2007 Saturn Ion Review

What reviews like:
While the 2007 Saturn Ion doesn't get the best reviews as a car, owners rate the Saturn company higher than any other non-luxury dealer in terms of overall satisfaction. Steering, handling and acceleration are said to be adequate. Most like the Ion's conservative looks. Some like the center-mounted instrument panel (but others don't).

What reviews don't like:

Most critics say the Saturn Ion isn't a standout in any one area. Build quality, fit and finish are criticized in some reviews. Interior comfort is cramped, and many testers really don't like the center-mounted instrument panel, which forces drivers to glance to the side to see controls. Historical reliability has been average.

EPA fuel economy estimate: 24 to 26 mpg/city, 32 to 35 mpg/highway, depending on engine

2007 Saturn Ion review highlights

In the articles and reviews we found for the 2007 Saturn Ion, reviewers agree that the Ion falls short of other cars in the economy compact class, including the top-rated Honda Civic (*est. $14,810 to $21,290). If price matters to you above all else, the Hyundai Accent (*est. $10,415 to $13,915) gets slightly better reviews overall than the 2007 Saturn Ion. However, critics do like the no-nonsense shopping experience offered by Saturn. This is the last year for the Ion, which is set to be replaced with the Saturn Astra for the 2008 model year.

We didn't find many reviews that directly compare the 2007 Saturn Ion to other compact economy cars, but reviews at Cars.com and Edmunds.com do make some casual comparisons to other cars in this price and performance class. CarCritic.com, ConsumerGuide.com and KBB.com (the website of Kelley Blue Book) also evaluate the 2007 Saturn Ion, but without making many comparisons to the competition. Consumer Reports' review is especially valuable since it includes information on predicted reliability.

Also see full report: Economy Cars

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Cars.com
2007 Saturn Ion review
Staff of Cars.com
Aug. 1, 2006

While Cars.com doesn’t compare the 2007 Saturn Ion with other compact economy cars, it does evaluate most aspects of the vehicle, highlighting the good as well as the not-so-good. While editors are fans of the ride quality and of the Saturn buying experience in general, they rate handling, stability and acceleration in the regular models as sub-par. These aspects are better on the turbocharged Red Line model, but ride quality suffers.

2. Edmunds.com
2007 Saturn Ion review
Editors of Edmunds.com

Edmunds.com editors say the Saturn Ion isn't class-leading in any respect, but it’s a competitive compact car. Overall, according to editors: "In road tests and comparison tests, our reviewers found the Saturn Ion to be among the lower performers in the entry sedan and coupe classes."

3. CarCritic.com
2007 Saturn Ion review
Don Vorderman

Editors at CarCritic.com don't spend a lot of time covering every feature of the Saturn Ion. Rather, this is a to-the-point review. The 2007 Saturn Ion is evaluated as not being noteworthy. The supercharged Red Line model is a little more distinctive. But the instrument placement is "still stupid."

4. Consumer Guide.com
2007 Saturn Ion Road Test
Staff of ConsumerGuide.com
Updated Feb. 2007

In evaluations at ConsumerGuide, the 2007 Saturn Ion comes in exactly at the class average. Editors say steering, handling and acceleration are good, but build quality and engine noise are negatives. The Saturn Ion's dashboard display is located in the middle rather than right in front of the driver -- a placement that some testers find annoying.

5. KBB.com
2007 Saturn Ion review
Staff of KBB.com

The Kelley Blue Book website doesn't compare the 2007 Saturn Ion to other cars, but does evaluate most facets of the car with road testing. Editors say the Saturn Ion is fuel-efficient, it looks good on the outside, and the controls are well-crafted. Lesser points include a sub-standard interior and a historically low resale value.

6. Consumer Reports
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2007 Saturn Ion review
Editors of Consumer Reports

Editors of Consumer Reports comment on the 2007 Saturn Ion, noting that it will be replaced for the 2008 model year. Editors last tested the Saturn Ion in 2005; the 2007 Ion has not been road tested. Editors note crash result test results, as well as long-term predicted reliability based on historical repair and customer satisfaction data. You must be a subscriber to view Consumer Reports reviews.

7. TopSpeed.com
2007 Saturn Ion
Andrew Coman
Aug. 2006

This overview for the 2007 Saturn Ion doesn't contain any judgments or critical evaluations. While it's a nice descriptive article, the lack of testing makes this report less useful as a decision-making tool.

Also see full report: Economy Cars