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Saturn ION 2.2 i 16V Ecotec (140 Hp)
Overall Rating
Saturn ION:
The Saturn Ion is a compact car sold by Saturn between the 2003 and 2007 model years. Based on the GM Delta platform, the Ion replaced the Saturn S-Series in 2002, and was replaced by the new Saturn Astra in 2008. Production of the Ion ended on March 29, 2007. The Ion was the last Saturn passenger car built at the Spring Hill, Tennessee plant which was originally linked to the company's branding, with Saturn owners attending "homecoming" events at the plant.
The Saturn Ion was offered in three trim "Levels": Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3, as well as a "Red Line" trim....(Read more on Wikipedia)
ION Overview:
Saturn ION (ION). With 145 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.1 l/100km). Weighing only 1221 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.5 s). The top speed reaches 175 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Saturn ION was primarily sold in North America and was not tested by Euro NCAP. North American safety ratings (NHTSA/IIHS) would be more relevant for this model.
2.2 i 16V Ecotec (140 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
With the manual transmission, this 2.2L Ecotec engine offers adequate performance for daily driving, feeling reasonably responsive and engaging for its class.
Fuel Economy
This is generally the most fuel-efficient option, providing good economy for a compact car, often achieving high 20s to low 30s MPG.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Good fuel economy (especially 2.2L manual)
- • Generally reliable Ecotec engines
- • Unique polymer body panels resist dents
- • Spacious trunk for its class
- • Affordable on the used market
Cons:
- • Interior quality and materials are basic
- • Unrefined automatic transmissions
- • Noisy cabin at highway speeds
- • Bland driving dynamics (non-Redline models)
- • Saturn brand is defunct, impacting parts/service perception
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Saturn |
| Model: | ION |
| Generation: | ION |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.2 i 16V Ecotec (140 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2002 |
| End of production: | March, 2007 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 140 Hp @ 5800 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 63.7 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 145 Nm @ 4400 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 2198 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 86 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 94.6 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 9.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.1 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 175 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.7 kg/Hp, 114.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.4 kg/Nm, 118.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1221 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 454 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 50 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4686 mm mm |
| Width: | 1707 mm mm |
| Height: | 1458 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2621 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1494 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1483 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/70 R14 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
If you could change one thing about the Saturn ION, what would it be?