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Safety and Reliability Ratings > 2004 > Saturn > ION

2004 SATURN ION LEVEL 1
Sedan 4 DR
Front wheel drive


CARFAX has collected the industry's leading used car safety and reliability ratings into one, convenient report. With this report, you'll know the safety and reliability of your next used car. All information presented in this report is specific to the 2004 SATURN ION LEVEL 1. Please view the CARFAX Vehicle History Report for the detailed history of a specific used SATURN.

 

CARFAX Safety Section One  Safety:

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CARFAX Safety Section Two  Reliability:

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NHTSA Crash Test Results National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
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Frontal Crash: Rating:   NHTSA Five Star Legend
Driver Rating 5 of 5  
Passenger Rating 5 of 5  
Side Crash: Rating:  
Front Seat Not Tested No Data  
Rear Seat Rating 3 of 5  
Rollover Resistance: Rating:  
Rollover Resistance Rating 4 of 5  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides 3 different ratings - full-width frontal crash test , side impact crash test , and rollover resistance . The frontal crash test indicates how well the safety features and restraints will protect an occupant in a head-on collision. The side-impact test conveys the chance of a severe chest injury, while the rollover resistance rating estimates the risk of rolling over in a single vehicle crash. Go to NHTSA to learn more about these results.


IIHS Crash Test Results Highway Loss Data Institute
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Side Impact Crash Test Rating:   4 star legend
Overall Evaluation   P
Structure/safety cage   P
Injury Measures
Driver Passenger
2747 none 103 184 67 2.2 L 4-cylinder 24 32 Measures taken from the dummy indicate that rib fractures and/or internal organ injuries would be likely in a crash of this severity. Head and neck injuries and a fracture of the pelvis would also be possible. Measures taken from the dummy indicate that serious skull fracture and/or brain injuries would be possible in a crash of this severity. Neck injuries as well as rib fractures would also be possible. The dummy's head was hit by the window frame of the rear passenger door, producing high head injury measures. 2005 Saturn ION 2 4-door <p>The Saturn ION was introduced for the 2003 model year as a replacement for the Saturn SL.</p> <p>Two tests of an ION were conducted, one with an optional side airbag for the driver and rear passenger, and one without. These vehicles are rated separately, except that the structural ratings for both vehicles are based on both tests.</p> The dummy's head was hit by the intruding barrier, producing moderately high head injury measures.
Head Protection
  P   M
Head/neck
  A   M
Torso
  P   M
Pelvis/Leg
  A   G

Crash Tested Vehicle: Details | Vehicle Specifications

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) uses frontal offset and side impact crash tests to estimate the crashworthiness of a vehicle. These results are good indicators of how a frontal and side impact can structurally impact a 2004 SATURN ION LEVEL 1 . The crashworthiness data for this 2004 SATURN ION LEVEL 1 was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these crash test results.



Low-Speed Damage Repair Highway Loss Data Institute
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Front Crash Description: Front Crash Cost:
Front into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Front into angle barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear Crash Description: Rear Crash Cost:
Rear into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear into pole   Not tested by IIHS
Average Damage Per Test   Not tested by IIHS

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts four 5 mph crash tests to assess bumper performance. These results convey how well this 2004 SATURN ION LEVEL 1 bumpers will protect the car body from damage in low-speed collisions. Low-speed damage repair costs are obtained from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute.


Injury, Collision, & Theft Indicators Highway Loss Data Institute
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Index: Score: Rating:
Injury Index 134 Substantially worse than average
Collision Index 103 Average
Theft Index 24 Substantially better than average


These scores are stated in relative terms, with 100 being the average for all cars in each category. Scores greater than 100 represent higher risk in each category. For example, an injury indicator score of 122 means that a passenger in this model is 22% more likely to be injured in an accident. The injury, collision, and theft indicators for this 2004 SATURN ION LEVEL 1 are provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these results.



Safety Recalls
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NHTSA Safety Recalls:
Important: The following recalls were issued for the 2004 SATURN ION LEVEL 1 by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). To find out if a specific 2004 SATURN ION LEVEL 1 still has open recalls that require repair, CARFAX recommends contacting an authorized dealership for more information.

Recall date: Not reported
Units potentially affected: 344
NHTSA campaign number: 04V002000
Defective part or component: STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
Description: On certain passenger vehicles, some welds between the passenger's side motor rail and the front bumper bracket do not meet engineering specifications. 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. All vehicles are still in dealer's possessions.
Recall date: 12-30-2003
Units potentially affected: 127,285
NHTSA campaign number: 04V003000
Defective part or component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Description: 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. 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. Dealers will replace the fuel filter assembly. Owner notification began on December 30, 2003. Owners should contact Saturn at 1-800-972-8876.
Recall date: 12-30-2003
Units potentially affected: 79,204
NHTSA campaign number: 04V004000
Defective part or component: VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
Description: 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. If unsupervised children are left unattended in the vehicle and operate the power windows or sunroof, there is an increased risk of personal injury to the child. 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.
Recall date: 06-09-2004
Units potentially affected: 670
NHTSA campaign number: 04V281000
Defective part or component: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Description: Certain vehicles equipped with supercharged 2.0 liter 4-cylinder (LSJ) engines 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. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire. Dealers will replace the fuel feed pipe assembly. Owner notification began on June 9, 2004. Owners should contact Saturn at 1-800-972-8876.
Recall date: 11-17-2004
Units potentially affected: 178,798
NHTSA campaign number: 04V547000
Defective part or component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
Description: 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. If a front turn signal lamp is inoperative, others may react more slowly to a turning vehicle and a crash could occur. 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.


