Vibe vs ION

[BaseVibeDriver]

With GM geting into the tuner market, the vibe will get the aftermarket SC and the ION will have a SC engine factory installed rated over 200HP.What would you do? Upgrade the Vibe or get the ION with the factory warranty.

[d_m_kolb]

Buy the base Vibe and install a West Covina turbo and be looking at around 235 WHP. That's what I plan to do anyway.

[Flip-Side]

Saturn always turns out "Bulletproof" powertrains and I have always been impressed with their reliability and performance. Though the 1.9L Twin-Cam engine is still rated at 125HP (same through 1991-2003), it was surprisingly fast in the sport coupe. My 4-door Saturn was faster than the Vibe any day with over 200,000 mile on her. You'll have to beef up the inards on the Vibe with that turbo, and you won't with the ION, meaning less money and time consumed.I hear good things of ION....but I think its ugly...oh well....

[d_m_kolb]

Just a little update I'll have info and a picture of a new model Vibe Pontiac is going to show off at SEMA that is supercharged, lowered, sport suspension, larger wheels etc on Nov 4. (Monday)I can't release any other info right now.

[Frosty]

No 5 door hatchback = no Ion for me.

[DVader]

I'm actually considering the ION. I currently drive a '96 SL2 (my wife drives the Vibe!) and I like it. I'm looking forward to seeing Saturn's concept cars at SEMA this year. The ION-EFX should be a strong indication of what the tuner coupe will look like. A 200+ hp 4-door coupe would fit nicely in my garage next to our Vibe!

[d_m_kolb]

The ION really shouldn't even be compared to the Vibe since it's in a different class and is a totally different type of vehicle. I personally feel the same way about it as I do the Sunfire. It's just fugly.quote:ION·EFX PROVIDES GLIMPSE OF SATURN ION QUAD COUPE'S PERSONALIZATION POTENTIALMany show cars excite the imagination, but are far beyond practical means of attainment. Not so with the Saturn ION·EFX quad coupe, which is packed with licensed performance and style accessories that will be available at Saturn retailers in early 2003."Many young buyers would rather buy an affordable vehicle up front, and then accessorize to make their vehicles a reflection of their own personalities," said Stephen Lovett, Saturn specialty vehicle planner. "The ION·EFX quad coupe is a realistic car, showing how easily you can personalize the new ION for a modest investment."The ION quad coupe - so-called because it is the first car to feature dual rear access doors - was designed with clean, fluid lines, presenting an excellent canvas for customization. The ION·EFX was shown for the first time at the 2002 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show.The exterior of the ION·EFX quad coupe boasts ground-effects by Xenon, including both front and rear fascia extensions and side skirts. A California Dream rear spoiler and lowering springs by The Progress Group along with an ION Red concept paint scheme by BASF contribute to the ION·EFX's strong visual statement. The ION quad coupe's versatile interior packaging contains a folding front passenger seat. The ION·EFX's interior trim also includes aluminum performance pedals and shifter by ATA/Autotechnica.The ION·EFX quad coupe features personal accent exterior and interior accessories, including: Carbon Fiber roof rails, along with matching Carbon Fiber trim bezels for the center-mounted instrument cluster, shifter, HVAC and radio control panels, and remote keyless entry fob. On production ION sedan and quad coupe models, personal accent accessories will be available at Saturn retailers in Leopard, Blue Bubble, Brushed Steel and Carbon Fiber.An HKS performance intake and cat-back exhaust help increase air flow on the standard 2.2-liter, 140-hp Ecotec inline four-cylinder engine, improving performance for a powertrain that already provides a sporty launch feel and strong passing performance.Saturn Service Parts Operations worked closely with leading aftermarket accessory manufacturers who designed the accessories to assure a great fit with the all-new ION. The 2003 ION sedan will debut early in the fourth quarter, while the ION quad coupe will be introduced in early 2003. Vehicle accessories will also be available in retail facilities in early 2003.SATURN ION·EFX QUAD COUPE VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS:Ground effects by Xenon - front fascia and rear fascia extensions and side skirtsLowering springs by The Progress GroupCalifornia Dream rear spoilerAluminum performance pedals and shifter by ATA/Autotechnica Carbon Fiber personal accent accessories including roof rails and trim bezels for center-mounted instrument cluster, shifter, HVAC and radio control panels, and remote keyless entry fobAccessory tray for folding front passenger seatEcotec 2.2L I-4 engine with HKS performance intake and cat-back exhaust systems for increased air flow and performanceION·EFX-exclusive paint and graphics schemeION Red concept paint by BASF Now the Sunfire they will be showing at SEMA is a different story.

