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2005
Used 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Saturn Ion

EPA MPG: 27 mpg
Average Retail Price
$2,850 - $3,275
Join for Ratings
RECALL ALERT:
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
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Overall Reliability
Reliability Details
NA
Owner Satisfaction Details
NA
See All Ratings & Specs
Road Test

In our previous test of the 2003 Saturn Ion, the car didn't have many high points. General Motors made some changes, which are reflected in this 2005 model, but they do not overcome the car's weaknesses. On the positive side, the Ion is quick, and braking performance is very good. But the noisy engine returns unimpressive fuel economy, the cabin has poor-fitting materials, the seats are uncomfortable, and the rear is cramped. Steering is also inconsistent. Capping it off, the Ion scored Poor in IIHS side-impact tests with or without head-protecting airbags.

For complete Road Test Report and to see Highs and Lows, become a member

2005 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
NA
vs. Similar Cars
See All Models Reliability

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Acceptable
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Marginal
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA
See All Ratings & Specs

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Acceptable
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Marginal
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA
See All Ratings & Specs

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2002
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
2009
Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
NA
Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
NA
Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Acceptable
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Marginal
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA
See All Ratings & Specs

2005 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2005 Saturn Ion
$2,850 - $3,275
economy-icon
EPA MPG 27 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
2005 Chevrolet Aveo
$2,925 - $3,275
economy-icon
EPA MPG 29 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
$3,150 - $4,250
economy-icon
EPA MPG 27 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
$2,850 - $3,425
economy-icon
EPA MPG 23 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
2005 Ford Focus
$2,975 - $3,325
economy-icon
EPA MPG 28 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
See All Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings
Features & Specs
Body Style
    coupe
    sedan
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
Front
Engines Available
  • 2-liter 4 supercharged (205 hp)
  • 2.2-liter 4 (140 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 5-speed manual
  • 4-speed automatic
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
See All Ratings & Specs