2006 Saturn ION Consumer Reviews Page 3

Good Car - Great Price

Written by: Patrick on 11/21/2006

Vehicle

2006 Saturn ION 3 4dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)

Review

In my opinion, any lack of performance has more to do with the class of car (i.e., 4cyl, econonmy). This is my second Saturn and the best way to descibe it is a B+ car with A+ service and price. I know with the "Global Economy" it might not matter (I am impressed with Hondas and Toyotas), but I just can't even walk into their dealerships. I surely don't think American cars are perfect, but based on what's written on-line and in magazines, I must be the only person who knows of a fair amount of people with problems with Toyotas and Hondas etc. My only point being, are Japanese cars better in general, probably. That much better? Maybe I'm lucky.

Favorite Features

Style, price, service, made in Tennesee

Suggested Improvements

Engine is a little noisy, but solid.

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Best Commuter I've Owned

Written by: pstrkrk on 10/27/2006

Vehicle

2006 Saturn ION 2 4dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought this car after considering several cars. It came down to the Civic or the ION. I liked the ION's ride better and the price was significantly lower than the Civic. I drive over 90miles/day to work so comfort and efficiency are important and I regularly get 40mpg in this car. I rarely drive in town but when I do it drops to about 30mpg. Ride is nice, steering precise and predictable. Driving is seamless and comfortable even though I am quite large and this is a small car. No problems to report in the first 12,000 miles.

Favorite Features

Mileage! My commute cost is half what it was. Styling is nice and color is beautiful. Fold down front seat rocks for commuters. Handy tray (from Saturn accessories) makes it even better.

Suggested Improvements

I would like a little more power but that is probably my fault for not stepping up to the 2.4 engine in the ION-3. Passing is effortless if not exciting. Sunroof was noisy until I bought aftermarket wind deflector from my Saturn dealer.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Complications

Written by: Jane on 10/16/2006

Vehicle

2006 Saturn ION 2 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Good car at first, then some problems started to arise. Check engine light sporadically comes on and off. Window went off track. Leaking from sunroof into the interior light fixture, but that stopped after a week or two on its own. On one occasion (about five months after purchase) the car didn't start up.

Favorite Features

I really like the OnStar option. The guages in the center of dash are fun, and the way things are set up inside are great and functional. Trunk is very roomy. The rear view mirror has a great light dimmer.

Suggested Improvements

Make the car more reliable.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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I hate this car

Written by: Carole on 10/16/2006

Vehicle

2006 Saturn ION 3 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have the 2006 ION 3 and am so disappointed in this car. I bought it brand new and have had it in the shop 4 times in 3 weeks. Saturn has given me a rental car, but the inconvinience and unreliability of this car make getting into it a crap shoot versus a good experience. I hate this car and wish I had never bought it. I paid cash in full and have never been so displeased with a brand new car. Engine problems should not be a factor in a new car with 7000 miles. Ever. The great gas mileage is a lie also.

Favorite Features

It has a big trunk. That's the only good thing I can say about it.

Suggested Improvements

3 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Love My Car

Written by: Sue Hutton on 10/14/2006

Vehicle

2006 Saturn ION 3 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)

Review

This car has been such a joy to drive. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a great car for the value.

Favorite Features

I love my OnStar and sunroof.

Suggested Improvements

I would like to have the temperature and direction in the rear view mirror.

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Disappointing Clutch

Written by: Disappointed on 09/30/2006

Vehicle

2006 Saturn ION 2 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This is my fourth Saturn, and I do not know if there will be a fifth. I have had the car in to fix both of the windows. I had to get the seat cover replaced, and I am having constant issues with the clutch. The car stutters and shakes. It stalls more times than I can count. I have had the car in the shop twice now, and the problem still persists. The guys in service are great ,and have told me that the mechanics of the clutch have changed. I just have to change the way I have been driving it.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Put some cup holders in the back of the car. The center console is too far back for someone that is 5'2".

0 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Jason's Car

Written by: Jason Fitzgerald on 09/26/2006

Vehicle

2006 Saturn ION 2 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Great car to drive, very gas efficient. It still has pretty good pickup even though it is a sedan.

Favorite Features

Odometer in middle of dashboard. MP3 hookup for ipod

Suggested Improvements

More leg space in back seats. Bigger arm console in front

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Solid Commuter

Written by: berne1 on 08/18/2006

Vehicle

2006 Saturn ION 2 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought this car strictly on price. Got a 24 mo lease w/17K miles per year for $222. I was expecting to be underwhelmed, but I found this vehicle to be a pleasant surprise. I got the 5- speed because I prefer a stick, and got an add'l $250 rebate. This car would not be fun with an automatic. The engine pulls strong in the powerband. The interior is quieter than I expected. It only took a few days to get used to the center-mounted gauges. I don't know that I'd put them there, but they work just fine. The only time it seems weird is at night, when there is no light from the gauges directly in front of you.

Favorite Features

iPod jack, good performance from the engine, shifter, price. Great MPG, I am averaging about 30-31 MPG in combined driving.

Suggested Improvements

The stereo is horrible, and there was no upgrade available to a premium system. Handling is not tuned for spirited driving. Some interior surfaces seems a bit cheap (hard plastics, rough edges). Need to add a way to disable the DRLs if so desired.

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American made

Written by: Jim Kelsey on 08/05/2006

Vehicle

2006 Saturn ION 2 4dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I researched all, drove most, chose on basis of country of originand safety. It's better than 6 of the 10 that were chosen as the "best" better quality and costs less than 7 of the 10 chosen as the best college cars. Saturn 2.2 has been named 1 of the top 10 engines mass produced anywhere! If in doubt, test one. I personally own 2 Saturns and have since the mid 90's Have yet to need a repair other than tires and such.

Favorite Features

Economy, looks! Quad 4 .

Suggested Improvements

Hmmm we can wish for 50 mpg.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Loving It

Written by: wkae on 07/24/2006

Vehicle

2006 Saturn ION 2 4dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I was first attracted to the car by it's low price tag, but I've found it to be a great little car to drive. True, it doesn't live up to the gas mileage estimates, but whose car does? Most of us don't drive our cars at 55mph anymore. This is a great vehicle for the price

Favorite Features

I love being able to plugin my mp3 player. What a great feature! Love the roominess of the trunk too.

Suggested Improvements

Better material for the seats would be nice. They sometimes create a lot of static. Also, I've had an ongoing annoyance with a squeaky clutch that has been lubed 3 or 4 times since I bought the car in February 2006.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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