2003 Saturn ION Sedan - A Radical New Ride
ION. Greek translation? Neuter of iOn, present participle of ienai; to go. Considering its standard 140-hp engine and light curb weight it should go speedily, making this Merriam-Webster's definition spot on. But will it move as quickly out of dealer showrooms? That remains to be seen.
One thing for sure, the ION looks a lot more distinctive than its mid-80s Olds Firenza inspired predecessor. Its design motif incorporates a series of arcs, one for the roofline, another for the front lip of the hood and then another forming the top ridge of the front fascia mirrored by an identical curvature just below on the lower fascia.
The headlight clusters are unique in shape, wrapping around to meet a strong character line exiting toward the rear along the top of the fenders and bottom of the side windows. Another character line looks as if chiseled out of the side bodywork, beginning at the rectangular Saturn logo just ahead of the front doors and oddly ending in the middle of the rear door, once again sporting that familiar arc. The rear doors cut upward perpendicular to the sills melding into another odd design cue, a squared off rear door quarter window. From the rear a heterogeneous mixture of curves and angles give the ION an unorthodox but exciting new look, appearing more imported than domestic.