Review Car

2011 Saturn Ion

2011 Saturn Ion is a compact sedan or a coupe that emphasizes style and innovation. 2011 Saturn Ion features some significant updates, including higher-grade interior fabrics and richer-looking interior trim in more harmonious colors. Additional sound-deadening material brings a quieter cabin. The stereo systems have been improved and are available with an MP3 player, XM Satellite Radio, and a six-CD changer. 2011 Saturn Ion steering has been re-calibrated for improved road feel at speed. Both of the available automatic transmissions have been refined as well. 2011 Saturn Ion is available as a four-door sedan, or as an innovative coupe with two reverse-opening auxiliary rear doors.

The sedan is offered in three trim levels. The coupe is available in the upper two levels. Saturn does things a little differently from other car manufacturers, so instead of assigning arbitrary letter combinations to each trim level, Saturn calls them simply Ion 1, Ion 2, and Ion 3.

All 2011 Saturn Ion models are powered by the same 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine, rated 140 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission is standard. Automatic transmissions are available, but Saturn installs different units in the sedan and the coupe. Sedans use a five-speed automatic, which is unusual in this price range. Coupes use a continuously variable transmission (VTi, Saturn calls it) that uses pulleys and belts instead of gears to maximize smoothness and efficiency. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with traction control are available on all other 2011 Saturn Ion. Head curtain air bags that protect both front and rear-seat passengers in a side impact are an unusual option in this price class. CD and CD/MP3 systems are available on Ion 1 and Ion 2. XM Satellite Radio and On Star are offered at levels 2 and 3. A convenience package adds cruise control plus power locks, mirrors, and windows to Ion 2. A power sunroof is offered on all models except the Ion 1 sedan. Leather upholstery is available on Ion 3. It’s more than four inches taller than the previous-generation S-Series that it replaced. The 2011 Saturn Ion roof curves heavily down to the high trunk line almost giving it the appearance of a hatchback rather than a traditional sedan. The look is contemporary and not that dissimilar from the Nissan Altima and Volkswagen Passat, both lauded for their design. 2011 Saturn Ion maintains the Saturn tradition of attaching composite polymer body panels to a substantial steel space-frame. The polymer panels can’t rust and, because they are slightly resilient, they resist the minor impacts that leave small dents and dings in sheet metal. The down side is that the Saturn’s panels look thicker than steel sheet and gaps between body parts have to be greater to allow for expansion in hot weather. Another benefit of the composite panels is that they are relatively easy to replace. Saturn has exploited this advantage on the Ion by offering alternatively colored roof rails that owners can easily install to customize their car’s appearance. All 2011 Saturn Ion come with body-color roof rails, but Nickel-Silver rails are available for the coupe and the sedan, and Charcoal rails are available for the sedan.