2004 Saturn Ion Red Line Quad Coupe Road Test

The ION is also quite light at only 1,338 kilos (2,950 pounds), so this thing hauls. But because it was so light, and the

The standard 5-speed manual transmission was quite stiff and the throttle very sensitive - one tap and the car was flying. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

throttle so quick to react I ended up spinning the tires more than I would have liked to, needlessly attracting unwanted attention to myself in the electric blue Quad Coupe.

I found that the clutch on the standard 5-speed manual transmission (with no option for an automatic by the way) was quite stiff and the throttle, as mentioned, was very sensitive - one tap and the car was flying.

The performance-tuned suspension with stabilizer bars made the ride stiff but yielded impressive handing in corners. I pushed the Red Line to redline when executing turns and it remained extremely stable. Also, the standard P215/45R17 summer tires combined with 17-inch aluminum sport wheels gripped the dry

The Red Line just seemed to be too practical to be considered in the realm of rival tuner coupes. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

roads with confidence. When the rain came, though, the tires were not as tenacious.

The car's four doors, hence the name "Quad Coupe", were among my favorite features. Don't get me wrong, the engine is more than sufficient, but the ease at which I could put all my belongings in was great. It just seemed to be too practical to be considered in the realm of rival tuner coupes, which will either be a boon or a bane to prospective buyers depending on individual priorities.

Other practical standard features offered on the Red Line are 4-wheel power-assisted disc brakes with ABS, plus air conditioning, cruise control, power door locks and windows, dual front airbags and halogen headlamps.