Used 2006 Saturn ION Consumer Reviews
Used ION for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Fast
FastJ, 03/11/2006
2006 Saturn ION Red Line 4dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl S/C 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought my Redline two weeks ago and after spending the 1st 500 miles breaking the engine in (just to be sure), I've let 'er rip and she is fast. She'll get to 60 in 2nd gear right at about max horsepower and it's a kick in the pants moving up to 3rd. The cornering is impressive. The exterior build quality is top-notch (I can't believe the nice, solid THUNK when closing the suicide doors). The interior headliner on mine still needs work (the area near my ceiling lamp clicks annoyingly (it's held by velcro) despite a visit to the dealer to fix.) The RECARO seats are fantasic and do their job when cornering. There aren't any armrests so long trips and traffic jams might be tiring.
Saturn = Chevy = Junk
doc4bax, 03/15/2016
2006 Saturn ION 2 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
8 of 13 people found this review helpful
I used to have a older Saturn and it held up well. I figured I would find one for my son to drive back and forth to school. I found one, bought it and it had a host of issues. This vehicle is notorious for front end suspension failure. First to go are the front sway bar end links and the sway bar bushings. They are poorly made and wear out prematurely. You hear that clunking noise going over bumps? If so you have this problem. Another problem is the front control arm bushings which are known for failure. Another clunking noise under your feet? You might want to take a look. Another issue, the plastic fuel tank is known to crack at the top where the plastic lines enter the fuel pump (which is in the fuel tank). That wiff of fuel you smell at the back of the vehicle? That means get your wallet out. Fortunately for me, there was a special warranty that I qualified for and GM took care of it. I just made it under the time length (expires 8 years from manufacture date). This is not a cheap fix. They had to replace the tank, fuel pump and hoses plus labor. Also, their is a problem with the shifter. The shifter looses the ability to talk to the ignition switch. When you put the car in park the key will not release from the ignition switch. This leaves the ignition stuck in the accessory position and drains your battery if left there. Fortunately this was covered under recall and it wasn't a cheap fix. Another recall is the actual ignition switch which I had done. the rear shocks wear out prematurely. This car bounced like a clone car when I first got it. This a $50 fix if you do it yourself. Lastly, the electric actuator that recirculates the air from inside or outside the vehicle goes bad. The gears shear off that turn the recirculation door. This actuator is located way up inside the dash. Dealer estimates around $600 plus to replace it as the dash has to completely come off to get to it. I was able to do this myself with minimal dash removal but it was an absolute nightmare and took all day to do. Relatively cheap part but a lot in labor costs to install.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Lemon
Carole, 04/02/2009
2006 Saturn ION 2 4dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We purchased a 2006 Ion in May of 2007 for our teenage daughter. While the look is sporty, the quality of the car is cheap. We have had the car in the shop 5 times since owning it for only a year and a half! The first time we had a heavy rain and the front passenger side of the car was drenched with water from some sort of leak. Then the automatic window stop working. It went to the shop 2 times for that. Next the key got stuck in the engine and could not turn the car off. And just this week the power steering went out and the whole steering column had to be changed. The engine light goes on and off also. The car is cheap and unreliable. I will never buy another Saturn again
Terrible Car
JC, 11/16/2010
2006 Saturn ION 2 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The transmission started shifting hard. Took it to a transmission shop and had it looked at, was told every- thing seemed ok. It got worse. Months later, took the car to a different transmission shop, I was told it felt like it was skipping from first to third gear. When taking off, the car stays in first gear and you have to take your foot off the pedal to let it shift into second gear.took it to a Saturn dealer, told the transmission might be going out and it would cost $3,000.00 to fix it. was told to just drive the car until it went completely out instead of spending that kind of money. Now when you put the car in gear, all the interior and exterior lights flicker. fuses are fine. stuck!
My Saturn ION 2
Ms Toni, 06/28/2006
2006 Saturn ION 2 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I love my Saturn ION 2. I have driven over 12,000 miles in 8 months with no problems. I also love the service I receive when I take my car in for scheduled service, the service is great. I really recommend this car.