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Wikipedia: Saturn Ion
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History
The following section is an excerpt from Wikipedia's Saturn Ion page on 14 September 2019, text available via the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
2003–2004
The Saturn Ion was a compact car sold by Saturn between the 2003 and 2007 model years. It used the GM Delta platform. The Ion replaced the Saturn S-Series in 2002, and was replaced by the new Saturn Astra in 2008. Production of the Ion ended on March 29, 2007.
The 2003 Saturn Ion quad coupe production car first appeared at the 2002 New York International Auto Show. The 2003 Ion came standard with a 2.2 L 140 hp (104 kW) DOHC Ecotec I4 engine. The Ion's instrument panel was mounted on the top center of the dashboard, rather than behind the steering wheel. The Ion is also available in sedan level 1, 2, or 3; level three signified a more user friendly setup with power windows and power locks, while lower levels included crank windows and plastic wheel covers. Other extras included fog lights, sunroof, and spoiler. The Saturn Ion Quad Coupe has half-sized rear clamshell doors while the sedan has conventionally hinged doors.
A Getrag F23 5-speed manual or an Aisin AF23 5-speed automatic transmission were available. The compact 5-speed automatic had several unique characteristics. The transmission lacked an overdrive, allowing for five forward gears to be packaged in the size of a typical four-speed manual gearbox, both providing close gear ratios for better acceleration and fuel efficiency while eliminating the heat and parasitic loss generated by the additional planetary gearset. The unit was also “fill-for-life”, meaning that it was not intended to be serviced for the life of the vehicle. The 2003 and 2004 Ion Coupes were available with the VTi continuously variable transmission or a Getrag F23 5-speed manual.
For 2004, Saturn also re-calibrated the electric power steering, as well as upgraded interior materials, and offered new sound systems.
2005–2006
In 2005, the Aisin 5-speed automatic transmission was discontinued. The VTi CVT used in the quad-coupes between 2002 and 2004 was also discontinued. GM's 4-speed 4T45-E replaced both transmissions, becoming the only available automatic transmission option. The 2005 Ion sedan models also received a new steering wheel, the same one used in the 2004 Ion coupe models. In the middle of the 2005 model year, the seats in the base Ion1 model received upgraded fabrics and a height adjustment feature. "Quiet Steel" multilaminate sound-reduction technology was also introduced in 2005. Cosmetic changes included an upgraded fascia with a larger grille opening (2005-2007 Ion sedan models) and redesigned wheel covers and redesigned alloy wheel offerings. Under the hood, an acoustic engine cover was added to the engine bay to reduce noise emissions.
The Level 2 and Level 3 models were offered with GM's new standard radio, featuring MP3 playback.
2006 saw the 170 hp (127 kW), 162 lb⋅ft (220 N⋅m) torque, 2.4 L I4 engine with variable valve timing become available for the Ion3. Along with that, the Ion was discontinued after the 2007 model year.
2007
The 2.2-liter Ecotec engine in the 2007 Saturn Ion was improved over the previous year's model: power output increased from 140 hp (104 kW) to 145 hp (108 kW) at 5600 rpm, and torque output increased from 145 lb⋅ft (197 N⋅m) to 150 lb⋅ft (203 N⋅m) at 4200 rpm. The new engine was fitted with the ECU from the 2.4-liter engine.
The 2.4-liter Ecotec received a similar upgrade: power increased from 170 hp (127 kW) to 175 hp (130 kW) at 6500 rpm, and torque increased from 162 lb⋅ft (220 N⋅m) to 164 lb⋅ft (222 N⋅m) at 4800 rpm.
An "Appearance Package" was offered for the 2007 Ion 3 Quad Coupe, including redesigned front and rear bumpers, side moldings, elliptical fog lamps, and a chrome exhaust tip. The Recaro seats in the Red Line version were replaced with black leather-appointed seats, which featured a passenger-sensing system.
The Ion was discontinued after the 2007 model year, and replaced in Saturn's lineup by the Saturn Astra hatchback, a rebadged Opel Astra H imported from Belgium.
