Ion vs. SL/SC

Anybody got thoughts on the merits of the Ion as regards the S series it
replaced? I'm getting rid of my 95 SL2 after 180,000 miles but not sure
I like the Ion. Has anyone had both and can compare?

 

Kirk has, maybe he can comment...

....the '05 replacement of the Chevy Caviler called Cobalt is built on the
same platform as the ION.

http://www.cheersandgears.com/faq_chevrolet_cobalt.aspx

 

1) Noise - The ecotec engine is much more refined than the SL2 dohc engine.
Less noisy, more power. Rather nice. The gas mileage of the ION is slightly
(about 10%) worse than the SL2s in my estimation.

2) Handling - I like the way that the ION handles. However, I'm not a
spirited driver.

3) Acceleration - The ION feels quicker. I REALLY like the CVT on the
coupe - you stomp on the gas and the engine goes to full power and stays
there.

4) Spooky center panel. - I admit that I was a bit wary about it. However, I
actually like it. There is NEVER a problem with the steering wheel getting
in the way of seeing the display. And, I'm 43 years old and a bit
far-sighted. The instrument panel being about 9 inches farther away makes a
noticeable difference in the time and effort needed to focus on the speedo
and back onto the road.

If you have any more questions, let me know. - k.

Thanks. How? Noise? Handling? Acceleration? That spooky center
instrument panel?

-----Original Message-----
From: Kirk Kohnen [mailto:bite_me_spammers@who_knows.net]
Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2003 3:34 PM
To: Chris Leithiser
Subject: Re: Ion vs. SL/SC


My wife and I each had a 97 SL2. I had a manual, and she had an
automatic.

We bought two ION 3s. I got the quad coupe, she got the sedan.

The ION is a vast improvement over the SL2.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Chris Leithiser" <>
Newsgroups: rec.autos.makers.saturn
Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2003 9:08 AM
Subject: Ion vs. SL/SC

 

I can not comment but given the 180K miles you racked up, could you
detail your repair expense and the state you live in?

Wes

2001 SL1 60 payments to go...

 

Central California. Major repair expense to date was replacement of the
water pump three times, and some battery failures. Had regular oil
changes and service during first 100,000 miles or so, did the 100k
service at 130,000, shortly after a minor rear-end collision (I did the
colliding). Had some trouble with the EGR valve plugging recently.

Due to personal circumstances put many hard miles on the car in the past
year, including a 2-3 month stretch with over 1000 miles per week over
the Grapevine pass into LA and back, and got too lax in keeping up the
maintenance. Developed a rod knock that I'm babying while shopping for
a replacement.

Strongly considering buying an '02 SL2, but I'm open to the Ion, which I
admit I haven't seen close-up or test-driven yet (this afternoon, if all
goes well.) I was honestly trying for 200,000 miles but, like the
"one-hoss shay," too many systems are starting to show the strain.

 

3) Acceleration - The ION feels quicker. I REALLY like the CVT on the

I'm curious how the 0-60 numbers stack up. I thought the ION CVT I test drove
felt like a turd compared to my 95 SC2. It definitly felt slower than my SC2
and also my g/f's 03 Cav with the Ecotec(and stickshift)........