The 2004 Saturn ION arrived as a compact car aimed at a younger demographic, replacing the Saturn S-Series. It was available as a sedan and a quirky Quad Coupe with rear-hinged doors. Key trims included the base ION, ION 2, and ION 3. When new, it ranged from approximately $10,000 to $16,000. Its unique styling and dent-resistant polymer body panels were intended to set it apart.
The Good
The 2004 Saturn ION offered decent fuel efficiency, appealing to practical buyers. Its low price point also made it an attractive value proposition. Emotionally, the Quad Coupe's unusual door configuration offered a unique and somewhat sporty appeal. While not a performance car, its adequate power was sufficient for daily driving.
The Bad
The 2004 Saturn ION is known for its subpar interior quality, including cheap plastics and uncomfortable seats. Reliability was a concern, with reports of electrical issues and transmission problems. The engine could also be noisy and unrefined. The steering feel was often criticized as being numb and unresponsive.
2004 Saturn ION: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 2.2L Ecotec Inline-4
- Horsepower:
- 140 hp @ 5600 rpm
- Fuel Economy (EPA Estimated):
- 26 mpg city / 35 mpg highway (Manual Transmission)
- 24 mpg city / 32 mpg highway (Automatic Transmission)
- 0-60 mph Time:
- Approximately 9 seconds (depending on transmission)
- Towing Capacity:
- Not recommended or officially rated for towing.
- Trim-Level Features:
- ION (Base): Standard features included air conditioning, power windows and locks, a CD player, and antilock brakes (ABS).
- ION 2: Added features such as cruise control, upgraded audio system, and improved interior trim.
- ION 3: Typically included alloy wheels, fog lights, and leather-wrapped steering wheel, and potentially more premium options.
2004 Saturn ION Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2004 |
| Make | Saturn |
| Model | ION |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Sedan |
| Category | Compact Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | SPRING HILL |
Dimensions
| Doors | 2-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | 14000 pounds |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | L61 |
| Engine Size | 2.2L |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Vehicle
Specifications
Specifications
Ownership
History
History
All History
Events
Events
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Market Price
Analysis
Analysis
What Problems Does the 2004 Saturn ION Have?
The 2004 Saturn ION faced several frequently reported problems. A common issue was the failure of the power steering motor, leading to difficulty in steering. Ignition switch problems were also reported, potentially causing the car to stall. The anti-theft system could sometimes malfunction, preventing the car from starting. Premature wear of the front suspension components was another concern. Several recalls were issued for the 2004 ION, including issues related to the ignition switch, which could cause the engine to shut off while driving. There were also recalls related to the fuel system, which could increase the risk of a fire. Long-term reliability concerns centered around the engine's tendency to develop oil leaks and the automatic transmission's susceptibility to failure. Electrical gremlins were also a recurring theme. The 2004 model year, being an early production year, seemed to suffer from more of these teething problems than later model years, although issues persisted throughout its production run.
How long will the 2004 Saturn ION last?
A well-maintained 2004 Saturn ION could potentially reach 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more, representing approximately 15-20 years of service. However, achieving this lifespan relies heavily on consistent maintenance, including regular oil changes, timely replacement of wear items, and addressing any emerging issues promptly. Weaknesses over time include potential engine oil leaks, transmission issues (especially with the automatic), and degradation of the plastic body panels. Rust is less of a concern due to the polymer panels, but undercarriage components remain susceptible. Electrical problems can also become more frequent as the car ages.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
The 2004 Saturn ION offered a relatively basic level of technology for its time. Standard entertainment features included a CD player and AM/FM radio. Higher trims might have offered an upgraded audio system. Driver-assistance features were minimal, with antilock brakes (ABS) being a notable standard safety feature. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) was not widely available. Safety features included front airbags. Side airbags were optional. The ION's center-mounted instrument panel was a design choice that polarized opinions. Optional features included cruise control, power sunroof, and remote keyless entry. In terms of crash-test ratings, the 2004 Saturn ION received mixed results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). While it performed well in some frontal crash tests, side-impact protection was less impressive. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also conducted crash tests, with results varying depending on the specific test performed. Its safety performance wasn't particularly outstanding compared to its rivals. The absence of advanced safety technologies like lane departure warning or automatic emergency braking further dates the vehicle by modern standards.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
White
Black Onyx
Silver Nickel
Arctic Blue
Red Hot
Interior Colors
Tan
Gray
2004 Saturn ION Prices and Market Value
When new, the 2004 Saturn ION had a price range of approximately $10,000 to $16,000, depending on the trim level and options. Due to its age and depreciation, current used market prices are very low, typically ranging from a few hundred dollars to around $3,000, depending on condition, mileage, and location. Depreciation has been significant. Factors affecting resale value include the car's overall condition, maintenance history, mileage, and the presence of any major mechanical issues. The ION's less-than-stellar reputation for reliability also negatively impacts its resale value. The limited demand for older Saturn models further contributes to the low prices.
