Faults:

I purchased a 2004 Saturn Ion in February. I've also had some problems with my vehicle not starting in the mornings! The only difference from my issue is that I live in Florida and it's always hot so it can't be because the car is too cold.

I recently had some maintenance done, and spent over $1200 to get things repaired. I had the mechanic check all the wiring, starter, everything, and nothing was wrong. When the car wouldn't start for me at the gas station. Someone tried helping me and told me to stick the key completely in the ignition nice and tight, and then try starting it. I did it and it turned on. This may help anyone who may be having some problems.

General Comments:

Overall the car is in damn good condition. It's really good on gas, and gets me from point A to B.

Faults:

Typical ignition switch issue, covered fully under warranty. Also the BCM went, caused by the ignition switch, again fully covered by warranty.

Recalled for a cam seal, repaired under warranty.

Battery died at 90000km.

Swaybar endlinks died at 50000km. Installed aftermarket units.

Typical blower fan issue, never had it fixed because it never bothered me.

General Comments:

Love my ION Redline. Fastest Saturn ever made, handles better than average and looks great. Supercharged motor kicks the car into overdrive, still haven't hit the top speed.

Many power, handling and styling modifications done, and the car still is reliable and faster than stock. All modifications are easy to do, shares parts with the Cobalt SS, but looks better than the Cobalt SS.

Recaro seats are uncomfortable for long drives, but hold you in the corners.

I can't comment too much on the stock ION since mine is so modified, but I love this car/platform.

Faults:

This car is mint. The only thing I have done to this car was have the sway bar replaced and have had a tuneup at 100,000. I know I need an idle control sensor, but will eventually get to that once I have time.

The car is driven over 100 miles a day, and has given me no problems since it was given to me.

General Comments:

This is by far the best car I have ever owned. It was given to me with 52,000 miles about 2 and a half years ago. I have been to almost every state on the East coast with it.

The engine is smooth and the car has pretty good get up and go. It was driven strictly highway when I got it, and has only been driven on the highway ever since. It runs better and smoother than half of my friends' cars.

Faults:

The Ion had been a reliable car for my wife since we purchased it some 13 months ago.

The car’s starting problems began in late November during an early cold snap. We first replaced the battery at a local discount auto shop and things seemed fine.

On the next occasion that it would not start, we took it to a local mechanic that ran the car on the computer he had and checked the vehicle charging system and could not find any problems. It was suggested to bring it to a Saturn dealer.

A few cold days later, it would not start again. This time the local dealership replaced the key lock assembly as it was suggested our problem was in the ignition switch.

The problem went away for two weeks, and then today, we picked up the car from the local Saturn dealer since they kept it overnight this time. We were informed that the test equipment indicated low amps from the battery. We replaced the battery (again) and a lead in the battery compartment (?) It was thought there was a voltage problem between the front and rear of the car. We drove it home and will keep our fingers crossed that it’s fixed finally, but we are concerned that our ignition troubles will return. Is anyone aware of a recall on this car’s wiring system?

J. Sanchez

Elizabeth, N.J.