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Saturn ION

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  • cdavidhesscdavidhess Member Posts: 26
    I received $6,000 in trade for my 2000 LS1 5 speed with standard equipment. It had 46,600 miles. I thought it fair. The Kelly Blue Book web site listed its value in good condtion as $5925.
  • imaddiktimaddikt Member Posts: 15
    Saw the quad coupe this weekend at our local auto show. Our company has vehicles in it and they were doing a walk-around of it. Pretty nice, I must say, but the sedan still has much more room inside. And the coupes only come with roof rails colored the same as the body color. The one I saw was bright red.

    Gas mileage--mine did the same thing when I first got it, and I thought something was wrong too. After a month it was broken in and now I get the mileage that is listed on the sticker. Do you have a manual or automatic transmission? Sometimes the way it is driven makes a difference too.

    The Ion has the same smooth ride that the L-series does--at least in my opinion. Much smoother than the s-series ever was.
  • vuefor2vuefor2 Member Posts: 490
    We have had zero issues with our Ion. Very impressed with the tightness of the car also. The car seems very well built.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    That seems low to me, consdering it's only about 1/3 of the original value of the car ($18,000 or so).
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Consumer Reports tested the ION in their latest issue. And BOY, they tore it to shreads! They said it had low fuel economy, no power, was cramped inside, and had bad assembly quality on the inside. I was really surprised. They rated it one step above the Neon, and rated the Suzuki Aerio above it. Also, the cars in the tested group (ION3, Aerio GS, Accent GL, and Neon SXT) ranked well below the Focus, Corolla, Civic, and even Protege.

    I was really shocked at the review though.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    I remember they ripped the VUE apart when it first came out also. They now recommend it because of good reliability and crash tests. I think the people who do reviews at CR have multiple personalities.

    I'm totally not surprised they didn't like the ION.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    Ripped the VUE? No, it came in mid-pack overall for SUVs, and in the test you refer to, if memory serves me correctly, ahead of the Land Rover Freelander, Suzuki XL-7, and Jeep Liberty. It finished second only to the Honda CR-V in that test. (Reference: May 2002 CR)
    Which test were you reading?
    ~alpha
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    They did have some negative comments about interior trim and other things. And I distinctly rememeber one of the body panels cracking (or something like that) during CR's testing.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    but that doesnt really qualify as "ripping" the vehicle- like I said, they vued it favorably overall compared to the rest of the tested small SUVs. (i'm sorry, i couldnt help myself). I would consider this statement "ripping" a car:"We waited 7 years for this?" (Verdict, Car and Driver Jan 03, on the ION3)
    ~alpha
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Perhaps "ripped" was the wrong word, but the initial review I saw was far from complimentary. CR did not like the build quality or the interior.
  • cdavidhesscdavidhess Member Posts: 26
    The trade in value for Saturn Ls is low in general. That is inevitable considering the huge rebates available on new Ls.
  • vuefor2vuefor2 Member Posts: 490
    I'm guessing my Ion will not have the same % of MSRP value as our Civic did 6 years down the road when we sell it, but given we got a much better deal on the Ion in terms of financing, I can live with it. It's pretty obvious that if you pay less for something new, you will get less when you sell it.

    I saw 2 Ions on the road today. They must be selling better now.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    After having read the CR article- they did indeed RIP this car. (It seems Car and Driver could make a plagarism case- criticisms of EXACTLY the same items). One question: Where is the power in this engine going? Consumer Reports ran the Cavalier (with the same engine, and weighing only 80 lbs less) to 60 in 2.1 seconds faster! Is the 5sp auto really that inefficient?
    ~alpha
  • regfootballregfootball Member Posts: 2,166
    I know what it is. Because the center gauges are so dang far away from your eyes, you actually don't see the speedometer hit 60 until like a full second after it actually does (using the formula for distance light travels in one second that would indeed just about equal the distance from your eyes to the speedometer).
  • saturnfreak01saturnfreak01 Member Posts: 134
    lol, should have seen that coming from reg..
  • threadsthreads Member Posts: 9
    So thats what it is...

    "Illegible instrument cluster"
    http://autos.en.msn.ca/advice/default.asp?contentid=4021890&t- ype=6&src=Home&pos=Edit5
  • regfootballregfootball Member Posts: 2,166
    thanks for the chuckle.
  • cdavidhesscdavidhess Member Posts: 26
    Three days I ago I traded in my 2001 Saturn LS1 5 speed for a silver ION 2 5 speed. I have driven it over 300 miles. Here are my initial impressions.

    It is frisky and fun to drive. The acceleration seems to be on par with my LS1. Its smaller size and smaller turning circle make it feel sportier. The ride is very composed---even at 80 mph. I achieved 30 mpg on my first tank of gas (half were highway miles). Fifth gear in the ION is higher than it was in the LS1. In the ION, the tachometer indicates approximately 2200 rpm at 60 mph. The LS1 did 2550 rpm at 60 mph. One would think that this would increase highway gas mileage in the ION, but the figures don’t seem to indicate that this is the case. I have been impressed by the Ecotec engine in both cars. I find it to be gutsy and refined and reasonably economical. The clutch take up and shift action in the LS1 is smoother, but I have no complaint about the ION in this regard.

