Driving Impressions

The Saturn Ion handles well and the engine pulls nicely. It has a nice smooth ride quality and it's quiet. The steering system has been improved and new suspension bushings have been added for 2004 improving the handling and steering response considerably. Other measures were implemented to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. The steering has been greatly improved on 2004 Ion models. Saturn recalibrated the steering for more on-center road feel. It feels much better now. Also, torque steer has been eliminated. (Torque steer is that tugging sensation on the steering wheel we sometimes experience when accelerating hard out of a turn in a powerful front-wheel-drive car.) The variable-ratio steering is electrically assisted, a technology which General Motors developed for its big luxury cars; this is one of the first times it has appeared in a small car. It makes the steering boost more effective at slow speed and also improves fuel economy as power is not sapped from the engine by a hydraulic pump. We like the Ion sedan's small turning radius, which is a couple of feet tighter than that of a Dodge Neon or Ford Focus. That's useful when making U-turns. Ride and handling are good, and about average for the class. The Ion seems to be free of squeaks and rattles, and additional sound deadening material and other refinements have been added for 2004. Refinement, in terms of noise and vibration, is about average for the class. The front suspension has struts while the rear uses a torsion-beam axle to provide more interior space in the trunk. Front and rear stabilizer bars on all models reduce lean in the corners. The Ion handles well on winding roads, tending toward understeer when driven very hard. The suspension feels a little squishy at high speeds. The twin-cam 2.2-liter engine offers more performance than in most other cars of this size, though it sounds a bit rough at times. Saturn has recalibrated the transmissions in both the sedan and the coupe for improved gear selection. The sedan's five-speed automatic works more smoothly than the four-speed automatics normally found in compact cars. The manual gearbox works well, though the shifter is positioned slightly rearward from the ideal position.

Final Word

The Saturn Ion is a stylish compact with innovative features. It drives nicely and its performance is adequate. It doesn't match European models such as the Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf in terms of dynamic driving nor is the fit and finish up to the standards of the import brands. But it has is improved on both scores for 2004. Ion offers a good value and lots of interior space for people and cargo compared to its competitors. Consumers report that buying and servicing the Saturn Ion is more pleasant than performing these chores with other brands.