By Don Hammonds
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette



The Ion, introduced a couple of years ago, was roundly criticized by automobile writers and even some owners.

The complaints were loud and long. The instrument panel is too weird. The steering wheel is too small and ugly. The car is too noisy. The interior material is cheap. The electric steering is too skittish and uncertain. The front seats are more akin to a torture chamber than a car. And on and on.

Never mind that the Ion is one of the best-handling cars in its class. Or that its acceleration is lively and its suspension system supple and responsive. Or even that despite the complaints, it still sold reasonably well.

GM and Saturn listened to the negative feedback and they set about making improvements,

The result? The 2005 Ion is a much-improved car, and deserves a place on every small car shoppers' list.

The list of improvements is quite long. For starters, the car feels vastly more solid than the first one I drove a couple of years ago. The steering it stronger and tighter than it was before. And it feels more "on center" than earlier models; that is, you don't feel like the car is going all over the road.'

The seats are also much improved from earlier designs, which were too narrow at the top and offered zip support for my back and shoulders. And the material was ugly to boot.

Now, you have substantial and normally contoured seats that provide you that support. And the materials look much more mainstream. The dashboard now features brushed aluminum accents and chrome rings around the gauges. And glory be -- a normal appearing, nicely sized and attractive steering wheel!


http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04287/394625.stm

 

It's good to see GM/Saturn standing behind their product instead of ditching the platform because of some critical people. Every first year car has its quirks...the second and third years are typically better..having addressed consumer and professional complaints. Looks like we can expect the same loving attention for the Cobalt series.

 

I think thats a great sign. It gives me the feeling that GM is committed to the Delta platform and keeping the cars current and improving on their overall quality. For a long time (and especially with the J) GM didn't listen to any complaints, just produced them cheap and in volume.

 

2004-10-18

Saturn Offers Extended Vehicle Coverage or $1,000-$1,250 Personalization Allowance



DETROIT - Saturn customers who buy or lease a 2005 Ion, Vue or Relay can now choose either extended vehicle coverage or a "personalization allowance" of up to $1,250.

The Saturn Service Plan now provides 5-year/60,000 mile vehicle coverage, whichever comes first. (The extended vehicle coverage is available as a limited warranty in the state of Florida.) Those who opt for the personalization allowance receive the standard 3-year/36,000-mile, whichever comes first, warranty plus an allowance of $1,000 on the Ion sedan and coupe and $1,250 on the Vue SUV or new-for-2005 Relay crossover sport van.

"This new choice for our customers is an extension of Saturn's mission to put 'people first' in everything we do," said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. "Instead of one-program-fits-all, Saturn is allowing customers to make a choice that fits their individual needs."

Lajdziak noted that the extended vehicle coverage choice reflects Saturn's confidence in the quality of its vehicles. "The extended protection will help raise awareness that our products are moving up in refinement to match the high standards of our award-winning retail experience," Lajdziak said.

Customers who choose the personalization allowance can put it toward retailer installed accessories, optional equipment or upgraded service plans, or they can apply it toward down payments.

"Saturn offers a simpler, more human way to buy and own a car, with our no-hassle/no-haggle philosophy, a 30-day or 1,500 mile exchange program and, now, the ability to choose extra coverage or vehicle personalization," said Lajdziak. "It's part of our efforts to build long-term relationships with customers."

Thoughtful product designs also are a part of Saturn's philosophy to put people first. For 2005, Saturn adds the Relay family utility vehicle, combining SUV-like styling with the functionality of a mid-van. Relay also offers entertainment features such as a standard rear-passenger DVD system.

The Ion is significantly refined for 2005, with the sedan receiving a new front fascia, grille and trim; both sedan and quad coupe benefit from upgraded interior materials and new, more comfortable seats. The Vue's clean styling, numerous safety features and vast array of accessory choices continue to make it a popular choice among customers with active lifestyles. Saturn's 2005 lineup also includes two performance variants, the 205-horsepower Ion Red Line and the 250-horsepower, performance-tuned Vue Red Line.