In 2003, General Motors' Saturn marque introduced the Saturn ION, a compact car built on the GM Delta platform. Replacing the Saturn S-series, the ION came with a 140 hp (104 kW) DOHC Ecotec I4 engine. Its instrument panel was mounted on the top center of the dashboard, rather than behind the steering wheel.
The ION is available in both sedan and coupe forms; the coupe is known as the "quad coupe" due to its two rear-opening "suicide doors" behind the front doors. Customers can choose between a Getrag F23 5-speed manual transmission and an Aisin AF33 5-speed automatic. In 2004, the ION gained the high-performance Redline variant with a supercharged engine, as well as the VTi continuously variable transmission.
The 2006 ION received a redesigned exterior to give it more of a resemblance to the 2007 Saturn Aura and Saturn Sky roadster. The long-rumored 170 hp 2.4 L I4 engine with variable valve timing was added to the ION3. Furthermore, in 2005 the ION-1 base model upgraded its seats with new fabrics and a height adjustment feature.
In addition, the GM 4T45-E automatic transmission replaced the 2003-04 Aisin 5-speed automatic used in the sedans and the 2004-on quad-coupes, and the VTi transmission used in the quad-coupes from 2003 to mid-2004. The ION also switched from a speed density system to a mass air engine control unit, and an acoustic engine cover was added to reduce engine noise.
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