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Saturn ION
The Saturn ION is a compact car sold by General Motors' Saturn brand. It uses the GM Delta platform. The ION replaced the Saturn S-series in 2003.
2003
The 2003 ION came standard with a 140 hp (104 kW) DOHC Ecotec I4 engine. The ION's instrument panel is mounted on the top center of the dashboard, rather than behind the steering wheel. The ION is available in sedan and coupe forms; the coupe is called a "quad coupe" due to the two smaller rear-opening "suicide doors" behind the front doors.
A Getrag F23 5-speed manual or an Aisin AF33 5-speed automatic transmission are available. The 2003 and 2004 IONs were available with the VTi continuously variable transmission. In 2004, Saturn introduced the high-performance Redline variant of the ION, featuring a supercharged engine. In 2006, the ION received exterior facelift to give it more of a family resemblance to the 2007 Saturn Aura and Saturn Sky roadster. Under the hood, the long-rumored 170 hp 2.4 L I4 engine with variable valve timing became available for the ION3.
2005
In 2005 the Aisin 5-speed automatic used in the sedans from 03-04 and in the quad-coupes from mid 04 on, along with the VTi trans used in the quad-coupes from 03 to mid-04 were both discontinued for various issues.
Reliability being the main issue for the VTI and the Aisin had a common documented problem called shift-flare which also was somewhat common in the other manufacturers that used Aisin transmissions (i.e. Toyota, etc). The GM 4T45-E replaced both transmissions and is the only automatic option for 05-on. While less technologically advanced than the previous offerings, it is a long term proven design.
Also in 2005 the 'hockey-puck' style steering wheel was discontinued and the design used in the 2004 redline model became standard on all models. In mid 2005 the seats in the base ION-1 model were upgraded with new fabrics and a height adjustment feature. 2005 also saw the introduction of "quiet steel" multilaminate technology for sound reduction. The front fascia was upgraded as well with a much larger grill opening.
The ecu was switched from a speed density system to a mass air system. An acoustic engine cover was added to reduce engine noise.
2007
The 2007 Saturn Ion's 2.2L Ecotec will have an increase in power from 140 hp to 145 hp at 5600 rpm and an increase in torque from 145 ft·lbf to 150 ft·lbf at 4200 rpm. The 2.4L Ecotec will have an increase in power from 170 hp to 175 hp at 6500 rpm and an increase in torque from 162 ft·lbf to 164 ft·lbf at 4800 rpm. The RECARO seats on the Redline will be replaced with black leather-appointed seats with passenger sensing system.
2008
The ION will be redesigned for 2008 with new styling by Opel, which will introduce the similar Opel Astra for 2010. Production will move from the Saturn plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee to GM's Lordstown, Ohio plant, where it will be built alongside the Chevrolet Cobalt, a fellow Delta car.
