2006 Saturn ION Consumer Reviews
Recent Consumer Reviews
(78 Total Reviews)
06 Blue Ion3
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2006 Saturn ION 3 4dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I bought this Ion new, a little over two years ago. For my first brand new car I was very pleased with my purchase and remain pleased as the miles add up. Utilizing a 5 speed manual and the 2.4L engine this car can handle itself with ease on the highway and throughout the city, I also average about 34mpg with a 50/50 mix of city/highway driving. The vehicle has been relatively trouble free with only 3 minor warranty claims. Besides that, I've just kept up with regular maintenance. Excellent car overall that doesn't deserve the amount of negative reviews it receives. ery happy with my Ion!
Favorite Features
Bright, wide-beamed headlights and foglamps. Powerful 2.4L powertrain. Roomy cargo space and comfortable interior. Center console. Exterior styling for the Quad Coupe is fantastic. Lastly, polymer panels!
Suggested Improvements
A sportier suspension would have been great paired with 4 wheel disc brakes on the Ion 3's. Interior plastic could be better.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Distraught with Ion II mpg
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2006 Saturn ION 2 4dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Originally, my review of this car was very bad, because it had to be towed back to the dealer <10 days after purchase. However, since then it has proved itself as a dependable vehicle. The only issue I still have with it is the mpg. This is a manual transmission, and was claimed to get 34 hwy, and I forget the city, was it 27 mpg or 24 mpg? I'm getting about 28 mpg highway. I could enjoy the car if it got anywhere close to the claimed mpg. I'm probably getting somewhere close to 20 mpg city, but I can't be anywhere near certain because it is never the case that I do all city driving. The 1984 Honda CRX with the fuel efficient 1.3 liter engine got 55 mpg hwy, 45 mpg city.
Favorite Features
Well, it is perky to drive, and comfortable, too. I love the OnStar.
Suggested Improvements
It needs to get mileage that is representative of claims on the sticker.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Great car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2006 Saturn ION 2 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
Review
My lease was up on my 2006 Cobalt so I wanted to get something comparable to it. I started looking into the Ions because I liked the way they looked and I'm a big fan of the Ecotec engine, I know engineers that have said this will eventually be known as one of the best engines GM has come out with. I wasn't sure about the gauge cluster being in the center of the dash at first but I grew to love it. It drives really smooth and handles bumps nicely, the gas mileage is great too. I have a Waverunner and it pulls it nicely. Overall I'm very happy with this car.
Favorite Features
Dent resistant panels, great gas mileage, very quiet and smooth engine, exterior looks, interior roominess, center dash mounted gauge cluster.
Suggested Improvements
Should have rear cupholders, automatic headlights (standard on Cobalt), doors rattle a little on the highway.
3 out 3 people found this review helpful
Great on gas not on corky issues
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2006 Saturn ION 2 4dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
Review
I have owned my 2006 ION for 2 years now & I have loved the gas mileage and how it handles while driving to Tahoe ( fun drive) but I have always had a knocking in my car. It sounds like someone is in the truck, just a simple 3 tap noise, and it happens usually every morning during the first 10-20 miles. But now I have a big complaint my key got locked in the ignition after driving home from work one evening, the car was still running, it wouldn't turn off. I disconnected the battery & pulled a fuse out to get it turned off. I have read online several complaints about this issue And I hope Saturn will fix it today, with no money out of my pocket.
Favorite Features
Handles nicely through curvy roads
Suggested Improvements
Seating is too firm, makes a lont trip seem longer.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Good Fuel Economy, Electrical Glitch
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 4 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2006 Saturn ION 2 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
Review
I knew I wanted a 4 door car with rear side curtain airbags, on a limited budget. Saturn ION was only one I could afford, plus it had good fuel economy according to the window sticker. It does have good fuel economy for American, around 28 with mixed use. I didn't own an MP3 player when I purchased the car but I do now and love the audio jack! The center console was an adjustment but I love it, it gets the eyes moving around instead of staring straight ahead, less strain. I have had horrible problems in winter with doors freezing shut, seal around doors is bad water gets into cavity and freezes at hinge, also leaks through window seals, and drips inside car. Electronic issues see below.
