Driving Impressions

The Saturn Ion handles well, has a smooth ride quality and it's quiet. Stand on the gas and the engine pulls nicely. Saturn has been improving the Ion each year. The 2004 models offered improvements over the 2003 models, and more substantial improvements have been made for 2005. The steering has been improved and new suspension bushings have been designed to improve the ride and handling. Other measures were implemented on the 2005 models to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. Saturn recalibrated the steering for more on-center road feel and to complement the new, larger steering wheel. We liked the improvements to the steering on the 2005 Ion sedan we drove, though it seemed a bit sensitive at high speeds. The variable-ratio steering is electrically assisted, a technology General Motors developed first for its luxury cars. It makes the steering boost more effective at slow speed and improves fuel economy as power is not sapped from the engine by a hydraulic pump. The downside is that there is little feedback through the wheel, making it difficult to know how much traction the front tires have in cornering. 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, 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 2005. GM's Quiet Steel is used in the firewall between the engine compartment and passenger area. (Two pieces of steel sandwich a layer of asphalt, which absorbs vibration much better than traditional materials.) In addition, a new noise-absorbing engine cover is used along with driveline enhancements to reduce engine noise. Overall, the Ion seems more refined than before, and noise and vibration are now about average for a compact car. The front suspension has struts while the rear uses a torsion-beam axle to provide more interior space in the trunk. For 2005, the Ion receives new hydraulic rear suspension bushings and revised front lower control arm bushings for better ride and handling. 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, however. The ride is nicely damped on rough roads. The twin-cam 2.2-liter engine offers more performance than in most other cars of this size, and the added sound deadening reduces the rough engine note. The manual gearbox works well, though the shifter is positioned slightly rearward from the ideal position. The four-speed automatic is a smooth-shifting unit that responds quickly to the throttle and doesn't hunt excessively between gears. Built by GM, this four-speed automatic (called the Hydramatic 4T45-E) is better than last year's transmissions, which were built by outside suppliers. GM's transmission allows the Ion to be flat towed, such as behind a motor home. The 2005 Red Line coupe we drove was a lot of fun. The Red Line features a firmer suspension, so you can feel and hear bumps but the handling is sharper, more responsive. Its sporty exhaust sounds good and the supercharged engine delivers good throttle response and quick acceleration performance. As with most powerful front-drive cars, there is some torque steer, but it's easy to control. The manual shifter feels tall, maybe a little ropey but it's easy and fun to shift with easy clutch takeup. The pedals are arranged well, making it easy to heal and toe when braking and downshifting for corners, setting you up to accelerate out and charge down the next straight.

Final Word

The Saturn Ion is a stylish compact with innovative features. It drives nicely and offers adequate performance. Ion offers a good value and lots of interior space for people and cargo. Saturn buyers report happier experiences when buying and servicing than with other brands. Dent-deflecting and rust-resistant plastic body panels add to the Ion's appeal. New Car Test Drive editor Mitch McCullough filed reports from Detroit and Los Angeles; with Keith Buglewicz in LA.