Ion vs. SL/SC

Kirk has, maybe he can comment...

...the '05 replacement of the Chevy Caviler called Cobalt is built on the same platform as the ION.

1) Noise - The ecotec engine is much more refined than the SL2 dohc engine. Less noisy, more power. Rather nice. The gas mileage of the ION is slightly (about 10%) worse than the SL2s in my estimation.

2) Handling - I like the way that the ION handles. However, I'm not a spirited driver.

3) Acceleration - The ION feels quicker. I REALLY like the CVT on the coupe - you stomp on the gas and the engine goes to full power and stays there.

4) Spooky center panel. - I admit that I was a bit wary about it. However, I actually like it. There is NEVER a problem with the steering wheel getting in the way of seeing the display. And, I'm 43 years old and a bit far-sighted. The instrument panel being about 9 inches farther away makes a noticeable difference in the time and effort needed to focus on the speedo and back onto the road.

If you have any more questions, let me know. - k.

Thanks. How? Noise? Handling? Acceleration? That spooky center instrument panel?

-----Original Message----- From: Kirk Kohnen [mailto:bite_me_spammers@who_knows.net] Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2003 3:34 PM To: Chris Leithiser Subject: Re: Ion vs. SL/SC

My wife and I each had a 97 SL2. I had a manual, and she had an automatic.

We bought two ION 3s. I got the quad coupe, she got the sedan.

The ION is a vast improvement over the SL2.

----- Original Message ----- From: "Chris Leithiser" Newsgroups: rec.autos.makers.saturn Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2003 9:08 AM Subject: Ion vs. SL/SC

I can not comment but given the 180K miles you racked up, could you detail your repair expense and the state you live in?

Wes

2001 SL1 60 payments to go...

Central California. Major repair expense to date was replacement of the water pump three times, and some battery failures. Had regular oil changes and service during first 100,000 miles or so, did the 100k service at 130,000, shortly after a minor rear-end collision (I did the colliding). Had some trouble with the EGR valve plugging recently.

Due to personal circumstances put many hard miles on the car in the past year, including a 2-3 month stretch with over 1000 miles per week over the Grapevine pass into LA and back, and got too lax in keeping up the maintenance. Developed a rod knock that I'm babying while shopping for a replacement.

Strongly considering buying an '02 SL2, but I'm open to the Ion, which I admit I haven't seen close-up or test-driven yet (this afternoon, if all goes well.) I was honestly trying for 200,000 miles but, like the "one-hoss shay," too many systems are starting to show the strain.

I'm curious how the 0-60 numbers stack up. I thought the ION CVT I test drove felt like a turd compared to my 95 SC2. It definitly felt slower than my SC2 and also my g/f's 03 Cav with the Ecotec(and stickshift)........