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#11
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All in all it is a satisfying vehicle. All true about blindspots and gauges
in the center (although Saturn is not the first to do it. There were other vehicles in the past that have done that.) It took me awhile to get used to, but I like it. The only odd thing is driving at night and being used to having that dashboard light on the driver's side - which is now quite dark! But who needs that little bit of light in any particular area when driving at night anyways? (As long as it's on the gauges!) I do see where the smaller steering wheel had to force the change, but I also wonder if it prevents tons of retooling for the cars they sell with right hand drive. Interesting points are no oilpan (it's cast as part of the block) and oil filter access from the top (these are things I learned from the wonderful people in this group for when I first changed mine.) I am rather sad that Saturn is becoming more integrated into GM, and I feel it may lose it's individuality - one of many reasons why I drive one. Many GM models now have the 2.2L Ecotec and VTi transmission, and now that Saturn Ion will share a platform, it will be similar to other GM models from different divisions. (The Camaro/Firebird; Cavalier/Sunfire; etc. etc. etc. syndrome.) It was great having a motor unique to Saturn and tranny / automotive computer technologies that were also unique to the make. It is interesting to note that the QuadCoupe design did come from an early Sunfire (circa 1990) prototype, however. |
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#12
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"marx404" > wrote in message
... > IMHO, being an older SL2 owner my 1st impression was that Saturn does listen > to it's customers. Many of the past issues of SL's were either changed or > fixed for the better. Case in point, more horsepower, better sound proofing > in the cabin and moving the PCM (main computer) from under the dash to under > the hood. > > If a base car w/no frills, bells or whistles is your objective, then a level > 1 is the car for you. If you need more then just the basics, then better > look at at a level 2. Have you been to a Saturn dealership and had a > knowledgeable salesman explain the 3 different levels of ION to you? Did > they also explain about the optional Travel Package, Safe and Sound Package, > Sport Package and Special Edition Packages? > Actually lots to choose from in a little cheap car. > > There are some cons also that I have heard about. The Quad Coupe has more of > a blind spot over the sedan. The sides of the console between the seats can > be sharp on some models, if you get your hand stuck reaching for lost > change, some say. Personally, I notice a distinct road handling difference > between the base level and level 2's, but maybe that's me. > > Basically, yes it is true that Saturn is "no hassle no haggle", they dont > play the "hit 'em high" negotiating game like others do. That's not to say > that everything is carved in stone either, within reason though. (sometimes > if you look around, you may find a level 2 or 3 at a sale price for whatever > reason) > > Beyond that, it is an inexpensive roomy fun to drive car that is very low > maintenance. > Go find yourself a good dealership with a knowlegable sales consultant who > knows what the L he is doing and ION sure you will see the same point of > VUE. <grin> > > (now I do expect mrfact to counter this with something silly so I can only > say this to you in advance: Use your OWN judgement. Go look for yourself, > drive one and see. Check out other sites like SaturnFans.com and SaturnSpot > and you will find many ION owners also, compare then decide if an ION is the > right car for you.) > > marx404 > www.saturnofstuart.com ....Looks like good advice to me. ....In addition, I would suggest you check out: * other posts in this group about Ions (Google Groups can do a search if your news reader can't) * _Consumer Reports_ articles, especially the latest annual customer feedback (sorry, I forget the article name and month in which it's published -- you should be able to find it by looking in the year-to-date index at the back of any issue of the magazine) |
#13
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#14
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Unlike some of these folks, I own one, just bought a new Ion 1, see my post on
gripes. Mostly the AC is weak and the seats are cheesey. The steeering wheel is still too small and the arm rest is mounted too low. Otherwise, I like it. Needs some better tires... Fast, inexpensive, fun to drive, great on gas- that's why I bought it. (plus my old saturn was very reliable with low maintenance) E |
#16
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Oh, don't get me wrong - I really like the Ecotech...but I also recall the
days before General Motors (among others) swapped engines among their divisions. It made each compete to make better, faster and very individualized motors for their products. (Albeit some designs were not that great...and disappeared fast...) Still, the competition made each make unique for that particular division's patrons. Once upon a time, choices were made based on the entire package, whereas today it will probably be more based on design and aesthetic appeal. To be able to avoid the parts monopoly is a good thing (so one can't get price gouged by a particular maker). The Ecotech seems to be a very, very fine powersource that is engineered very well. I guess one (of still many) things that Saturn has going for them is their unique body panels. I like that...but everybody I work with wants to kick my car to test out what the commercials say... > The ecotec is by far the best designed and thought out engine ever put > in a Saturn. I say its a far better 4 cylinder than any Asian 4 banger. > They cant keep anything long enough on the market before they drop it > for who knows what else. We design engines to be mantained regularly and > last well past 3 years, they design engines to last 3 years until > relicensing a car over there forces you to buy a new car. |
#17
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#18
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#19
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> Thats when you say as you're walking over to their car "See here your > car isnt like that!" THUD > > > LOL!...Love it... |
#20
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EDeneen wrote:
> > Unlike some of these folks, I own one, just bought a new Ion 1, see my post on > gripes. Mostly the AC is weak <snip> I have a black Ion 1 and live in the Southern California desert. A typical summer day will be around 105 in the shade. My AC will take the car from intolerable heat to the point where it will freeze you out of the car in about ten minutes. You might want to have yours checked. Tom -- If it ain't broke, let me try... |
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