2003 Saturn ION 3 from North America

Summary:

The ION is a well designed fun to drive car backed by a solid retailer network

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the car. There has been a recall for:

An electric window sensor.

A fuel filter replacement.

General Comments:

The ION 3 is a fun car to drive and is comfortable for my 6' 1" frame even on long trips. The center instrument cluster on the dash is actually easier to see. The quality of materials is excellent while not fancy.

Like the other Saturns we have had since our first in '96, this car is reliable and the service experience is like no other company. It is actually a pleasure to take the vehicle in for service. The work is completed when promised and the cost is as estimated or less. I trust the dealership will do what only is necessary.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th March, 2004

18th Mar 2004, 12:39

On this review of the '03 Saturn ION I meant to rate the dealer as 10/10. The review lists it at 5/10. That was an error either on my part in submitting the information or in transcription. The dealer service is consistently top rate.

DHK.

22nd Jun 2004, 05:37

I just got my ion 3 and love it so far. I have talked to several people who have one and had some trouble, but not a bad problem. Would buy one again.

2003 Saturn ION 2 Quad Coupe 2.2L from North America

Summary:

Don't buy a new model of a car, wait a couple of years so they can make it right.

Faults:

Engine has a "squeak" or "rattle" sound when coasting through a parking lot and on some turns.

Doors "creak" like a 5 yr old car would, over speed bumps, or just every now and then.

Passenger door was scraping the car.

Trunk is misaligned and scrapes against the bumper.

There was no armrest installed when I bought the car.

12 volt adapters kept going out (I stopped using them, because I got tired of taking it in to be fixed).

The paint on the rear spoiler was messed up (bubbling/fading).

Above the driver's side, there is a "ring" that is under the paint, and requires buffing out or painting. I was told they would have to take off the seam of the windshield and it might not ever seal correctly again.

General Comments:

It is good on gas.

The factory stereo is really good, and even sounds better than some of the upgraded systems someone might buy.

The back doors cannot be opened unless the front door is open (that would be nice for someone with kids).

The car handles well in rainy conditions.

I just found out the new 2004 version has a lot more upgrades, except I paid almost $1,000 more and got less.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 23rd February, 2004

1st Mar 2004, 21:41

I have the Saturn 2003 Ion 2. It has 6,000 miles on the odometer. Saturn as you know has a thirty day money back promise. Within this time I brought the car in because it shifted very rough from second to third gear. It was examined by a tech, I was told it was all OK. A month later it was examined again, then to find it needing a transmission.

Some mornings I would start the car and it smelled like gas. Brought it back, it needed an exhaust. They replaced everything from the CAT and back.

My front right headlight kept going out. Turns out there was a short.

I will now be bringing my car back this week for the trans. fluid that is all over my driveway.

The best part of my experience is that I have been offered to purchase the EXTENDED warranty each and every time I brought the car in.

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2003 Saturn ION Ion 2 Sedan 4 Cylinder from North America

Summary:

Rip-off!!

Faults:

The fabric in my Saturn must be the cheapest fabric ever made! If you even sit on it, it stains. My hood broke a month after I got it. The latch was broken. It takes forever for the car to warm up, and when it finally does, its like you are sitting outside. This car gets the WORST gas mileage!!!

General Comments:

I will never buy another Saturn, my husband has a 97 SC2 and that is a death trap!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th January, 2004

30th Jan 2004, 04:52

Anyone who's been around for more than a day knows a vehicle will take a long time to warm up if you start it and turn the heat on right away. You're better off letting it run for a few minutes (5) and then you'll have heat. Don't misconstrue your ignorance for faulty engineering. People like ua need comments from intelligent people.

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