan's five-speed automatic and the coupe's CVT have been recalibrated for improved gear selection and response. Finally, Saturn has installed additional sound-deadening material to reduce cabin noise. A Special Edition version of the sedan provides black exterior paint, distinctive 16-inch wheels and a two-tone interior.
Edmunds says
Despite some improvements in interior materials, the Ion remains a generally substandard economy car that's outclassed by nearly every other compact sedan and coupe on the market.
GOOD CONDITION WITH SEVERAL RECENT REPAIRS MADE IN PREPERATION FOR RESALE. **FINANCING AVAILABLE**BAD CREDIT OK**W.A.C** APPLY TODAY ON OUR WEBSITE AT...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
26 Combined MPG (23 City/32 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1G8AZ52F64Z178290 Stock: 250558290 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 05-06-2025
I purchased my Saturn Ion Quad Coupe brand-new in 2004. I previously drove '93 and '99 Saturn SC2 coupes and had no major problems. I kept my Ion much longer than my other 2 Saturns for various reasons. I was sorry that GM discontinued the Saturn line in 2009; the brand had high customer loyalty. If the Saturn brand hadn't been closed, I'd have bought another one. After 11 years and 126K … miles, my husband and I felt it was time to move on; we just bought a 2015 Ford Focus, my first non-GM car.
Even at this age and mileage, the engine and transmission are still in excellent condition. The air conditioning still runs as cold as it did back in 2004. I really will miss the unique design of the 2 rear half doors; they functioned better than a standard sedan since it was easier to open both doors and have a large space in which to load groceries and other items. I wish other car manufacturers caught on to this concept (the only other vehicle like that is my husband's Honda Element, which also has 2 rear half-doors). I am selling my car this weekend and will really hate to see it go, but it's time for a newer, more updated, and more dependable vehicle.
236K and still going strong!
5 out of 5 stars
Katy, 06/30/2016
2004 Saturn ION 2 4dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
Why did they quit making this car! I am soooo lucky to have had 12 years in my comfortable, reliable little Saturn. I love my car and I finally have replaced my original spark plugs (at 236K) and had my 1st transmission service!!! The service tech was totally amazed. Regular oil changes and brakes and only one battery replacement in 12 years!!! I will drive this car another 100K I'm … sure!
Overall a great car
4.5 out of 5 stars
dagda567, 05/22/2011
2004 Saturn ION 2 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5A)
We bought the ion for a nice, cheap car with good gas mileage.
My fiance loves the styling and the interior, although to me the exterior looks kinda odd.
The seats are fine for around town but i wouldn't want to take a road trip in it.
The dash console position is strange but I actually kinda like it.
Controls are all very easy to reach and the gas mileage is great. For an economy car it … actually rides very nice.
And GM's 2.2 Ecotec engine is absolutely flawless.
I feel very safe with that engine because of its reliability record.
2004 Saturn Ion. Great Car for the Money
4.38 out of 5 stars
Elf, 10/17/2010
2004 Saturn ION 2 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5A)
In 2006 I bought this one owner vehicle used and in pristine condition with only 2,874 miles on it. With the low miles and great appearance I have always considered it as a "new" car purchase. A couple of months ago (June, 2010) I finally replaced the original tires as well as the car's battery. The battery to my surprise was located in the trunk. This was my fourth new car and the first … that the battery lasted over 2 years. I guess with it being located in the trunk and away from all of the engine heat it was a good idea after all. It's not a sports car so when cornering at high rates of speed it kinda feels like it wants to get away from you. While driving the interior noise level is low.
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