Makes›Saturn›Ion›2006

2006 Saturn Ion

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.

Class
Compact Cars
Body styles
4dr Quad Coupe FWD /2/3, 4dr Quad Coupe FWD /Red Line, 4dr Sedan FWD 1/2/3
Engines
2.2L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
26 combined · 23 city / 32 hwy
Length
184.6–185 in
Curb weight
2,692–2,945 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2006 compact car (22.2 MPG).

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2006 Saturn Ion is a compact car offered with 3 engines (2.2L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 185 inches long and 68 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,751 lb (4dr Quad Coupe FWD /2/3).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 32 highway), 17% better than the 2006 compact car average of 22.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 157 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.

What changed for 2006

  • Engine added: 2.4L 4-cyl

Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Ion →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Quad Coupe FWD /2/3185 in68.1 in55.9 in103.1 in58.7 / 58.3 in2,751 lb60/40
4dr Quad Coupe FWD /Red Line185 in68.1 in55.9 in103.1 in58.7 / 58.3 in2,945 lb60/40
4dr Sedan FWD 1/2/3184.6 in67.3 in57.5 in103.1 in58.3 / 57.9 in2,692 lb60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Ion2.2L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 32 / 26+17%$2,600342
Ion2.4L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 25+13%$3,300355
Ion2.2L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 24+8%$2,800370
Ion2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 24+8%$3,400370
Ion2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23+4%$3,550386
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
22.2 MPG2006 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Saturn Ion under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2006 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2006 Saturn Ion (this car)26 MPGNot rated3
2006 Toyota Corolla31 MPGNot rated8
2006 Honda Accord26 MPGNot rated9
2006 Toyota Camry25 MPGNot rated4
2006 Toyota Prius46 MPGNot rated3
2006 Mazda 327 MPGNot rated0
2006 Volkswagen Golf/GTI34 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (3)

Electrical System › Ignition · Apr 10, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V171000 · 2,191,014 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
Risk
If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
Fix
General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Mar 31, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V153000 · 1,373,177 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.
Risk
If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.
Air Bags · Feb 10, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V047000 · 2,190,934 vehicles

Problem
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Risk
If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GM’s recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2006 Saturn Ion is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

157Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
7Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
7Injuries reported
118,189 miTypical mileage at failure
Fuel/Propulsion System56
Steering51
Electrical System32
Engine10
Unknown Or Other10
Air Bags8
Fuel System, Gasoline5
Vehicle Speed Control3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
19/01: 219/03: 219/04: 319/05: 119/06: 219/08: 219/10: 119/12: 120/01: 120/06: 120/07: 120/08: 120/10: 221/02: 121/03: 121/07: 421/10: 121/11: 121/12: 122/04: 123/01: 123/08: 124/02: 125/03: 119/0119/0519/1020/0620/1021/0721/1223/08max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2006 Saturn Ion buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Fuel/Propulsion System — 56 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
  3. Steering — 51 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  4. Electrical System — 32 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 118,189 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Saturn Ion. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Ion years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2007 Ion26185 inNot rated4188
2005 Ion26185 inNot rated379

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Saturn. How we calculate this →