Used 2005 Saturn ION Red Line 4dr Quad Coupe (2.0L 4cyl S/C 5M) Consumer Reviews
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Its a Sleeper!
My 2005 ION Red Line is an absolute blast to drive. The styling presents only subtle hints to the beast that lurks under the skin. The shift from 1st to 2nd is somewhat clunky and happens almost immediately if you are trying to go fast, but the pressure cooker really smokes in 2nd, as you rocket to 60 mph. The interior is the most disappointing feature. It is CHEAP! Too cheap! There are sqeaks and rattles that you would not hear in a Japanese car after 100,000 miles. Unlike the 06 Honda Si, which only has around 140 ft-lb of torque, this little mills feels like a V-8 from 800 rpm up due to its impressive 200 ft-lb of torque. The rush comes on early and continues right to the Red Line!
Buy One Now
Bought off the showroom floor Sept.29, 2005 based on reviews from this site. Never seen, sat in, or driven. I talked to one owner I saw at the gas pumps who said buy one you will love it. I do love it, but think I would have rather had '06 with the limited slip and boost gauge. Wheel hop in 1st gear is terrible under hard starts. Once in 2nd gear the fun begins and is non stop through 5th. The power and torque out of a 4 cyl is amazing and at 55 MPH acceleration in 5th there is no need to downshift. Cheap plastic interior, awesome center gauges. Unbelievable handling and brakes, huge trunk. RAD (rear access doors) are great. 23 MPG first tank of gas 26 MPG best 20 MPG worst. 2,200 miles on it now
My first FWD car.
Love the punch it has when you get on it. Love the suicide doors. Better to get in and out than a Cobolt. Nice to see the GM Performance Division logo in the engine comparment because I am from a Chevy family. Impressive turning with minimal body roll. Will need to upgrade tires once I rip the rest of the tread of the factory Dunlops. Nice placement of the battery in the trunk for when I add upgraded stereo components. Nice rear wing, not the bigger gaudy one like the rest of the imports. Enjoy going for a drive and not worry about burning so much gas like my 5.7L Silverado.
Something different
If youre looking for something fun to drive, but you dont want the cost of an RSX or the unpleasant ride of an SRT-4, then an ION Redline is the way to go. Its fraternal twin the Colbalt SS has the same engine, however the seats are not as comfortable as the Recaros and it doesn't have the two suicide doors for easy access. I like those things so I went with the ION. As far as the center console, I think it allows me to see more of the road, so really its just a matter of getting used to it. Plus its got 5 star crash test ratings, so not only is it fast, but its safe too.
ION quad coupe
Well engineered. Easy oil changes with oil filter on top of engine . Quick change headlights ; pull 2 pins & headlight assembly comes out . Battery is mounted in trunk for more even weight distribution & easy jump starting of other vehicles.