2004 Saturn ION Cost of Ownership
The 2004 Saturn ION is generally considered economical to insure, thanks to its low value. Fuel costs are moderate due to its reasonable fuel economy. Maintenance can be affordable, but repair costs can be unpredictable due to the car's age and potential reliability issues. Finding parts for Saturn vehicles can sometimes be challenging as the brand is no longer in production. Long-term ownership costs can vary significantly depending on the car's condition and maintenance history. While potentially cheap upfront, unexpected repairs can quickly negate any initial savings.
2004 Saturn ION Fuel Efficiency
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Fuel Capacity
-
City Mileage
-
Highway Mileage
-
2004 Saturn ION Safety Rating
NHTSA
2004 Saturn ION Recalls & Defects
Structure:body:bumpers
Recall date
2004-01-06
Recall no.
04v002000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
ON Certain Passenger Vehicles, Some Welds Between THE Passenger's Side Motor Rail and THE Front Bumper Bracket DO NOT Meet Engineering Specifications.
Consequence
Long Term Durability OF THE Joint MAY BE Reduced and Separation OF THE Bumper From THE Frame ON THE Passenger's Side OF THE Vehicle MAY Result, Increasing THE Risk OF A Crash.
Remedy
All Vehicles ARE Still IN Dealer's Possessions.
Notes
GM Recall NO. 03067.customers CAN Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline AT 1-888-Dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
Fuel System, Gasoline
Recall date
2004-01-05
Recall no.
04v003000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Certain Passenger Vehicles Equipped With 2.2l 4-Cylinder (L61) Engines Were Built With A Fuel Filter That Could Corrode Prematurely ON THE Exterior Surface.
Consequence
IF Corrosion ON THE Exterior Surface OF THE Fuel Filter Progresses TO THE Point OF Creating A Hole IN THE Shell, Fuel Droplets Could Form and Drop TO THE Ground. IF AN Ignition Source IS Present, A Fire Could Result.
Remedy
Dealers Will Replace THE Fuel Filter Assembly. Owner Notification Began ON December 30, 2003. Owners Should Contact Saturn AT 1-800-972-8876.
Notes
GM Recall NO. 03068.customers CAN Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline AT 1-888-Dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
Visibility:power Window Devices and Controls
Recall date
2004-01-05
Recall no.
04v004000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Certain Passenger Vehicles Fail TO Comply With THE Requirements OF Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard NO. 118, "power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems." THE Power Windows And/Or Sunroof MAY BE Operable After THE Ignition HAS Been Turned TO THE "off" Position and THE Front Passenger Door IS Opened.
Consequence
IF Unsupervised Children ARE Left Unattended IN THE Vehicle and Operate THE Power Windows or Sunroof, There IS AN Increased Risk OF Injury TO THE Child.
Remedy
Dealers Will Upgrade THE Body Control Module (Bcm) Calibration. Owner Notification Began ON December 30, 2003. Owners Should Contact Saturn AT 1-800-972-8876.
Notes
GM Recall NO. 03069.customers CAN Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline AT 1-888-Dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
Fuel System, Other:delivery:fuel Pump
Recall date
2004-06-08
Recall no.
04v281000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Certain Vehicles Equipped With Supercharged 2.0l 4-Cylinder (Lsj) Engine Were Built With A Fuel Feed Pipe That Could Crack and Leak Fuel Near THE Fuel Rail. IF Fuel Leaks From THE Fuel Feed Pipe, There Would BE A Noticeable Fuel Odor Around THE Vehicle.
Consequence
Fuel Leakage, IN THE Presence OF AN Ignition Source, Could Result IN A Fire.
Remedy
Dealers Will Replace THE Fuel Feed Pipe Assembly. Owner Notification Began ON June 9, 2004. Owners Should Contact Saturn AT 1-800-972-8876.
Notes
GM Recall NO. 04053.also, Customers CAN Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline AT 1-888-Dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
Recall date
2004-11-16
Recall no.
04v547000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Certain Passenger Vehicles Have A Condition IN Which THE Turn Signal Lamp and Daytime Running Lamp (Drl) ON Either Front Side CAN Stop Working Because OF Loss OF Contact Between THE Bulb and Socket.
Consequence
IF A Front Turn Signal Lamp IS Inoperative, Others MAY React More Slowly TO A Turning Vehicle and A Crash Could Occur.
Remedy
Dealers Will Replace THE Drl/Turn Signal Bulb ON Both THE Left and Right Front Side and Inspect FOR and ADD A DRL Jumper KIT IF NOT Present. THE Recall Began November 17, 2004. Owners Should Contact Saturn AT 1-800-972-8876.
Notes
GM Recall NO. 04095.customers CAN Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline AT 1-888-Dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
Exterior Lighting
Recall date
2009-04-07
Recall no.
