Where do I start? Overall, I'm fairly happy with my Ion. I've always been someone who has bought foreign cars, and this was the only "American" car that I have even considered. I bought my 5-speed 2004 Ion in January mainly because of the great financing deal that I received, but I also know 2 people with Ions who are very happy with them, so I would probably recommend the Ion.

That said, I've had problems with my Ion and I am not completely satisfied with my dealership's service people (Saturn of Route 31, in Clay, NY).

I had a major problem come up with my transmission/shifting this past summer. I took it to the dealer the first time and when I came to pick up my car, the receptionist said that they had found nothing wrong with it. I insisted that someone ride with me so that I could duplicate the shifting/clutch problem. What would happen was, the car would get "stuck" in 1st gear and I couldn't release it with the clutch. In my opinion, it was VERY dangerous because I couldn't always stop the vehicle. Once I pulled up to a gas pump and the gear got "stuck" in 1st and I ended up going right past the pump because the car wouldn't stop.

I was able to duplicate the problem - the car would shake and shudder and I showed him that I couldn't get it out of gear and the clutch was virtually useless - and his response was (after I prodded him to give me some answers and he told me to remove my foot from the brake and that I should pump the clutch which was counter to what you feel you should do because you are trying to stop the vehicle)he said that I would have to (are you ready for this????) ADJUST MY DRIVING HABITS!!!! Come on, it was obvious that there was something wrong!

I got mad because this guy was placing the issue on ME. He would not take responsibility for mechanical side of this, which to me were obvious - there was something wrong with my clutch. I insisted that he document that he had witnessed the car's problem and that was sending me off the lot with a dangerous car. I told them I'd be back.

Within days, I was back in for the same problem. Again, they could find NOTHING wrong. I asked them whether they checked the clutch? (yes). Did they adjust the clutch? (no, it's hydraulic). I was amazed they could find nothing wrong when there was obviously something VERY wrong (car would buck and sputter and stall out and the clutch would get stuck in 1st gear).

A few days later, my car became useless. I couldn't get it out of or into gear at all. I was stranded. I called my dealer and was instructed to call Saturn's roadside assistance. When the tow truck arrived, the driver attempted to start the car, etc. He looked under the hood and IMMEDIATELY saw the problem. He barely spoke English but he communicated to me that that I had no clutch fluid!!! My brand new (5-month-old) car had to be towed to the dealership.

When I arrived at the dealership in the tow truck, the guy who told me to "adjust my driving habits" (which by the way was quite patronizing and I wonder if he would have said this to a man) was there and wouldn't make eye contact with me. I was livid! I was leaving that day on 400-mile trip and couldn't afford this inconvenience. They did give me a loaner car, but it was not a very nice one.

The final diagnosis - my clutch fluid had leaked out because there was a hole in the line/reservoir. When I asked them whether they had checked this two other times I was in and the response was yes, but the hole must have been really small. Sheesh!

Other problems:

1) I've had the dealership "fix" the passenger side fold-down rear seat 2 times so far. Every time I leave they tell me it's fixed, but it's not. The seat is not latching and there have been times when I've stopped suddenly and the seat flies open. (They told me the first time that I wasn't shutting it hard enough - again, a bit patronizing). I have an appointment tomorrow to have them look at this again.
(2) my driver's side headlight became filled with moisture and fogged up which affected my nighttime driving ability. The dealer replaced the entire headlamp. However, when I picked up the car I was told that I was very lucky that they didn't charge me because that was a very expensive part. I didn't feel very lucky bringing in my brand new car for yet another repair.
(3)my turn signal when it made the "blinking" sound did so at a very rapid speed. I checked and the turn signal wasn't working. The dealer replaced. I have since received a notification that this problem is a now a recall item.
(4) I have had to replace the panel that surrounds the leg/foot area because the edge got hooked on my boot when I was exiting and it lifted up.
(5) I had to have the drawer (I keep change in it) on the dash replaced because it kept flopping open.

I also notice that the car does not shift as smoothly as the foreign cars that I've owned. It is also a bit noisy ride. I have yet to find a comfortable position to put my hands on my steering wheel and the seats are not very comfortable. You should get cruise control if you plan to drive long distances. Doesn't always handle well in rain or snow - I suggest snow tires.

The CD stereo is very good. The car has a ton of headroom and a decent amount of legroom, and also has a very roomy trunk. My insurance company lowered my payments because of Saturn's safety records. ALL GOOD!!!

Amount Paid (US$): 16000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2004
Model and Options: 5 speed manual transmission