2004 Saturn ION Review
Minor revisions add to its appeal.
2004 ION Review Summary & Specifications
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.
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| Vehicle Category | Compact Cars |
| Editor | John Rettie |
| Model Lineup | Saturn Ion 1 sedan ($10,430); Ion 2 sedan ($13,935); Ion 3 sedan ($15,460); Ion 2 Quad Coupe ($14,485); Ion 3 Quad Coupe ($15,985); Ion Special Edition sedan; Ion Red Line coupe |
| Engines (standard) | 2.2-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4 |
| Engines (optional) | 140-hp 2.2-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4; 200-hp 2.0-liter 16-valve supercharged and intercooled inline-4 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 5-speed automatic |
| Transmissions (optional) | 5-speed manual; 5-speed automatic; CVT (VTi) |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | dual-stage frontal airbags; load limiting retractors with pretensioners for front seatbelts |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | ABS, traction control; head curtain side-impact airbags |
| 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 | 10430 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Saturn Ion Sedan 3 ($15,460) |
| Standard Equipment | air conditioning; power windows; remote central locking; power mirrors; 16-inch alloy wheels; AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo; 40/60 split fold-down rear seat; daytime running lights |
| Destination Charge | 565 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | automatic transmission ($900); ABS/traction control ($400); leather seats, steering wheel, and shift knob ($700) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Layout | front-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested | 18025 |
| 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 | |
| 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, MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
| Rear Suspension | twist-beam axle, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
| Ground Clearance | |
| Curb Weight | 2766 |
| Stock Tires | P205/55R16 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | disc/drum with ABS and dynamic rear proportioning |
| Fuel Capacity | 13.2 |