Favorite Features
MP3 audio jack, fuel economy, center dashboard, fold down seats, CD that came with car, OnStar (although never had to use it, peace of mind)
Suggested Improvements
Electrical glitches in the automatic windows, don't always work, pain when driving through tolls! The cruise control doesn't always work either, dealer couldn't fix b/c it worked for them. Interior fabric is cheap. Seats are awful no lumbar. Legroom and comfort of backseat is bad. Windows leak.
3 out 3 people found this review helpful
My First Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2006 Saturn ION 2 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
Review
My Saturn ION 2006 was bought for me, so I didn't have a say. Although it is only my first car, I love it! It is fun to drive, has a great stereo system with tons of presets, and is a gorgeous color (laser blue) which was taken out of the lineup after my saturn was purchased. After reading other reviews, I have had no problems with my Saturn's engine. That being said, my two complaints are regarding the fuel efficiency and the dent resistant plastic body. I do not get the 30 mpg that were promised, and after backing into a parked car, the other car looked untouched while the back bumper of mine was not only dented, it was literally cracked. Overall, this is a great, cheap car for anyone.
Favorite Features
MP3 jack, the center placement of speed gauges, spoiler on the trunk
Suggested Improvements
Better fuel efficiency, temperature/direction on the rearview
Not my best car purchase
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 2 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2006 Saturn ION 2 4dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
Review
At the time of purchase, I needed an inexpensive, fuel-efficient car. For those requirements, it has fit the bill but I sadly can't say it has exceeded my expectations. It replaced a 1995 Saturn SL-2 with 130,000 mostly trouble-free miles, so at the time I felt confident in the purchase. Since then, I've been plagued by a significant number of "little problems" that would have cost me upwards of $1200 to fix had they not been covered under the warranty. None of these problems were "normal wear" items. The dealer is great about fixing them, but the many problems in the first couple of years have convinced me to sell before the (extended) warranty expires. Pity, as I do like the car.
Favorite Features
Efficiency: I routinely get 27 to 29 mpg per tank with a mix of city/highway driving. Suicide doors: Believe it or not, makes it much easier to get a child seat back there (No pillar to get in the way). Fold-flat passenger seat: Nice to be able to carry long items from time to time.
Suggested Improvements
My suggestion to Saturn is to re-evaluate their quality standards! I have acquaintences with the exact same car who have had no trouble at all (and aren't nearly as obsessive about maintenance as I am). I'm disappointed at the spottiness of their quality, but if they'd just dot their i's.
8 out 9 people found this review helpful
Not too happy with my Saturn right now
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2006 Saturn ION 2 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
Review
I purchased a 2006 Saturn Ion 2 after the transmission went out in my Cavalier. My car only has 44,000 miles on it and the electrical power steering unit went out in it already. It is going to cost me about $1500 to get it fixed. The warranty conveniently ran out so I have to pay for this out of my pocket. I was told that since 2004 when they started using these units they have had nothing but problems with them. I checked with Saturn there have been no recalls issued on the units either.
Favorite Features
Dashboard placing
Suggested Improvements
Put better material in the inside as it stains easily if you do not scotchguard it.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
My Car Rocks!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2006 Saturn ION 2 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
Review
I have had my Saturn Ion since October of 2005 and it is awesome. It looks great, it takes very little up keep and I am very happy with my purchase. This is my second upgrade, the first was also a Saturn and when I get another it will be a SUV by Saturn. I love their cars!
Favorite Features
I like that the panel being turned towards me.
Suggested Improvements
None
5 out 5 people found this review helpful
Did well with my second Saturn
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2006 Saturn ION 2 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
Review
I had a difficult choice to make for an automobile that was good on gas and comfortable to drive. I found it in the Saturn ion 2. The interior is a good size with all the items that I need to haul around. The mileage is better than expected. The ride is great even on rough roads. The ION rides as if it was heavier than it really is. Changing the oil is a breeze when compared to my previous automobile. I had to jump my wife's car and it was easy to figure out where to place the cables on the ion. The fold down back seat is a real plus when hauling. The visibility is great with the positioning of the dash and the front window position. I am very happy with my purchase, the price sure was right
Favorite Features
Mirrors, dashboard configuartion, radiom and center arm rest.
Suggested Improvements
Lower the rear end for improved view
5 out 5 people found this review helpful
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