2003 Saturn ION 3 - An Impressive Step Forward
To look at it parked on the street in front of my house, Saturn's new ION 3 sedan looks like it should be worth much more than its humble $20,150 base price tag reflects. Maybe it's the rich burgundy paint scheme Saturn calls Cranberry, highlighted by the classy metallic gray arcing roof rails. It could be the attractive chrome grille that does it. Or maybe it's a combination of everything. One thing's for sure, it makes a styling statement the outgoing S-Series can't match.
To be clear the ION 3 that I'm referring to is Saturn's top trim level designation, ION 1 being base and ION 2 bridging the features gap. The 3 includes all of the regular ION features such as theater-style rear seating, variable-ratio steering, adjustable rake steering wheel with multi-function switch, 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks, and height-adjustable front shoulder belts with pretensioners. It also includes the body-color door handles, air-conditioning, power door locks, mid-level fabric trim, a height adjustable driver's seat and a CD player, part of the ION 2 package.
But separating itself from the pack the top-level ION 3 additionally offers fog lamps, body-color side view mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels and tires, an upgraded console with an adjustable armrest, enclosed storage and dual front and rear cupholders, silver faced gauges and top-level fabric trim. What's more it includes cruise control, power windows, power adjustable mirrors, remote keyless entry with a security system and panic alert, and an AM/FM/CD/cassette audio system with auto tone control, auto reverse music search, seek and scan, plus ETR and 4 premium coaxial speakers as part of the package.