[Flip-Side]

GROSS!!! It looks like Sunfire's physically deformed, mentally retarded brother! It makes the new Sunfire not look so bad. I love Saturn...but they better do better than this. I feel insulted just lookin at it....both these concepts are horrid.

[abe98gt]

quote:GROSS!!! It looks like Sunfire's physically deformed, mentally retarded brother! It makes the new Sunfire not look so bad. I love Saturn...but they better do better than this. I feel insulted just lookin at it.... LOL! Gross is exactly the word that popped in my mind!

[DVader]

Oh my God that Sunfire is hideous! Please tell me that is a one-time styling exercise just for the SEMA show. When are they going to kill that thing and bring out something good?

[Vibe Rater]

The Sunfire/Cavalier project is way too old. The only way to get GM to finally axe it is for people to STOP BUYING IT! There was a plan to replace the Sun/Cav many moons ago with the 'Delta Project', but the entire project was killed when the UAW would not agree to any production changes that were required for the Delta to be profitable. So we're stuck with the Sun/Cav for another generation. GM just keeps spewing them out year after year with slight changes to the bumper facias and we keep buying them. Dealers in my area are void of any Vibes while the lots are filled with row upon row of Sunfires, value priced. Leave em' rotting on the lots. Demand a Vibe!

[NovaResource]

The J-body cars (Cavalier/Sunfire) is the best selling car in GM history. People keep buying them because they are good, inexpensive cars.

[rasermon]

quote:The J-body cars (Cavalier/Sunfire) is the best selling car in GM history. People keep buying them because they are good, inexpensive cars.I agree Nova, my wife had a 87 and 96 Cavalier. Damn nice car for its price.

[Vibe Rater]

It should be replaced with something better and cheaper. We have the technology. As long as people keep buyin' em', why should they.

[Flip-Side]

I don't think the Cav or Sunfire are bad cars, just too small to be of use to a family guy. Now a Cavalier hatchback...that would be cool.

[NovaResource]

quote:It should be replaced with something better and cheaper. We have the technology.Why, just because YOU don't like them? I think hundreds of thousands of buyers would disagree with you.quote:As long as people keep buyin' em', why should they.Yes, why should they. People keep buying them because they are good cars. If they weren't, people wouldn't buy them and GM would be forced to change. Don't fix what isn't broken.

[NovaResource]

quote:Now a Cavalier hatchback...that would be cool.The first generation J-body (1982-87) was available as a hatchback but it didn't sell very well and was dropped. The first and second generations were also available as a wagon but again, sales dropped off and was dropped when the current 3rd generation (1995-present) was introduced.

[Fritzburg]

I own i 1998 Z24 Cavy, and it's a totally great car. No problems with it, good power, and i like the looks. The aftermarket is starting to hook on to them finally, but from what i hear, they are ending production in the next few years at the Lordstown palnt and replacing it with something from the Opel brand.P.S. the Ion is ugly, and I have very few positive comments towards any Saturn product. Have they turned a profit yet GM?

[BaseVibeDriver]

I had a '99 Z24. I probably would not have sold it and gotten the Vibe if the supercharger for it had been out a lot earlier. Good car for the money, never had a major mechanical issue.The next generation cavalier/sunfire will probably be an '05 model that will share the same platform as the ION. Also there might be a crossover version, like a RAV4.

[mu_ohio]

I know this is old, but after seeing all the crash test reports and driving a Sunfire GT, I would have to say I will be glad when they are gone. The interior is poorly fit and the looks only get worse.

[Flip-Side]

quote:I would have to say I will be glad when they are gone. The interior is poorly fit and the looks only get worse.Haha. I have always hated the Sunfire. Its a Cavelier with 10 gallons of estrogen pumped into it. Its made to look cute. The ION looks great in comparison.

[TGebiV]

here is what i could find on the ion i think it is ugly and where did you see the supercharged ion at? One of the happiest aspects of the new Saturn is the price. The sedan has an MSRP of $11,995, with three simple trim levels (called 1, 2 and 3) available. The ION1 is a stripped-out base model, but the sub-$14,000 ION 2 has air conditioning and a CD player standard. IONs can be optioned to rival the best competitors, too. Side-curtain airbags, a six-disc CD changer, auto-dim mirrors, and GM's OnStar emergency service system are all available. It all adds up to one of the better small sedans available for 2003. Never thought you'd hear one of us car writers say that about a Saturn, did you?The Fact Box Length 184.5 in Width 67.2 in Height 57.4 in Wheelbase 103.2 in Curb weight 2,766 lb Cargo space 14.7 cubic ft Base price $11,995 Price as tested $0 Engine 2.2 liter 16-valve inline four-cylinder Drivetrain five-speed automatic, front-wheel drive Horsepower 140 bhp @ 5800 rpm Torque 145 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm Fuel capacity 13.5 gal Est. milage 24/32 mpg city/highway All specs are for the 2003 Saturn ION, which we tested.

