The 2006 Saturn ION Quad Coupe makes a great choice for an average around-the-town vehicle. It comes with a two-liter or 2.2-liter engine and delivers 140 or 170 horsepower, depending on the model. It comes with a wide range of exterior and interior features, a wide choice of color options, high safety ratings, and an average handling capability. New features include revised wheels and standard OnStar. Options include air-conditioning and various performance packages. A new safety feature for airbag passenger detection also makes the vehicle safer.
The Range
Body Styles: Quad coupe
Engines: 2.0-liter four-cylinder, 2.2-liter four-cylinder
Transmissions: five-speed manual, four-speed automatic
Models: ION Quad Coupe 2, ION Quad Coupe 3, ION Quad Coupe Redline
What's New
Saturn drops the ION 1 model car this year. The series wheel design has been revised and OnStar comes standard on all models. The ION 2 offers the option of air-conditioning. The optional Enhanced Performance Package provides anti-lock brakes; a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower; and a sport-tuned suspension. A passenger-sensing system deactivates the passenger airbags when it does not detect enough weight.
Exterior
The 2006 Saturn ION Quad Coupe comes with automatic headlights, fog lamps, daytime running lamps, dual power mirrors, and intermittent windshield wipers. The aluminum wheels come with all-season performance tires for every season of the year. The ION 2 quad coupe body style features 15-inch steel wheels and the ION 3 quad coupe body style comes with 16-inch aluminum wheels. The Red Line Quad Coupe features 17-inch cast aluminum wheels. With the optional competition package, the wheels upgrade to 17-inch forged wheels. The aluminum wheels can be added to models without. A power sunroof remains an option on all models. The manufacturer provides seven colors to choose from, covering all sides of the spectrum. The Quad Coupe actually has four doors, two traditional openings in front, and two rear-hinged doors in the back. The back seat of the Saturn ION Quad Coupe has limited legroom. The unique feature of the 2006 Saturn ION Quad Coupe remains the center-mounted instrument cluster which may take some getting used to.
Interior
The 2006 Saturn ION Quad Coupe features Pandora cloth deluxe front bucket seats and a height-adjustable driver’s seat. It also comes with a four-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo system. The steering wheel tilts to adjust. An optional preferred package comes with cruise control and power windows, mirrors, and door locks. The Red Line models include a four-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel and Recaro sport seats. The Competition Package includes a boost gauge and programmable tachometer. For the sound system, Saturn offers an optional CD changer, CD/MP3 system, and XM Satellite Radio. The Travel Package adds a map light, an outside temperature gauge, a compass, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
Performance & Handling
The 2006 Saturn ION Quad Coupe comes standard with a 2.2-liter, four-cylinder gas engine with 140 horsepower and it produces 145 lb-ft of torque. The Red Line model contains a two-liter, four-cylinder, gas engine with 205 horsepower producing 200 lb-ft of torque. The Saturn ION Quad Coupe feels smooth and stays quiet with a recalibrated steering system. All models offer the option of manual or automatic transmission, except for the Red Line, which uses a supercharged, five-speed manual transmission. The ION Quad Coupe has a small turning radius of about 34.5 feet. The car uses front-drive.
Safety
The 2006 Saturn ION includes dual stage drive and front passenger airbags with optional side-curtain airbags. ABS is optional along with traction control, as well as dynamic rear brake proportioning to help avoid crashes. This well-rated vehicle earns five stars on driver and passenger front-impact tests and four stars on driver and passenger side and rollover tests. The seat belts offer height adjustment and daytime running lamps help maintain visibility even during the day.
EPA Fuel Economy
ION Quad Coupe 2/3 Automatic: 24/32 mpg city/highway
ION Quad Coupe 2/3 Manual: 26/35 mpg city/highway
ION Quad Coupe Red Line Manual: 23/29 mpg city/highway
You'll Like
- Safety
- Headroom and legroom for driver
You Won't Like
Sum Up
An average vehicle with above-average safety ratings and many customizable options.
If You Like This Vehicle
- Nissan Altima
- Toyota Camry