This 2004 SATURN ION LEVEL 1 safety recall information was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Data Loss Institute and is derived from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration list of safety recalls. Please call the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) to report safety defects or to obtain information on cars, trucks, child seats, and highway or traffic safety. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by the National Highway Traffic and Saftey Administration, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



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J.D. Power Ratings
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Ownership: Rating:
Initial Ratings (up to 1 year)  
Overall Quality Rating 2 of 5
  Mechanical Quality Rating 2.5 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Quality Rating 2 of 5
  Body and Interior Quality Rating 3 of 5
Overall Appeal Rating 2.5 of 5
  Performance Rating 2.5 of 5
  Comfort Rating 2.5 of 5
  Feature and Instrument Panel Rating 2.5 of 5
  Style Rating 3 of 5
Midterm Ratings (1-3 Years)  
  Mechanical Reliability No data from source
  Feature and Accessory Reliability No data from source
  Body and Interior Reliability No data from source
Long Term Ratings (3-5 Years)  
Overall Dependability No data from source
  Mechanical Dependability No data from source
  Feature and Accessory Dependability No data from source
  Body and Interior Dependability No data from source

J.D. Power and Associates uses selected highlights from the firm's quality and customer satisfaction syndicated studies to create the Power Ratings at the model-level. These ratings and awards are based on model rankings within each vehicle segment, whereas Power Circle Ratings compare all models across segments.

All information provided by J.D. Power and Associates is proprietary information owned by J.D. Power and Associates and is protected by U.S. and international copyright law and conventions. Reproduction of this information, in whole or in part, by any means is prohibited without the express written consent of J.D. Power and Associates, other than printing copies of the JDPA content by site visitors for their personal use. J.D. Power and Associates® is a registered trademark of J.D. Power and Associates.



Identifix Reliability Ratings
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Category: Comments: Rating:
Engine Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Transmission & Driveline Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Steering & Suspension Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Brakes Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Heating & Air Conditioning Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Starting & Charging Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Accessories Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Identifix Legend


This 2004 SATURN ION reliability information was provided by Identifix. Identifix is the nation's largest technical support service for the aftermarket auto repair industry. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by Identifix, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Intellichoice Cost of Ownership & Value Rating Intellichoice
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Category:    ION 1 4 Dr Sedan:
Depreciation $8,004
Financing $1,531
Insurance $6,710
State Fees $308
Fuel $3,733
Maintenance $2,050
Repairs $664
Total 5-Year Ownership Cost $23,000

Ownership costs are the costs to purchase and operate a vehicle over a period of time. Understanding these costs can save you money and help you make a wiser financial decision when it comes time to select a vehicle. Intellichoice is one of the leading providers of automotive information in the U.S.

Original Manufacturer Warranty
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Coverage: Years/Mileage:
Basic 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Drivetrain 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Emissions 2 years or 24,000 miles  
Corrosion 6 years or 100,000 miles  
Transferable Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered.  
Roadside Assistance Roadside assistance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles.  
Safety Belt & Inflatable Restraint No data from source  
Specific Components 8 years or 80,000 miles  
Notes: Manufacturer covers emissions components under basic warranty. Emissions coverage may vary by state. Refer to owners manual for specific details. Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered. Roadside assistance included during basic coverage. Additional factory coverage can be purchased to extend full coverage. Models produced since the summer of 2002 equipped with CVT have extended warranty coverage on transmission to 5 years/75,000 miles.  

This 2004 SATURN ION LEVEL 1 warranty information has been provided by J&L Warranty Pros.


New Car Test Drive Review
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Category: Review:
Summary:

Minor revisions add to its appeal.
By John Rettie, NewCarTestDrive.com

The Saturn Ion is a stylish compact with innovative features. It drives nicely and its performance is adequate. It doesn't match European models such as the Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf in terms of dynamic driving nor is the fit and finish up to the standards of the import brands. But it has is improved on both scores for 2004.

Ion offers a good value and lots of interior space for people and cargo compared to its competitors. Consumers report that buying and servicing the Saturn Ion is more pleasant than performing these chores with other brands.

Overview:

Saturn Ion is an inexpensive compact that emphasizes style and innovation as well as value. Ion was all-new in 2003, and significantly larger than the Saturn S-series model it replaced.

The 2004 Saturn Ion features some significant updates, including higher-grade interior fabrics and richer-looking interior trim in more harmonious colors. Additional sound-deadening material brings a quieter cabin. The stereo systems have been improved and is available with an MP3 player, XM Satellite Radio, and a six-CD changer.

Ion's steering has been re-calibrated for improved road feel at speed. Both of the available automatic transmissions have been refined as well. And Saturn has injected some real excitement into the Ion for 2004, with the uniquely trimmed Special Edition sedan, and the supercharged Red Line coupe.

Dent-deflecting and rust-resistant plastic body panels add to the Ion's appeal. Acceleration is good for its price class, ride and handling about average. In interior comfort and refinement, Saturn still has a way to go. But experience has shown that people choose Saturns as much for the hassle-free buying experience as the for car's actual character and performance. In fact, Saturn ranks at or near the top in J. D. Power and Associates Sales Satisfaction Index surveys, putting it in the same league as Lexus and Infiniti in terms of satisfaction with the sales experience.

Read the complete 2004 Saturn Ion review

© 2002 NewCarTestDrive.com

CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by NewCarTestDrive.com, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Awards
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View awardees recognized by Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, Polk Automotive, and J.D. Power and Associates.



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