Saturn ION 2.4 i 16V (173 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.1 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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 220 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1280 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.2 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.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
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.

2.4 i 16V (173 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The 2.4L LE5 engine provides the best performance of the lineup, offering strong acceleration and good highway passing power for a compact sedan, making it feel more capable.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is decent for its power output, but not class-leading. Expect mid-20s MPG in combined driving, slightly less than the 2.2L.

Best Use Case: Mixed / Highway

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):2.4 i 16V (173 Hp)
Start of production:2002
End of production:March, 2007
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:173 Hp @ 6200 rpm.
Power per litre:72.6 Hp/l
Torque:220 Nm @ 5000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:LE5
Engine displacement:2384
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
Engine oil capacity:4.7 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:88 mm mm
Piston Stroke:98 mm mm
Compression ratio:10.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10.2 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10.2 sec
Maximum speed:175 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:7.4 kg/Hp, 135.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.8 kg/Nm, 171.9 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:9.7 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1280
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 ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs
Rear brakesDrum
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size205/55 R15
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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