    I was initially concerned about the comfort of the ION. One of my favorite things about the LS1 was the comfortable seats. After a good number of miles of fidgeting with the seat adjustments in the ION, I have found a position that I have found to be very comfortable. I am 6’ 2” with a slim frame. There is not much room in the rear seat, but I never ride back there and rarely have passengers. The trunk is huge for a subcompact.

    I have always really liked the exterior styling of the ION. I was initially put off by the interior, particularly the center mounted instrument panel. It took me about 5 minutes to get used to it. I visited the Syracuse Auto Show yesterday and sat in a lot of cars. I was struck by the fact that I found myself thinking over and over again: “This car’s instrument panel is really strange. It is hidden behind the steering wheel.” I actually find myself preferring the center mounted instrument panel. It gives you a clear view and is kind of funky (Yes, a 53 year old driver can appreciate such a thing). I do believe it is a risky market strategy. I think most people will be initially put off by the unique placement. First impressions are important, particularly with car shoppers.

    New features (for me) that I really like: the auto dimming rearview mirror and the “Retained Accessory Power” feature. The latter allows the power windows and other power features to continue to work for about 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned off.

    The feature I most miss which I had in my LS: heated mirrors. I don’t know why these aren’t standard equipment, or at least available, on all cars.

    The car feels very solid and well put together. One would wish that the cloth of the seats were not quite so cheap looking, though the fabric does seem durable.

    My only complaint thus far is a good amount of wind noise coming from the rear door on the driver’s side. I inspected the door and found it obviously not to be seated properly. I will make an appointment with the dealer soon so that they can make the necessary adjustment.

    All things considered, I am extremely satisfied with my new ION, and I do love that new car smell. For photos and specifications of my ION, go to http://theparson.net/ion.htm
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    cdavidhess : Nice looking wheels. The looks are growing on me.

    alpha : I can't understand what Saturn did to make the car slow. My Alero with the same engine, is heavier, and still faster.
  • savannahladysavannahlady Member Posts: 14
    The Ion 3 I bought last weekend, I too put 300 miles on it over the weekend. I have felt very comfortable in it. Unfortunately there was a defect in the paint on the front quarter panel so I had to take it back to Saturn yesterday so they can repaint it. They gave me a Silver ION2 to drive while they fix mine. I don't like the cloth seats in the 2 model at all. The cloth seats in mine are much better material. Of course I understand that the 3 model is more expensive, but cloth is cloth I don't know why they couldn't have offered the seats I have in the 1 and 2 models. Also, the one they are letting me drive is a base model. I've already gotten used to my power windows,doors,mirrors, and the temp gage on the rear view mirror. This car has nothing, lucky it has a radio. I hope they get my car back to me soon!
  • vuefor2vuefor2 Member Posts: 490
    Alpha - We have the 5-speed auto and it's fine on our Ion 2. I don't find it slow at all.

    Cdavidhess - Nice pictures. I don't have a digital camera or I would post mine also, I have take a few regular 35mm shots for our family car history book though.

    Savannalady : I think the seats in our Ion 2 are ok. Are they that much better in the Ion 3? We wanted to stay in our budget so we went with an Ion 2.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    Oh, I can completely understand what you are saying- often cars may perform on paper differently than how they feel to be performing on the road.

    My only question is why a 2770lb Cavalier with the same engine as the ION (at 2850ish) is 2 entire seconds faster to 60. Thats a VERY big difference.

    ~alpha
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Ion is a bigger car than the Cav so that would slow it down a little, but I find it hard to belive it would be a 2 second difference. There must be more to the story.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    That's what CR's findings state, the ION is a full 2 seconds slower. I was surprised as well. The only difference (besides the weight) is that the ION has a 5-speed auto and the Cav has a 4-speed. Maybe Saturn should have kept the 4-speed, as I hear it's an excellent transmission.
  • vuefor2vuefor2 Member Posts: 490
    Well, we are happy with the acceleration of the Ion. That said, we are not people who demand a lot of power from our vehicles. It's as good as anything out there and that's not why we bought the car.

    When is the Quad Coupe coming out?
  • cdavidhesscdavidhess Member Posts: 26
    An update on the door problem: I called Saturn of Rochester, NY on Monday morning and made an appointment for Tuesday morning. In short, they had me in and out in 35 minutes. They adjusted the rear door properly, and my wind noise problem was fixed. I am completely satisfied with the car. I have 470 miles on it. That means in 30 more miles I will be able to try some full throttle starts and get a really good sense of the car's acceleration capabilities.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    With all due respect, you all came from a Civic right? Almost anything will be powerful next to a Civic...

