2003 Saturn Ion
I had been driving an automatic Toyota Trecel, which miraculously found a way to stall about once every fifteen miles. I had just gotten hired full time for the first time. It was time for me to get a new car. I did a ton of research, and determined that I should look at the Ford Focus, the Hyundai Sonata, and the Saturn Ion. The Focus was the most boring car I had ever driven. The Sonata and the Ion were similar (except for the look.) The Ion was going to cost me way less, so I went with that one.
As far as driving experience, I find the 2003 Saturn Ion to be amazingly enjoyable. It has 140 horse power, which isn't terribly strong, though average for one of the more inexpensive cars one can buy. However, the car is quite light, and those 140 horses can really move it around the asphalt. The traction control allows the Ion to handle turns pretty well, wet or dry. While I'm sure other vehicles are better, especially four wheel drive ones, the Ion really holds its own in the snow. The steering wheel situation is a little bit odd at first. Ions have the speedometer, fuel gauge, and other diagnostics in the center of the dash. This allows the makers to put a smaller steering wheel in, and still let drivers see the things they need to see. Both of these take a little bit of getting used to, but ultimately do not take away from the enjoyment of driving the vehicle.
My favorite thing about my Saturn Ion, is that I've had it for almost six years now. I've put nearly 100,000 miles on it, and have not treated it well. It was in an accident (rear-ended, not my fault.), and has been used many times for travel down bumpy, rocky, dirt roads. All of this, and I have had virtually zero problems with it. The only parts that have been replaced, aside from oil filters and tires, have been break pads, and struts. I would estimate that I have spent less than 1500 dollars over six years on maintenanceof this vehicle.
This is not to say that the Ion is infallible. I had an Ion 1 with no problems. My brother had an Ion 2, with very few problems. My sister also had an Ion 2, and she experienced difficulties with her car's transmission. No car is going to be problem free for all its owners.
Aesthetically speaking, the Ion is a relatively plain car. It is not ugly, not by any stretch of the imagination. But there was certainly room for improvement. The most noticeable problem with the looks, are the gaps between moving parts on the body of the car. While it's never been an issue, it just seems like snow, rain, and any other small particles could get inside your vehicle.
I am 100% satisfied with my Saturn Ion experience. However, I will not likely buy another one.
