What's the Skinny on the Ion's?

Hello group,

I have been researching my next car, and want to know the skinny on the
Ion's? Not too much talk about the Ion here, so that must be good, as most
posts are negative. The auto reviews from a style point of view, isn't too
positive, but I feel the price and low maintenance cost are more important.
I would have to test drive to see how it feels. The reviews on reliability
are good; better than the Nissan Sentra. I read a review that the Ion has no
locking fuel filler door? Is this true? Also read the tires weren't very
good in the rain (sounds like my 95 SL2), so I guess the snow and ice would
be terrible.

Thanks for any input.

 

I haven't really heard too much negative about it. I guess if you can get over
its horrible looks it would be an ok car......

I'm waiting for the curve to come out myself.......

 

The Quad Cab isn't too bad, I have noticed that they are usually "dressed
up" better on showroom floors than the regular ION. Not good write-ups on
the seats or the suspension. (Car&Driver / Compact Sport Car Mag.) The
Redline seems to have worked on that, so with some hope, the ION designers
will pick up a clue and redesign the ION next generation. I have noticed
nicer seats in the QC though.

marx404

 

Well, the suspension doesn't feel as stiff as it was in the "S" series
coupe, the transmission (VTi) drives like a dream (utterly smooth...) - but
there have been problems (not me personally), and Saturn extended the
warranties on them - the design is (IMHO) less desirable than the "S"
series, but the practical functionality is better. (Higher roofline,
spacious interior, lots of cargo room.) The speedometer in the center of the
dash may take some getting used to for most though. I have read lots of
negative press about the seat fabric (eg: "bottom of the barrel" one
reviewer called it). I like the battery-in-the-trunk idea (there's a place
underhood for jumpstarts). It's much more responsive - as a whole - than my
SC2 was. Lots of technology here, but toned down in style. Lacks - to me -
the "sporty" feel that my "S" car had. Ha...reminds me that I'm getting
older!

Warren

 

I drive a 2003 Ion Quad Coupe. I love my car. I like the styling of it
alot, I also have the body kit on it though. Where I live mine is pretty
much one of a kind. We have horrible winters here.. I made it through with
the tires just fine. I don't think I am going to drive it next winter, but
that is only because it's lower with the body kit.

It doesn't have a locking fuel door, you can probably just buy a locking cap
yourself. I also love the gauges in the middle of the dash, took me about
5minutes to get used to. The steering wheel is much smaller, I find it
comfortable to drive. So far I haven't had any problems with my car <knock
on wood>.

http://www.cardomain.com/id/thegecko

Above is a link to my car.

J

 

Very pretty car, first good looking ION I've ever seen! .... if you dont
mind me asking, is all the work on it cosmetic or did you soup up under the
hood as well, and how much extra $$$ did you put into it?

Wurm

 

Check out Saturnfans.com. They have forums for each vehicle Saturn makes.
Very informative and owners will be more that happy to answer any questions.
Steve

 

It's pretty much all cosmetic. I've got a ractive muffler on there..
I'd like to get a cold air intake for it also. There is a turbo I was
looking at, but I cannot justify spending that much money on a
turbo at this point to void my warranty. I have the car made for
the first year of production, I hope nothing goes wrong anyway,
but I like having warranty on the car.

Later on I would like to do much more to it, but also, I don't really
have any need to sink too much more money in to the car. It's at
the point where I like it except for a few more minor cosmetic mods.

 

I own a 2003 ION3 sedan.

It looks OK from the A pillar back.

I hate the grinning front -- it reminds me of either a cheap SAAB or an old
Ford Escort.

I would consider transplanting a QC front onto my car (only consider, mind
you!).

Part of the front look problem is the placement of the hood's front-to-back
rigidity creases. They form a narrow gulley, which serves to make the car
look pinched. If the creases, which are based on the Saturn badge, were
moved out to flow back from the iiner edge of the headlamp assembly, that
would make the car look wider and look more like some intelligence went into
the design.

If there was an after market hood replacement I would consider it.

Chris

 

Lots of better choices out there. GM dropped the ball on this bigtime.
Goofy styling, bizarro roof rails, strange steering wheel, cheap seats,
center-pod instruments - some or all of which are disliked by most
potential buyers. Poor sales reflect these missteps. OTOH, poor sales may
mean bargain prices. Don't pay sticker if you buy.