but the interior styling wasn't for me. I didn't like the materials that were chosen for the interior, and I even managed to give myself shivers after rubbing the seat fabric.

With regards to the gauge cluster placement...I don't think it's fair to compare against the ignition placement on a Saab. You turn the key once, and don't have to look back every few seconds. With the gauges in the centre, you find yourself doing more side-to-side eye movement vs. up-and-down movement, which felt uncomfortable to me. Maybe I would get used to this, I don't know. For the record, I never had any problem blocking gauges in my previous S-Series with the tilt wheel.

For the record, I'm all for innovation as long as there is a rationale behind it. Being odd for the sake of being odd doesn't make sense to me, which is why I can't understand certain things about this car. The pillar colour for one, and some of the placement of buttons (door power lock for one). I have never liked multicolour paints (black tops, or 2-tone paints) because I think they make the car look too busy, but that's my own personal choice. Others may not agree, and that's fine. That's what's so great about the automotive marketplace right now...the ample selection.

I give Saturn total credit for mass-marketing a customizable interior. I'll admit ignorance on my part, since I wasn't aware that there were matching interior bits to compliment the exterior (free hint to Saturn marketing department...advertize this!).

I had high praise for the mechanicals of the car. It drove better than I thought something in this price range would. The transmission worked well with the engine, and the suspension was composed.

Finally about the Echo comparison (and I don't understand why you blast my comments but then simply state that the Echo is a dorkmobile)...these cars have similar sticker prices, so for Joe Blow consumer who wants a commuter car, you better believe that they would check out the Echo.

I wasn't blasting Saturn, I was just commenting about what I liked about the car, and didn't like. If user feedback about Saturn's innovations isn't wanted, then I'll just remain quiet.

Cheers,

Mark :-)

posted by 129.97.4...

• Loaner review...'03 Saturn Ion 2, FrozenSaab, Tue, 2 Sep 2003 19:55:06
  • Saturn bites back...I return the Ion...but..., FrozenSaab, Wed, 3 Sep 2003 15:31:04
  • From clean 96's to the Ion......, Mike Lynch , Wed, 3 Sep 2003 11:43:12
  • "Transportation Appliance", Brian, Wed, 3 Sep 2003 09:22:10
  • Re: Loaner review...'03 Saturn Ion 2 (LONG), Atul, Wed, 3 Sep 2003 08:41:35
    • Echo had center gauges first..., bRAD, Wed, 3 Sep 2003 10:00:50
      • How does it reduce eye strain?, FrozenSaab, Wed, 3 Sep 2003 10:16:15
        • Hey, I don't make it up..., bRAD, Wed, 3 Sep 2003 12:47:08
    • I didn't hate the car, and it's a vast improvement..., FrozenSaab, Wed, 3 Sep 2003 09:02:51 <-- Viewing This Message
      • Follow-up, Atul, Wed, 3 Sep 2003 10:20:04
        • No RHD Saturns?, bRAD, Wed, 3 Sep 2003 12:49:55
        • I for one love the centre window switches..., FrozenSaab, Wed, 3 Sep 2003 10:37:02
      • Re: I didn't hate the car, and it's a vast improvement..., D.H.A.P., Wed, 3 Sep 2003 09:41:34
  • Re: Loaner review...'03 Saturn Ion 2, SHinZ, Wed, 3 Sep 2003 07:32:29
  • Re: Loaner review...'03 Saturn Ion 2, GM, Wed, 3 Sep 2003 06:53:12
  • Thanks for the review and pics! nm, Redmilk, Wed, 3 Sep 2003 06:31:01
  • its a crying shame..., compaqted, Wed, 3 Sep 2003 05:57:01
    • It's a great bargain!, FrozenSaab, Wed, 3 Sep 2003 06:19:21
  • auto locking doors (+), Trev, Wed, 3 Sep 2003 05:48:18
    • Sorry, I like them, phred, Wed, 3 Sep 2003 09:41:44
  • Yep, I agree with your comments concerning, Annie, Wed, 3 Sep 2003 05:34:11

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