Against 257 other 4-cyl cars rated 2005–2007, the Ion beats their 24.3 mpg average by 1.7 mpg, about $103 a year.
Every Saturn Ion engine, compared
The Saturn Ion was rated in a single specification, so its gas mileage does not vary by version — only by model year. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 22.8 / 31.6 | 2003–2007 | $1,488 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Ford Focus gets 27 mpg, the Hyundai Accent 29 mpg and the Mitsubishi Galant 21.2 mpg, next to 26 mpg for the 2007 Ion.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2007) | $0.123 |
| Fuel per year | $1,477 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,385 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2005–2007 | −$103 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,420 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2007 Saturn Ion gives up 9 mpg in town: 32 on the highway against 23 in the city, $470 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2007) | 23 mpg | $1,670 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 32 mpg | $1,200 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9 mpg (39%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Ion changed over the years
The Ion peaked in 2007 at 26 mpg (23 city, 32 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2003 at 25 — 1 mpg apart, or $59 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 23 / 32 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2006 | 23 / 32 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2005 | 23 / 32 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2004 | 23 / 32 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2003 | 22 / 30 | 1 | $1,536 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 5 EPA ratings of the Saturn Ion — 1 engine across 2003–2007. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,420. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2007 Saturn Ion get?
26 mpg combined, 23 city and 32 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2003 the Ion has averaged 25.8 mpg.
Is the 2007 Ion more efficient than the 2006?
About the same: 26 against 26 mpg combined.
Which Ion year has the best gas mileage?
The 2007, at 26 mpg combined (23 city, 32 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the Ion get better gas mileage than the Ford Focus?
No: 26 mpg for the 2007 Ion against 27 for the 2008 Ford Focus, about $55 a year more to run.
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