    The only reason I like to have power on tap when I drive is because I drive highways alot, and you need merging power to get up to speed quickly sometimes. It's good to have on tap.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    The Ecotec has great passing power. I'm sure the ION will be good for highway driving.
  • vuefor2vuefor2 Member Posts: 490
    Passing power in the Ion is excellent. The motor seems to excel in this area also. Our Civic was not the most peppy car in the world, but I always thought it was ok also. I think some of the people on this board are obsessed with power. I guess that's what car enthusiasts like, but it seems to me most people just want to get from A-Z with a reasonable about of ease. The Ion is just fine and as good as anything else in it's price range.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I will admit, I am power hungry. :) I always have been, and always will be.

    I saw an IOJ on the road this morning, BTW. It was black, but didn't get to see who was driving it. I didn't know (or didn't remember, one or the other) that the ION had DRLs. Just found that out this mroning...
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    I think almost all (if not all) GM / Saturn vehicles have DRLs now.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    You startled me, screaming my name like that! :) Just kidding.

    Yeah, all Saturns do have DRLs. Even the S Series had them. I didn't know the IONs had them for some reason, I never noticed them before.

    And you're right, I think it is all GM vehicles.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    I remember when Canada made them mandatory on all cars I thought they were stupid. I have changed my mind after living with them for 10+ years now. More than once, I suspect they have helped me avoid an accident because even in strong day light, you can see a car better with them. I wish the U.S. would make them mandatory also.
  • vuefor2vuefor2 Member Posts: 490
    DRLs are fine, not sure what all the fuss is about with some people. I can see how they might prevent accidents. Both our Ion and Vue have them.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I hate them sometimes for glare, but that's it. I had disabled my DRLs on my Jetta, but I turned them back on.
  • vuefor2vuefor2 Member Posts: 490
    Where did everyone go?
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    All stuck in the snow, perhaps? :)

    I saw another ION last night at the restaurant where my friend and I went to eat. My third one thus far. My sighting of IONs is tied with Mazda6s now..
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Saw several IONs at the Toronto Auto Show Monday. Lots of people looking, they were definitely flaunting the car. I like it though the leopard skin roof rails were just brutal. Center Pod was getting mixed comments from what I heard, some people thought they were cool, older people generally didn't like them. Most people liked the outside styling though.

    One thing I did notice this time was the cramped head room in the back. I was surprised how poor it was. I would say that is definitely the worst part of an otherwise nice car.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    It was opposite, it seems, here at the International Auto Show in Baltimore, MD. There was not one person around the ION sedan (in bright blue) when I walked past it on 2 different occasions. Of course, I went on a Thursday night and not many people were there anyway.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    I think they had about 10 IONs at the Toronto Show. You couldn't not look if you tried. ;-)
  • vuefor2vuefor2 Member Posts: 490
    The back seat of the Ion is a little on the cramped side, not a big deal for us though as we have a Vue if we have adults that need to sit in the back. I think the Corolla was a bit better in this regard, but oh well, they didn't have 0% financing and the Corolla was a bit more expensive.

    Still no issues at all with the Ion, great little car for anyone looking.
  • letsgetmikeyletsgetmikey Member Posts: 82
    I live down here in Saturn plant country, and saw an item in the local newspaper that the Spring Hill plant will be shut down the first two weeks of March to retool for the quad coupe.

    Workers will still be working (or getting paid of they don't) since Saturn has a no-layoff policy.

    Not sure if the Vue production is affected or not.

    Part of the reason for the shut down is an oversupply of Ion sedans.

    There has been brisk sales of the sedan, but they say that the advertising campaign only started a couple of months ago, and they have just now seen sales pick up.

    I think the quad coupe will be a good boost for sales. Should see it in late March/early April.

    Wonder how long GM will wait before extending 0% to the coupe.

    Mikey
  • saturnfreak01saturnfreak01 Member Posts: 134
    New Saturn Brand commercials will be aired during the grammy awards on sunday night, february 23rd that will feature 30 and 60 second spots promoting the entire Saturn line up.

    The new ads will feature "Cars searching for owners" that draw off the theme of Saturn's "Sheetmetal" brand commercial that aired some months ago..
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    Not the IONs biggest fan, but I must say, the commercial that shows the high-school age kids driving, with the "i want to be... forever young" song..... IS AWESOME. (for those of you who havent seent the commercial, its not that Rod Stewart song, its the good one from the 80s)
    ~alpha
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    I have noticed several IONs in the past 3 weeks all of a sudden. They really did wait a bit long to start advertising the car. Many car companies start before the car has even hit the dealers. Not sure which is better, but the ION does seem to be selling now.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    That song in the 'forever young' commercial is by a band called Alphaville. The only reason I know that is because my closest friend is one of their biggest fans. :) He went to England (from NY) to see one of their concerts once.. now THAT is dedication! :)
  • vuefor2vuefor2 Member Posts: 490
    Lots of Saturn ads on the Grammy's last night. Liked the Saturn ad with the cars choosing the people and the Ion forever young ad was interesting also.
  • vcjumpervcjumper Member Posts: 1,110
    Was my high school prom theme song
  • logic1logic1 Member Posts: 2,433
    Wonder if there is any link between your experience and the prom theme visual of the Ion commercial featuring the song?
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Mine was 'You Are Not Alone' by Michael Jackson. Of course, I graduated in 1996 too...
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