The Ion was the last Saturn built at the Spring Hill, Tennessee plant.
| Date | Document Name & Details | Documents |
|---|---|---|
| 22 April 2003 | Safety Compliance Testing for FMVSS 214: Side Impact Protection (Indicant) 2003 Saturn Ion 4-door sedan National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |  PDF - 9.4MB - 425 pages |
| 13 May 2003 | Safety Compliance Testing for FMVSS 201: Occupant Protection in Interior Impact, Upper Interior Head Impact Protection 2003 Saturn Ion 4-Door Sedan National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 7.2MB - 207 pages |
| 4 August 2003 | Safety Compliance Testing for FMVSS 301: Fuel System Integrity 2003 Saturn Ion 4-Door Sedan National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 2.0MB - 38 pages |
| January 2004 | On-Site Advanced Occupant Protection System Investigation Vehicle - 2004 Saturn Ion National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 6,625KB - 30 pages |
| February 2004 | Calspan On-Site Advanced Occupant Protection System Crash Investigation Vehicle: 2004 Saturn Ion National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 220KB - 19 pages |
| 31 March 2004 | Safety Compliance Testing for FMVSS 208: Occupant Crash Protection 2004 Saturn Ion National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 1.5MB - 150 pages PDF - 8.7MB - 158 pages |
| 28 June 2004 | Safety Compliance Testing for FMVSS 111: Rearview Mirrors (Other Than School Buses) 2004 Saturn Ion 4 Door Sedan National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 3.0MB - 67 pages |
| 7 September 2004 | Safety Compliance Testing for FMVSS 225: "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems" 2004 Saturn Ion National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 11.3MB - 68 pages |
| November 2004 | Calspan On-Site Child Safety Seat Crash Investigation Vehicle: 2003 Saturn Ion National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 263KB - 22 pages |
| classified date 2005 | Special Crash Investigation Report Case Vehicle: 2003 Saturn ION, 4-door sedan National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 8.9MB - 130 pages |
| classified date 2006 | Special Crash Investigation Report Case Vehicle: 2004 Saturn Ion, 4-door sedan National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 8.2MB - 98 pages |
| 6 September 2006 | Safety Compliance Testing for FMVSS 201: Rigid Pole Side Impact Test 2006 Saturn Ion 4-Dr Sedan National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 7.2MB - 140 pages |
| 2 May 2007 | Safety Compliance Testing for FMVSS 201: Occupant Protection in Interior Impact, Upper Interior Head Impact Protection 2006 Saturn Ion 2, 4-Door Sedan National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 8.0MB - 173 pages |
| March 2008 | Remote Not In Traffic Surveillance Hyperthermia Investigation 2005 Saturn Ion National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 2,737KB - 21 pages |
| April 2009 | Calspan On-Site Child Restraint System Crash Investigation Vehicle: 2007 Saturn Ion National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 1,218KB - 30 pages |
| September 2009 | Calspan On-Site Child Restraint System Crash Investigation Vehicle: 2007 Saturn Ion National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 1,251KB - 34 pages |
| 2012 | Representative Letter General Motors LLC NHTSA Recall 12V459000 | PDF - 21KB - 2 pages |
| 19 September 2012 | NHTSA Recall 12V459000 2007-2009 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2007 Chevrolet Equinox, 2007-2009 Pontiac G5, 2007 Pontiac Torrent, 2007 Saturn Ion Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | Recall Page - 1 page |
| 18 September 2012 | To: Nancy Lewis, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration From: Carmen Benavides, General Motors LLC NHTSA Recall 12V459000 | PDF - 113KB - 3 pages |
