2003 Saturn Ion review, specs, price quote

2003 Saturn Ion

Saturn labels itself as a different kind of car company, but if a solid line of dependable and affordable vehicles is truly unique, then the rest of the automotive world needs to take a good hard look at itself. The ION is Saturn's subcompact car, providing owners with an everyday vehicle that won't cause any hassles.

For 2003, Saturn replaces ION, its entry-level model line, with larger, more-powerful sedans and a unique four-door coupe. It is the first major redesign of any Saturn model, proof that the manufacturer is right up there with the rest of the modern world.

Available Models
The 2003 Saturn ION is offered in three easily discernible trim levels: 1, 2 and 3.

Interior Features
Both the coupe and the sedan have four doors, but while the coupe seats four the sedan can accommodate five passengers. The 2003 Saturn ION offers a number of innovative features. One that stands out is a unique and practical center-mounted cluster. It is on the same horizontal sight line as the side-view mirrors, allowing the driver to set the steering wheel in the most comfortable position without needing to adjust it in order to see the instruments. It also enabled designers to equip Saturn ION models with a smaller steering wheel, allowing easier entry and exit and helping to create a more open and airy interior environment.

At the top of the line, the Saturn ION 3 has cruise control, air conditioning, an interior air filter, power mirrors and windows, remote keyless entry and an AM/FM/cassette/CD player.

Exterior Features
The 2003 Saturn ION has interchangeable roof rails that can be color-coordinated with interior accessories. This is just one of the many personalization features, both inside and out, that allows customers to craft unique and individual models for themselves.

Performance
One efficient engine is offered with the 2003 Saturn ION. It is a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder model with 140 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 145 lb-ft. of torque at 4400. Both 5-speed manual and 5-speed automatic transmission are available. Manuals have a rating of 26/33 mpg (city/highway), while automatics get 24/32 mpg (city/highway).
In addition, the ION is the first GM domestic small car with an electric power steering (EPS) system. This contributes to improved fuel efficiency by eliminating the power steering pump.

Safety and Security
The 2003 Saturn ION has dual front airbags, daytime running lights and an emergency inside trunk release. Curtain side airbags and antilock brakes are optional.

2003 Saturn Ion Highlights

Dual RADs on the quad coupe. The rear-access doors - combined with a front-passenger fold-flat seat and the lack of a B-pillar - help a customer fully utilize the interior space by making it easy to load and unload passengers and cargo, including larger objects that typically wouldn't fit in a traditional compact car.
A unique, and practical, center-mounted cluster. The center-mounted cluster is on the same horizontal sight line as the side-view mirrors. This design allows the driver to set the steering wheel in the most comfortable position without needing to adjust it in order to see the instruments. It also enabled designers to equip ION models with a smaller steering wheel, allowing easier entry and exit and helping to create a more open and airy interior environment.
The VTi variable transmission available on the quad coupe, the first application of a continuously variable transmission on a high-volume compact car in North America. It brings a surprisingly fun-to-drive sporty feel, plus improvements in fuel economy when compared with traditional step-gear transmissions.
One of the first North American applications of variable-ratio electric power steering, tuned to each trim level. The system enhances driver "feel" by allowing customized steering assist for different tire/wheel combinations and suspension levels, with improved fuel economy as an added benefit.
Interchangeable roof rails that can be color-coordinated with interior trim accessories, presenting unique personalization opportunities.

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Although New-Cars.com checks with auto manufacturers and their representatives to confirm the accuracy of the data, it makes no guarantee or warranty, either expressed or implied with respect to the data presented here. All specifications, prices and equipment are subject to change without notice.



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2003 Saturn Ion

Get a free price quote on a 2003 Saturn Ion