9th Jan 2010, 17:24
I have a 2004 Ion 2 coupe, bought new, have about 55,000 miles. It won't start when it's cold, the left front blinker stops working randomly, and the power steering just shuts off when I'm driving. I don't feel safe in it anymore.
18th Jun 2010, 14:10
Has anybody had any luck getting GM to do anything about this piece of crap??? I have been writing and writing.
25th Aug 2010, 17:32
2003 Saturn Ion 2.
For the most part this car has been OK. I drive a lot of miles and it has suffered the wear and tear I put on it. This is the list of things that I have dealt with and a couple of things I am dealing with right now and would like some advice of others.
The HVAC system is messed up. I had the car for 3 months and the heater went out in the middle of winter. Saturn told me they fixed it and they didn't. Pretty much the same problems as everyone else. I can't change it over from defrost and the A/C sucks. I never did get that fixed.
The brakes and tires were not very good.
The drivers window switch went out.
The window motor went out.
The alternator went out. Saturn told me to replace a battery as well and quoted $900.00+ to do it. I went online and got directions and replaced the alternator myself for under $200.00 and I am not mechanically inclined at all... just poor.
The driver's sun shade kept falling down. I ripped it out and got a new one for 20.00. I couldn't see the street lights and it spooked me every time it fell down.
The O2 sensor is dead.
The engine light comes on all the time.
Etc, etc.
Now here is what I need help with: The engine fan is making a horrible noise and it goes on but is louder than ever. The temperature gauge goes up slightly when I sit idle at a light. I change my oil all the time and this just started happening a month ago. Anyone had any problems with that?
5th Dec 2010, 21:23
Have a 2003 ION with 122,000 miles. So far the car is doing rather well, but not quite as well as the 1991 SL1 I had prior. Replaced wheel bearings and had some quirks with the HVAC systems (switches not turning easily for awhile), but really nothing more.
The car is a good basic piece of transportation, engine is sound/solid, performance predictable. I have been happy for what I paid, but hope to see better from Detroit in the future.
27th Feb 2011, 08:09
Purchased an ION3 in Feb 2004 - 2 winters were worry free - then the fun began. Starting problems galore. If it was cold, humid, or rainy, it would sometimes decide not to start. I would have to sit there for a few minutes and try again, hoping I wouldn't see the "dreaded service engine" light. No remedies in sight from anyone. Everyone seems to think it's the anti theft in the computer that's setting it off. So we got it cut off - I can only wish that someone would steal it... Changed the ignition switch recently - hoping I can get another winter out of it with no problems.
Had to change wiper motor in year 4. Last week my passenger window wouldn't work, today all windows are stuck. There goes my drive through business.
To top it all off, my door lock mechanism stopped working. This car is an electrical nightmare. Gee, I wonder why Saturn stopped making them - a real mystery to me... duhhhhh. The only thing I can honestly thank Saturn for is they have made me into a good Christian, as I find myself praying daily while inserting the key, hoping that I can make it to work.
12th Mar 2011, 08:59
This 2005 Saturn Ion is a joke. Being a diesel mechanic, it keeps me busy every weekend. G.M. should be ashamed of this car. Lower control arm bushings every 22000, won't start in cold weather, passlock, yeah right, cut the white wire, power steering inoperable when cold, junk wheel bearings, engine cradles rust out, and now to top it off, loud road noise, because I happened to drive in the rain.
Come on G.M., step up to the plate, no recalls??? All safety related problems!!! You've lost this customer for good!!! How sorry can you get???
BRUCE KINZEL.
18th Oct 2011, 04:09
I have a 2003 Ion 2 that I purchased new. I can honestly say I have been blessed with a well running vehicle. The dealership, when it existed, was always courteous, and did all the recalls and upgrades when necessary. The no starting issues in the winter were in fact corrected by cutting the "white wire". I have been stationed in Germany now for almost 4 years, and it has never failed to start.
My only issues are the now fogging up of the right headlight, and the rear driver's side molding is sliding off. Driving on the Autobahn though, I am not happy about the 107 mph speed governor. I have 80k miles on it.
24th Jul 2009, 19:14
I have owned 2 Saturns. The first I brought brand new on the recommendations of other Saturn owners, who raved about the reliability of these cars. I brought a 2000 S series and the car was fine until the 6th year when there was a strange transmission sx after driving for about an hour, I couldn't get the speed above 25 or 35 unless I gunned it. It felt like I was driving in 1st gear. At first the problem happened once or twice that year. Took it to dealer and they couldn't find out why. Then in 2007 codes came back that showed all kinds of trans problems. Mileage was under 70,000.
Then, in 2007 I was forced to have to buy another, but this was a fully loaded 2003 L 200. Mileage under 60,000. After the first year, I had a problem after filling with gas at a Shell, the car wouldn't start. I slammed the passenger door while simultaneously slamming the passenger door. Started right up. Ran fine for few days until I could take to dealer. Dealer did not find anything wrong. Then, about a week later my car shut down while I was on the freeway!!!. Luckily I was about 10 feet away from exit and a nice lady pushed me to the cul-de-sac across the street. The diagnosis was a failed fuel pump. Car was under warranty and the wonderful manager Gabe didn't charge me the deductible of $50.00. I suffered post traumatic stress behind that one. Now, my driver side wiper drive isn't working. These cars aren't worth the paint on them. I will never buy another one.
Is there a good, quality car out there that is reliable and trouble free??
Ellen.