2003 Saturn Ion

The Ion is the reengineered replacement for the S-Series coupe and sedan that started it all for Saturn back in 1990. Available in four-door sedan and handsome quad-door coupe versions, the Ion is the first GM model to be built on the all-new Delta platform.

The Ion is some 2.0 in. taller and 6.0 in. longer than the old S-Series sedan. Besides the stretch inside and out, the next best things about the new Saturn are its edgy-looking plastic skin and optional trim kits to personalize the car's look. Our Ion sedan was powered by the standard 2.2L/ 140-hp Ecotec four and backed by the optional five-speed automatic; a five-speed manual is standard. As such, the Ion offers relatively smooth and lively go in most driving modes. Balance shafts do a fair job of polishing out idle buzz, with only occasional odd notes remaining.

One of the few production cars with electric power steering, the Ion represents a good first effort, particularly during parking and low-speed driving. But the small steering wheel and lack of boost at higher speeds result in an inappropriately heavy highway feel. Good wheel travel and well-selected damping rates make for adequate body and wheel control, although the 55-series tires on our tester transmitted an unexpected amount of road roughness.

The Ion surpasses entry-level safety benchmarks. All in all, it's a better Saturn--but it's no Honda Civic.