Saturn Ion
24.4 MPG The 2007 Saturn Ion is EPA-rated at 24.4 MPG combined (21.4 city / 29.8 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 615 gallons, $1967 a year in fuel, or $0.131 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2003–2007 run it averages 24.3 MPG, essentially flat across 5 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.102 | $1025 | $1537 | $2049 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.123 | $1230 | $1844 | $2459 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.131 | $1311 | $1967 | $2623 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.143 | $1434 | $2152 | $2869 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.164 | $1639 | $2459 | $3279 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.184 | $1844 | $2766 | $3689 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.205 | $2049 | $3074 | $4098 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 24.4 MPG | 21.4 | 29.8 | $2930 | 365 | 5 |
| 2006 | 24.4 MPG | 21.4 | 29.6 | $2930 | 365 | 5 |
| 2005 | 24.3 MPG | 21.3 | 29.3 | $2783 | 366 | 3 |
| 2004 | 24.3 MPG | 21.3 | 29.3 | $2738 | 367 | 4 |
| 2003 | 24.3 MPG | 21.3 | 29.3 | $2567 | 365 | 3 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 227 compact cars models tracked here, the Saturn Ion ranks 106 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: BMW 335i (24.5), Cadillac CT4 AWD (24.5), Dodge Omni (24.5), Plymouth Horizon (24.5), Acura TLX FWD (25).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 365 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.5 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Saturn Ion get?
The 2007 Saturn Ion is rated at 24.4 MPG combined by the EPA — 21.4 city and 29.8 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 24.3 MPG, ranging from 23 to 26 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Saturn Ion cost in fuel per year?
At 24.4 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 615 gallons — roughly $1967 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.131 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2007 model is $2930.
Has the Saturn Ion become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 24.4 MPG today against 24.3 in 2003 — essentially flat across 5 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Saturn Ion efficient for its class?
It ranks 106 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 2.2 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.