| 28 September 2012 | Fuel Pump Module May Crack From: Jennifer Timian, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration To: Carmen Benavides, General Motors LLC NHTSA Recall 12V459000 | PDF - 97KB - 2 pages |
| November 2012 | Recall Bulletin Fuel Odor or Spotting on Ground – Inspect Fuel Pump Module General Motors LLC NHTSA Recall 12V459000 | PDF - 223KB - 9 pages |
| 12 November 2012 | 12190 – Safety Recall - Fuel Odor or Spotting on Ground - Inspect Fuel Pump Module GM Customer Care and Aftersales NHTSA Recall 12V459000 | PDF - 70KB - 1 page |
| 13 December 2012 | Response to - Fuel pump recall 12V-459: loose ends From: Jennifer Timian, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration General Motors LLC NHTSA Recall 12V459000 | PDF - 999KB - 2 pages |
| 23 January 2013 | Quarterly Recall Progress Report General Motors LLC NHTSA Recall 12V459000 | PDF - 123KB - 3 pages |
| February 2013 | Recall Bulletin Special Coverage Adjustment – Fuel Odor or Spotting on Ground – Replace Fuel Pump Module General Motors LLC NHTSA Recall 12V459000 | PDF - 204KB - 6 pages |
| March 2013 | Representative Letter General Motors LLC NHTSA Recall 12V459000 | PDF - 131KB - 2 pages |
| March 2013 | Representative Letter General Motors LLC NHTSA Recall 12V459000 | PDF - 130KB - 2 pages |
| 25 April 2013 | Quarterly Recall Progress Report General Motors LLC NHTSA Recall 12V459000 | PDF - 54KB - 3 pages |
| June 2013 | Recall Bulletin Fuel Odor or Spotting on Ground – Inspect Fuel Pump Module General Motors LLC NHTSA Recall 12V459000 | PDF - 233KB - 8 pages |
| June 2013 | Recall Bulletin Fuel Odor or Spotting on Ground – Inspect Fuel Pump Module General Motors LLC NHTSA Recall 12V459000 | PDF - 232KB - 8 pages |
| June 2013 | Representative Letter Parts Available Letter for Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent customers General Motors LLC NHTSA Recall 12V459000 | PDF - 157KB - 2 pages |
| June 2013 | Representative Letter Parts Available Letter for Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent customers General Motors LLC NHTSA Recall 12V459000 | PDF - 156KB - 2 pages |
| 23 July 2013 | Quarterly Recall Progress Report General Motors LLC NHTSA Recall 12V459000 | PDF - 76KB - 4 pages |
| 22 October 2013 | Quarterly Recall Progress Report General Motors LLC NHTSA Recall 12V459000 | PDF - 153KB - 4 pages |
| 24 January 2014 | Quarterly Recall Progress Report General Motors LLC NHTSA Recall 12V459000 | PDF - 75KB - 4 pages |
| 25 April 2014 | Quarterly Recall Progress Report General Motors LLC NHTSA Recall 12V459000 | PDF - 161KB - 4 pages |
| 25 July 2014 | Quarterly Recall Progress Report General Motors LLC NHTSA Recall 12V459000 | PDF - 85KB - 4 pages |
| December 2014 | Representative Letter IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL General Motors LLC NHTSA Recall 12V459000 | PDF - 179KB - 3 pages |
| 10 December 2014 | Recall Quarterly Report General Motors LLC NHTSA Recall 12V459000 | PDF - 28KB - 1 page |
| 4 February 2015 | Recall Quarterly Report General Motors LLC NHTSA Recall 12V459000 | PDF - 28KB - 1 page |
| July 2015 | Recall Bulletin Fuel Odor or Spotting on Ground – Inspect Fuel Pump Module General Motors LLC NHTSA Recall 12V459000 | PDF - 284KB - 9 pages |
| 8 July 2015 | 12190B – Safety Recall Fuel Odor or Spotting on Ground – Inspect Fuel Pump Module Revised Part Information, Service Procedure, and Warranty, Transaction Information Sections GM Customer Care and Aftersales NHTSA Recall 12V459000 | PDF - 70KB - 1 page |
| Date | Article | Author/Source |
|---|---|---|
| 23 April 2003 | General Motors Shows Off New 'Ion' Compact Car  | John Birchard, VOA News |
| 13 August 2003 | DRIVING TO THE EXTREME. X GAMES ATHELETES DEMONSTRATE THEIR DRIVING SKILLS ON AN EXTREME SAFETY COURSE TO KICK-OFF X GAMES IN LA | Saturn |
| 13 August 2007 | impressive Saturn Ion, The | Anthony Fontanelle |