09e012000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Sabersport IS Recalling 16,270 Combination Corner and Bumper Lamp Assemblies OF Various Part Numbers Sold FOR USE AS Aftermarket Equipment FOR Various Passenger Vehicles. These Headlamps Fail TO Conform TO THE Requirements OF Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard NO. 108, "lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." These Lamps DO NOT Contain THE Required Amber Side Reflectors.
Consequence
Decreased Lighting Visibility MAY Result IN A Vehicle Crash.
Remedy
Sabersport Will Notify Owners and Offer A Full Refund FOR THE Noncompliant Combination Lamps. THE Safety Recall Began ON MAY 11, 2009. Owners MAY Contact Sabersport AT 1-909-598-7589.
Notes
This Recall Only Pertains TO Aftermarket Replacement Equipment and HAS NO Relation TO ANY Original Equipment Installed ON Vehicles Produced BY THE Vehicle Manufacturer.in Order TO Determine IF Your Aftermarket Lamp Assembly IS Affected BY This Noncompliance, Please Review THE List OF Model Numbers Provided TO US BY Sabersport.the List CAN BE Found Under "document Search" Located AT THE Bottom OF Your Screen.owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO <A Href=http://Www.safercar.gov>http://www.safercar.gov</a> .
Electrical System:ignition:switch
Recall date
2014-02-10
Recall no.
14v047000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
AIR Bags
Recall date
2014-02-10
Recall no.
14v047000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Steering:electric Power Assist System
Recall date
2014-03-31
Recall no.
14v153000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Electrical System:ignition
Recall date
2014-04-10
Recall no.
14v171000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Electrical System:ignition:switch
Recall date
2014-04-30
Recall no.
14e021000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Uci-Fram Group IS Recalling Certain Ls1328 Ignition Switches Sold AS Wells Ls1328, Duralast Ls1328, Airtex 1s6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and Ls1497 Ignition Switches Sold AS Wells Ls1497, Duralast Ls1497, Airtex 1s10961, and Carquest 53-27967, FOR USE ON Various General Motors Model and Model Year Vehicles During Repair and Replacement OF THE Original Ignition Switch. THE Weight ON THE KEY Ring And/Or Road Conditions or Some Other Jarring Event MAY Cause THE Affected Ignition Switches TO Move OUT OF THE RUN Position, Turning OFF THE Engine and Disabling THE AIR Bags.
Consequence
IF THE Ignition Switch Moves From THE RUN Position TO Accessory, THE Car Would Stall and THE AIR Bags Will NOT Deploy IN THE Event OF A Crash, Increasing THE Risk OF Personal Injury TO THE Occupants.
Remedy
Uci-Fram Group HAS Notified ITS Purchasers TO Quarantine and Return All Inventory. ANY Switches Already Installed IN Vehicles Will BE Replaced BY GM Dealers AS Part OF Nhtsa Recall 14v-047, Free OF Charge. Uci-fram's Purchasers Should Contact Uci-fram Group AT 1-800-890-2075. GM Vehicle Owners Requiring Additional Information ON That Recall Campaign Should Contact GM AT 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac) or 1-800-553-6000 (saturn).
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
2004 Saturn ION Insurance
Insurance for a 2004 Saturn ION is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Sedan with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2004 Saturn ION Compare to Other Sedan?
The 2004 Saturn ION competed against vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, and Mazda3. In terms of performance, the ION was generally less refined and offered a less engaging driving experience than the Civic, Corolla, and Mazda3. Feature-wise, it was comparable to the base models of its rivals but lacked some of the more advanced options. Reliability was a significant weakness for the ION compared to the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, which were known for their dependability. While the ION may have been slightly cheaper initially, its potential repair costs could offset any savings. The Ford Focus offered similar value and driving dynamics, but also had reliability concerns. Considering its age and reliability issues, a better alternative might be a slightly newer Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla in similar price range. These alternatives typically offer superior reliability, better driving experience, and a more refined interior, leading to lower long-term ownership costs despite potentially higher initial purchase price.
Final Verdict: Is the 2004 Saturn ION a Good Sedan?
The 2004 Saturn ION is best suited for budget-conscious buyers primarily seeking basic transportation. Given its age and potential reliability issues, it's only worth buying if the purchase price is very low and a thorough inspection reveals no major problems. A mechanically sound example with a well-documented maintenance history would be the ideal scenario. Avoid models with a history of electrical or transmission problems. It's essential to factor in potential repair costs when evaluating its value. For most buyers, spending a bit more on a more reliable alternative like a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla is a better long-term investment. The ION could be considered a temporary solution for someone needing cheap transportation, but with the understanding that it may require more maintenance than other cars.
Simon A
Simon is a contributor to VinCheck, where he provides articles and reviews on various automotive topics. His work focuses on delivering accurate and up-to-date information about used cars, helping readers make informed decisions.