2005 Saturn ION Review

Specifications

Title

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).

I found that the suspension was stiffer and sturdier than last year and it made everyday driving an enjoyable experience. Its funny how a few tweaks here and there can make a world of difference. If you had asked me a year ago how I felt about the Ions ride quality, I probably would have replied “it was alright.” Now I can say its pretty darn good.

The brakes and optional traction control system were also pretty darn good. Equipped with front ventilated discs and rear drums plus the optional ABS with traction control ($400), the Ion-3 was quite hard to throw around in tight turns because the traction control took action promptly. And if I needed to stop promptly the brakes were there to back me up. Setting off the ABS was actually harder than usual. Sometimes I find that even the slightest bit of slip on the road can set the ABS off. Not so in the Ion.

What I found was not so optimal was the fuel efficiency and Im not sure why. Estimated fuel consumption is recorded at 29 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway. I only drove approximately 195 miles before the “LOW FUEL” light went on and the needle on the gas gauge was almost dipping below its last line.

I estimate that I would have had at least another 40-45 miles to go before I completely ran out of gas. I dont like to play the odds when it comes to low fuel so I just filled up. It just seemed odd that I was filling up gas on Thursday rather than on the weekend. Perhaps the Ions gas tank size is relatively small. Oh well.

The Ion still continues to use the center-mounted instrument cluster which is not my favorite configuration. Yes, its growing on me, but not at the speed of a weed. While it is in the same horizontal sight line as the side-view-mirrors, I just like the tachometer and speedometer in front of me.

The 2005 Saturn Ion-3 is a strong sedan. With its upgraded interior and exterior, not only does it look good inside and out, it feels good too.