2003 Saturn ION Review
All-new model is more than a charged particle.
2003 ION Review Summary & Specifications
Saturn appears to have tried hard to make a stylish car that's also somewhat fun to drive. It has several innovative features including electric steering, a center-mounted instrument pod, suicide doors on the coupe, a large trunk on the sedan and some unusual styling features. It drives quite nicely and the performance is adequate. However, it is still not a match for European models such as the Ford Focus or VW Jetta in terms of dynamic driving. Nor is the fit and finish up to the standards one expects in competitors from Japanese or European manufacturers.Nevertheless if you're looking for a new small car and don't enjoy the buying process at many car dealerships, the Ion might be an ideal car. It offers good value and lots of interior space for people and cargo compared to its competitors.
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| Vehicle Category | Midsize Cars |
| Editor | John Rettie |
| Model Lineup | Sedan 1 ($11,510); Sedan 2 ($13,510); Sedan 3 ($15,010); Quad Coupe (N/A) |
| Engines (standard) | 2.2-liter dohc 16v inline-4 |
| Engines (optional) | 140-hp 2.2-liter dohc 16v inline-4 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 5-speed automatic |
| Transmissions (optional) | 5-speed manual; 5-speed automatic; CVT |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | dual stage front driver- and passenger-side airbags; load limiting retractors with pretensioners for front seats; anti-theft engine immobilizer |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | ABS/traction control; head curtain side airbag system; OnStar telematics |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Spring Hill, Tennessee |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-522-5000 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.saturncars.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 11510 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Ion Sedan 3 ($15,010) |
| Standard Equipment | air conditioning; fabric/leather seats; power windows; remote central locking; power mirrors; 16-inch alloy wheels; AM/FM/CD/Cassette stereo; 40/60 split fold-down rear seat; daytime running lights |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | automatic transmission ($900); ABS/traction control ($595) |
| Destination Charge | 485 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Layout | front-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested | 15010 |
| Horse Power | 140 @ 5800 |
| Torque | 145 @ 4400 |
| Fuel Economy | 24/32 |
| Wheelbase | 103.2 |
| Length/Width/Height | 184.5/67.2/57.4 |
| Track Front/Rear | 58.8/58.4 |
| Turning Radius | 35.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 40.0/49.5/42.2 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.0/49.6/33.3 |
| Trunk Volume | 14.7 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | 1,000 |
| Front Suspension | independent |
| Rear Suspension | semi-independent |
| Ground Clearance | |
| Curb Weight | 2,766 |
| Stock Tires | P205/55R16 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | disc/drum with ABS |
| Fuel Capacity | 13.5 |