[daverules]

I HATE the center mounted instrument cluster and that steering wheel.I'd like it with a L-series interior, and the ion exterior.The Ion's instrument binnacle sits atop the center of the dashboard, squarely amidships. Saturn designers say this is better because the driver doesn't have to worry about the steering wheel blocking his or her view of the instruments and because it's less distracting to scan the instruments by glancing to the right, rather than down.the saturn engineer who thought up that should be flogged.

[Flip-Side]

quote:I HATE the center mounted instrument cluster and that steering wheel.I'd like it with a L-series interior, and the ion exterior.Agreed. Horrible idea. The road is staight ahead. At least with normal instument panels, my peripheral vision works in my favor. Where as the ION's center console distracts me by making me look to the side, not to mention the neck aches on long trips from side to side motions. ERG is the best term I believe.

[LawMaker]

I have a question, What is this ion chip thing? I have a 2003 Base model vibe (Automatic), So your saying If i buy this Ion chip thing (put out by Gm, pontiac) I can up the horse power fo my vibe to something like 200? And this chip comes with a warenty? can someone explain all this to be (for my vibe if possible) in lamens terms please. Thanks

[Sputnik]

Canadian Driver posted a review of the Saturn ION today.http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/03ion2.htm

[fennrysha]

This has nothing to do with the engine but what's with the Ion's instrument cluster being in the center of the dash instead of in front of the driver?Seems a little unsafe if you ask me. (Or the first car built specifically for the backseat driver...)

[fennrysha]

Nope. But I hear they are also center mounted...

[QUIKAG]

I rented an Echo while my girlfriend and I were in St. Thomas and it was a fun little car. I rally raced it through St. John. The road went from asphalt to gravel and I dove the car into the gravel the tire blew out. Met some interesting people while I was changing the tire. Anyway, back to the topic, I didn't mind the center cluster. You really should only have to check your gauges periodically and I would prefer to have a more open view out in the front. Also note the BMW Z8 400hp roadster has center mounted gauges. The Mini Cooper has a center mounted speedo. I believe the tach is in front of the steering wheel. I like that idea! Overall, I'm not fond of the Ion, but I'm sure it's a decent car for the price. Plus, Saturn service is great from what I've read and heard.

[baltimore17]

quote: The Mini Cooper has a center mounted speedo. A friend just got his Cooper S about two weeks ago. He mentioned that the central speedo is so recessed that he can't easily see the numbers on the left side of the face. You know, where the needle is pointing 98% of the time.Every time I try to check my speed on a tight turn (like a freeway off ramp), a steering wheel spoke is covering the speedometer. This goes for the Vibe and every other car I've owned. The Ion's upper center mount looks like a great solution and cheaper than a head up display. By the way, the Vibe is now taking my calibrated off ramps at the same speed as the Saturn SW2 did, and they're both about 5 MPH faster than my stiff suspensioned Trans Am was on real world (read that as "crappy") pavement.

[Mr. Poopypants]

I would not buy an ION just because all of the gauges are in the middle of the dash, what was the reasoning behind that? Is it so the backseat drivers can complain about how fast (or slow) you are going?OOPS after further review, this topic has been taken care of already.

[Big_Red]

I looked at the ION and found the interiror had too much plastic.

[TRICKEDVIBEGT]

i would still take the vibe even though the ecotec engine is the best engine out there right now i love my vibe

[viberator80]

the ion will be 240hp supercharged... my roommate works for gm and he brought this car home last weekend... vroom vrooom

[viberator80]

actually the reason why they put the IP in the center is because they took the design from the echo as what was in the future of car design... the reason that the echo has the IP in the center is so that a modular dash can be installed to provide both left and right hand drive cars for us and japan... saturn dropped the ball and bit at this design when it was really just a way to make a cheap car cheaper... the rollerskate... err echo

[progvmac]

Doesn't the center-mounted gauges cause parallax-related problems? We all know what the passenger sees and what the driver sees on the speedometer on normal cars are completely different.To which way would the Err be in the US config (driving on the right side). Slow or fast? I can't think tonight