What is it?
2003 Saturn Ion
What's special about it?
Saturn brings in the successor to the S-series coupe and sedan series and names it after an electrical charge, hoping to generate some electricity of its own in the small car segment. A number of design details in and out maintain Saturn's left-of-center design dictum. The center-mounted instrument pod and the center stack have changeable trim panels, as do the exterior roof rails. A steering wheel that looks as if it were pilfered from an amusement park bumper car is one of the less flattering aspects of the cabin.
Functionally, the cars are bigger (6 inches longer and 2 inches wider) which translates into more passenger and cargo room. The coupe now has one more door than before, making for dual rear-access doors and the name quad coupe. A stiffer platform improves noise and vibration control as well as handling.
The "Ecotec" 2.2-liter inline four that powers the midsize L-Series, as well as the new Vue SUV, powers all Ions. With 137 horsepower and 142 pound-feet of torque, the Ion has one of the most powerful engines in its class.
Why should you care?
With over 2 million S-series coupes and sedans sold since 1990, and with a devout customer base that values the marque's reputation for reliability and kid-glove customer treatment, this is an important car for Saturn. -- John DiPietro
2003 Saturn Ion
What's special about it?
Saturn brings in the successor to the S-series coupe and sedan series and names it after an electrical charge, hoping to generate some electricity of its own in the small car segment. A number of design details in and out maintain Saturn's left-of-center design dictum. The center-mounted instrument pod and the center stack have changeable trim panels, as do the exterior roof rails. A steering wheel that looks as if it were pilfered from an amusement park bumper car is one of the less flattering aspects of the cabin.
Functionally, the cars are bigger (6 inches longer and 2 inches wider) which translates into more passenger and cargo room. The coupe now has one more door than before, making for dual rear-access doors and the name quad coupe. A stiffer platform improves noise and vibration control as well as handling.
The "Ecotec" 2.2-liter inline four that powers the midsize L-Series, as well as the new Vue SUV, powers all Ions. With 137 horsepower and 142 pound-feet of torque, the Ion has one of the most powerful engines in its class.
Why should you care?
With over 2 million S-series coupes and sedans sold since 1990, and with a devout customer base that values the marque's reputation for reliability and kid-glove customer treatment, this is an important car for Saturn. -- John DiPietro
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