Faults:

I've had the car for 11 weeks and have had no problems with it.

General Comments:

I'm somewhat disappointed with the fuel economy. I've been getting 24-25 miles per gallon while driving in city traffic. I haven't taken the car on a long road trip to see how well it performs for highway fuel economy. It may improve when the air conditioning is not in use.

The Ion could use more sound insulation as the engine noise is louder than I'd prefer.

The car handles well, shifts smoothly, stops quickly and in general is comfortable.

I thought the gage package being located in the center of the dashboard would take some time to get used to, but I've gotten used to it quickly and like it.

Faults:

The car had fuel line problems, and wouldn't start, or it would start and then die. (3 fuel related problems) The service shop first said it was due to loose wires. When I got my car back, it broke down during that week. They then said that the connections were loose deeper in the car, the car lasted about a month and a half, and then broke down. They are trying to figure out what the problem is.

Parking brake light would stay on when the brake was released.

Once in a while, the trunk won't shut, you have to give it a few tries.

General Comments:

I got the base model Saturn Ion 1, with anti-lock braking system, traction control, Air conditioning, upgraded sound system, and floor mats. For the price, $11,000 (after incentives), it wasn't that bad, it was a pretty good darn deal!

The seats are quite comfortable, and they seem to be holding up quite fine.

I like the gages being in the middle of the dashboard, there isn't a steering wheel or arm in the way. I got used to it the first day I drove it.

The shifting usually is smooth, but sometimes it is really hard to put it into first when stopped.

The brakes are really responsive, the steering is responsive as well.

The base tires are too small! they're 14 inches!!

There's a lot of room, enough for 5 people to sit comfortably in.

The road noise is alright, it's not too loud, but it's not really quite.

It handles the highway really well, keeps up with the cars, I am actually able to pass a lot of cars.

Since the doors are dent resistant and made of some sort of plastic, they aren't very sound proof. People can hear your music easily, even if the volume is low.

I was fine with the car until it started to break down on me. The same problem 3 times in a row! The car seemed like a great deal, good safety ratings, decent gas mileage, good price. It's a brand new car, it shouldn't be breaking down in the first month! The dealership was confused as to why it was having this problem, 3 times! One more time, and I'm pushing the lemon law! I'm already looking for other cars because I really do think I got a lemon, I'm just not happy with Saturn. The people are great, but the problems I've had with my car are just horrible. I've owned it for 3 months, each month with the same problem. That just doesn't seem right, now does it.