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Comments
I have not seen anything anywhere.
Also heard that the 180hp turbo engine from the Opel Speedster will be available in the upscale coupe next year, in addition to the 140hp base version.
I also hear the Ion will be here in late September. Production will probably start in August.
http://www.2003ion.com
The seating position looks higher than the S series also. But we couldn't sit in it. I like the fact that you get the same engine in the base model as the upper level ION's also. I can live without power features.
A base coupe with A/C and the VTi trans would work for me. The VTI trans sounds like the ultimate stop and go rush hour warrior. I'll get my own CD stereo and wheels. This car is bulkier than the S. I can't see why they are putting 14" wheels on the base model. If it can come in like that for under 15 grand that could be my fourth Saturn.
I am looking forward to seeing and trying an Ion.
The VTI trans won't be available when the ION sedan comes out this fall but maybe by winter/spring when the coupe arrives. The 5 speed auto will be available though.
It looks as though the cabin of the ION will be alot more open and airy over the S series. And you won't be sitting so low. You still won't be able to see around all the SUV's but it's better anyway.
There are plenty of ugly cars out there from other manufacturers but they do seem to get it right from time to time with some even getting it right most of the time.
But GM? Well the the Saturn L restyle is charitably boring and bland, the Ion looks like a mock up more than a real car with all those extraneous lines in the roof and trunk area and the CTS? well after three 7 & 7s I might be able to say it's not bad. I actually like the Vue's styling (lousy interior though).
Lutz must have been beside himself when he saw what GM styling was putting out. I'll be anxious to see what changes are in store in the next couple of years.
Def: Saturn: "GM parody of Toyota/Honda/Mazda."
S-Series is a bit old, obviously, but not bad to look at or own or drive* ...
*I have a bridge to sell you.
... but the interiors of the ION and VUE show that they need a KLU.
A KLU -- that's very good.
By accident they could do a better job than they do. They absolutely seem to go out of their way to make US designs either extremely boring or just plain butt ugly.
it's almost as though they think US consumers have no interest in stylish cars or can be convinced that anything is stylish as long as they are told that it is.
Ask anyone who actually likes cars whether they'd rather drive a Holden or Opel sedan or a Malibu or Grand Am and I don't think there will be any question that the US cars will lose out.
I've got my fingers crossed that the next generation Malibu, Cavalier, etc. will be carbon copies of the european models.
Frankly, it's probably even cheaper for GM to just make a similar design for US and Europe. I have to believe Lutz is kicking butt so there may be hope down the road.
As for the ION, I still can't see how it's worse than the bizarre Focus. I guess we will have to agree to disagree. That said, I do agree Saturn could have done a better job on the sedan.
Take a look at the quad coupe when it comes out. It has more to it than the sedan which is very plain. The coupe looked alor better than in the pictures. And you get the strongest enigne in the base model! Untill the possible supercharger comes out for 2004.
As for the Ion, I wonder whether it will keep the bumper car style steering wheel.
The problem with the Ion and many other GM cars is that it seems styling is either an afterthought or they go overboard to try and make a statement on styling and just get it totally wrong (CTS, Aztek). The Ion sedan looks like a convoluted Neon. When I think of all the slick looking eurosedans they could have copied I just shake my head.
Look, GM is not the only offender. Most manufacturers seem to miss the boat. Want stylish sedans? Try Audi, Alfa Romeo and Opel.
I thing the ION sedan looks great in the front end, it's just the rear that seems odd. Looks like a copy of the new Altima.
I still need to be reminded why people (logic1) are so hell bent on defending GM over any other car company!
As far as factory incentives, even Audis have them now (here in the US anyway), so that's not a factor in today's market.
When I say GM, i generally mean the United States - if i say opel or vauxhall i mean European GM.
Looks like we're headed into one of those, um, "conversations" that belong in any one of a number of active discussions over in News & Views.
I sure would appreciate it if those here who have heard that same tired refrain from me in many discussions would pay attention.
Instead of waiting for me to throw wet blankets around, you really could just go ahead and head to the right place. I'm more than a little tired of you continuing to divert multiple discussions on this board into the same off-topic arguments.
You know who you are.
Any questions, please drop me an email.
Pat
Sedans Host
Our office administrator has a 95 S-series and is waiting to get an ION.
Can't rip the Focus.....its packaging is excellent and it looks snazzy in ZX5, ZX3, and wagon forms. The ZX5 in particular is top notch. The only things keeping Focus from being the total market champ is a lackluster set of motors (why don't we get the Duratec HE and TDCi diesel?) and unfortunate recalls.
The worst part of Ion is the interior design and center gauges. Way to go out on a limb and risk cutting your throat marketing wise by offering center gauges as standard. Lose about half your potential buyers there. They should have made center gauges an option.
Mileage is mileage. Hyundais get crappy mileage too.
The Focus has had recalls but Car and Driver had a 40000 miles tester that was extremely reliable. My sisters' ZX3 has been reliable.
As far as the recalls that plagued the 2001 and 2000 models but by now 2002 it should be fine. Ford, like GM is always a bit slow out of the gate getting final [non-permissible content removed]'ly quality down. Overall GM is no better over time than Ford.
Style wise it depends on what you like. The new Ion sedan is questionable in my mind. The coupe is a lot better but still looks like a generic GM coupe (dull and 5-8 years behind the style curve) and breaks no ground. There does not appear to be the extra space created inside like the Focus does with its silhouette.
When i was L series shopping I checked the wagon specs for the Focus vs. L and darn if the Focus wagon isn't practically the same size as the L for a lot less money.
I can't be bothered trying to find them on the Saturnfan thing.
We are real happy with our Vue, so she and I are both eying the Ion as a possible future small car. Saturn is good company and as long as they treat me right I just may keep buying. The new Civic was a disappointment for me, but the new Corolla looks good also.