2006 Saturn ION Red Line

Well Red

Most of those deficiencies were addressed for 2005 as ION interiors were substantially upgraded, the steering retuned, the wheel enlarged and the exterior look improved, especially in front. But the controversial center-mounted gauges remain. Other makers have done this, including Toyota (Echo and Prius) and MINI, usually to accommodate both right- and left-hand drive without the cost of two entirely different dashes. Saturn says it moves the gauges out from behind the wheel and places them at eye level just to the right. Some won't mind, some will.


Otherwise, this 205-hp supercharged Red Line version of the unique (due to its damage-resistant plastic body and twin rear-access doors) and affordable Saturn "quad coupe" is a hoot to drive. It launches well for a torquey front-driver (the limited-slip differential that's part of the $1,470 Competition Package limits, but doesn't eliminate, front wheelspin), the clutch take-up is smooth and the short-throw shifter is precise as it navigates through the 5-speed manual gearbox.


Steering feel and feedback are far better than before, cornering capability and stability are outstanding without the filling-rattling ride of some performance cars, and braking—both routine and full-ABS serious—is impressive. Saturn's Red Line models are thoroughly developed on test and racetracks by GM's Performance Division, and it shows. Zero to 60 zip is in the 6.2-second range, while fuel efficiency remains frugal at 23 EPA city mpg, 29 highway.


With the bottom-rung ION 1 discontinued, 2006 IONs are available in ION 2 and 3 sedans and coupes, and this hot Red Line coupe. Base engine is an energetic yet frugal 140-hp 2.2L Ecotec four available with standard 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic. Newly available on ION 3 models as part of an Enhanced Performance Package, which also includes tighter shocks and a bigger front stabilizer bar for more nimble handling, is a 170-hp 2.4L variable valve timing (VVT) Ecotec.

Red Zone

A new family of radios features flush design and chrome accents with an input jack to accommodate portable audio players and a digital signal processor for improved sound quality. Uplevel systems offer speed-compensated volume, up to 36 station presets (each set of six can mix AM, FM and XM together), MP3 folder and playlist access and a Music Navigator that enables sorting of MP3s by artist or album. Standard on ION 2 is AM/FM stereo with CD, while ION 3 and Red Line add MP3 capability. An optional upgrade adds six-disc, in-dash CD, MP3, speed-compensated volume and the Advanced Audio System 160-watt amplifier with six premium speakers. XM Satellite Radio is also available (in continental U.S.), and a new combined XM/OnStar antenna eliminates the previous need for two separate antennas.