Review: Saturn Ion-3 "GMs Saturn division keeps getting better"

[Ming]

2005 Saturn Ion-3 Sedan Road Test
April 3, 2005
by Alexandra Straub / American Auto Press

GMs Saturn division keeps getting better. With last years introduction of the Ion Red Line and Vue Red Line, the brand grew stronger. Now, with the significant upgrades on the Ion-2 and Ion-3 models, the trend continues.

Immediately noticeable on the 2005 Ion-3 sedan is a new front fascia and grille that synthesizes well with the front bumper. Also, a more prominent Saturn badge sits in the middle of the grille which is then accented with a new chrome beltline molding. The change not only makes the front end of the Ion-3 look sleeker, it is classier. It works quite nicely.

The Ion-3 also comes with a beefier set of P205/55R16 all-season tires and 16-inch flangeless alloy wheels complete with a new machine facing, taking the subtle-looking sedan one step closer to sporty. I cant say that I am the biggest fan of the rims design, but I can attest to the all-season tires performing very well in rain or shine. Wow, that rhymes!

Rhythmically speaking, the interior harmonizes with the exterior; its bigger and better, literally. New front and rear seats have been added for increased comfort and convenience. Noticeably larger, they are wider and deeper at the shoulders and include enhanced thigh and side bolsters and increased lateral support.

Do they feel any different from last years seats? Definitely. I felt more supported in many ways, and having a back that likes to act up occasionally, the added support minimized my discomfort and added to the driving experience. Not to mention that the cloth upholstery was very comfortable, too.

Also adding to the driving experience is the larger, Red Line-inspired, four-spoke steering wheel. The wider grip enhances the recalibrated electronic power steering system and makes for more accurate navigation. The wheel meshed quite well with the new shift lever, which controls a new transaxle.

GMs Hydra-Matic 4T45-E automatic replaces the Aisin five-speed automatic transmission in the sedan (and also the VTi continuously variable transmission as an option for the quad coupe) making all Ions capable of being flat-towed or pulled behind another vehicle without the need for a special dolly, an ideal system for RV owners. The new transaxle works well with the 2.2-liter, 16-valve, 4-cylinder, DOHC engine which produces 140 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 145 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm.

In previous Ion test drives, I noticed that the automatic transmission, typically at higher rpms, generated a loud, revy sound. However, the 2005 Ion-3 was remarkably quieter thanks to improvements to noise, vibrations and harshness (NVH) levels. By adding a new acoustic cover for the engine, acoustic clips for the fuel line, piston coating and a new exhaust down pipe, noise levels are reduced, making for a quieter ride.

The reduction of outside noise made it more pleasurable to listen to all my favorite songs on the optional six-disc in-dash CD and MP3 player. My tester also featured the Safe and Sound package ($1,235), which includes GMs OnStar communication system, and a travel package ($200).

What I found to be the most impressive of all the upgrades was the improved ride and handling quality as a result of new hydraulic rear bushings and improved front lower control arm bushings, as well as the revised steering calibration (as mentioned earlier).

MORE: http://car-reviews.automobile.com/Sa...ad-test/1130/1

[BigAls87Z28]

Front end is still very goofy, but the grill has taken away from most of it.
I cant STAND thoes rims. Can we please get a 5 spoke design in there?

[AdmiralViscen]

I think the new front end looks good.

[MelvinJ]

I'm glad Saturn didn't just sit on the Ion as it was introduced and not try to fix anything. All of the latest reports seem to indicate that it is almost night-and-day better than the 2003.

Now, can Saturn get anyone to take a second look at it?

[LGRpup]

The only gripe I have with this vehicle is the way the roof rails and the rear quarters meet, and those hideous rims!!!! Come on if you can spend a little on a new nose, lets get some new wheels, don't they realize nice wheels can make an ok car look much better. I think GM has realized they screwed up on this car, and I have no problem with them spending money to keep fixing it. Yes they should have gotten it right the first time, but I rather them over spend by fixing the issues, than let the car flounder.

[tama z71]

how about making it a little less boring? its directly competing with honda in that department

[Taycron]

It's not a bad looking car in person. I've found myself looking twice when one goes by.

[LoneWolf]

The sedan looks good in person (though the wheels have to go), and I was surprised at how UN-annoying the centered gauge cluster was in person (I hated it based on all the pictures I'd seen). My big problem with it was that I felt like I was sitting on the floorboard. Raise the seat height another .75 - 1 inch and you've got a winner.

[01IntrigueGX]

Originally Posted by tama z71

how about making it a little less boring? its directly competing with honda in that department

And you don't think that the whole Toyota lineup isn't boring???

[GMfan2381]

Correct me if Im wrong here, but isnt the Ion and Vue supposed to get a refresh when the Aura hits showrooms? If this is it, Im not very happy with it.

[Perian]

Great review. Not a single word about the stunning failure in recent crash tests.

This reviewer apparently works for GM.

[cyboexpo2002]

Originally Posted by Perian

Great review. Not a single word about the stunning failure in recent crash tests.

This reviewer apparently works for GM.

Umm... just because the review is positive and has a lack of discussion of the crash testing results doesn't mean the reviewer was trying to make the car appear decent unjustfully, not to mention it doesn't mean the reviewer got a kickback

[tama z71]

Originally Posted by 01IntrigueGX

And you don't think that the whole Toyota lineup isn't boring???

when in the hell did i say toyota was interesting?

[driverblogger]

Originally Posted by AdmiralViscen

I think the new front end looks good.

I think so too, and that color looks good.