Faults:

Driver's door seal on bottom of door fell off when door opened about a month after buying car. Tail light busted and dealer promised to order a new one. Two months later and still no tail light.

General Comments:

The ION is very quiet and smooth riding. The 2006 model has attractive styling and interior. The trunk is huge for such a small car. It is easy to drive.

Faults:

CD player didn't work first 5 days, then all of a sudden it worked, so I thought maybe it just took a while to kick in, and everything would be okay from then on. But it turned out to be erratic over the next 2-3 days, until...

On Friday 5/5/06, not quite 9 days since leaving the dealership with the car, it failed to start. I called On-star, they patched me through to the Saturn dealer, we determined I was doing everything right to start the car, and they had it towed back. When it got there it started up just fine. And the CD player worked. And another odd thing that had happened with a knob on the dash also worked. At the dealership, everything worked.

They say the car is fixed, but I don't want it anymore. I put $10,000 of my own money down on a car that has failed to work from the start, don't even want to pick it up, have contacted attorneys and will pursue action against Saturn should it become viable to do so and win, e.g. if problems with the car continue. I bought a new car for peace of mind, not to go through this.

General Comments:

The Ion is supposed to be "bigger" than the SL, but it seems much smaller inside, I feel cramped up when driving it.

Faults:

Car stalled and would not restart after 296 miles and having it for only 2 weeks it had to be towed to the dealership.

General Comments:

I really like the looks of the car and up until this incidence thought I would really enjoy it.

Faults:

Nothing at this time.

General Comments:

+ Grips the road very well (mine has traction control). Great gas mileage, a lot of options for the bucks, friendly dealership. Front seats slide back way far (hubby is 6'2" with foot disability). Split-folding rear seats! Dent-resistance. Onstar. Exact steering ratio.

- not a lot of rear leg room, but this is OK since we are just a couple and carry more cargo than passengers.

It's comfy, quiet. I can barely hear the engine over the sound system.

Faults:

No problems so far.

General Comments:

The optional Enhanced Performance Package is definitely worth the $995. It includes a more powerful (170hp) 2.4L engine, ABS, traction control, and "sport-tuned" suspension. The Ion 3 feels sporty, robust, handles well (if a bit numbly) and has ample room for tall front-seat passengers. Rear seat head and leg room is a tad tight compared with other cars in its class - I would not put anyone over 5'8" back there. The trunk is large and usefully shaped. Fit and finish are generally adequate. I like the exterior dent-resistant polymer panels. My Pacific Blue Ion 3 has certainly been garnering much praise and interest from people on the street. Overall, I would definitely recommend it be on your short list when considering a new small car.