Teresa’s View

Have you ever met someone you really wanted to like but just couldn’t get over some of their more challenging attributes? I feel that way about this week’s tester, the Saturn ION Red Line.

The ION is one of four Saturn vehicles and is the smaller of the company’s two passenger cars. Introduced in 2003 as a replacement for the S-Series, it’s available as a sedan or “quad coupe” and comes in two main trims – called 2 and 3 – and a high-performance coupe cutie, the Red Line. All but the Red Line get the same 140 horsepower, 2.2-liter inline four-cylinder engine.

The Red Line is an inexpensive pocket rocket based on the four-passenger quad coupe. A healthy list of standard features includes air conditioning, cruise control, CD player and power windows, mirrors and door locks. It’s also the only ION that offers standard leather seats. Well, not just leather seats. These are Recaro sports seats, baby. The kind adored by racing enthusiasts of all stripes.

Ground effects, a front air dam, rear spoiler and new 17-inch alloy wheels announce that this is a fast ride. For safety sake, the Red Line comes with four-wheel anti-lock brakes. Side curtain airbags and traction control are available options. OnStar is standard as of 2006.

Passenger room is impressive for a compact car. Contrary to convention, the Red Line actually has more headroom front and back and more rear-leg-, shoulder- and hip-room than the sedan version. Weird.

On paper the Red Line gets a thumbs up for performance. The all-important power-to-weight ratio is notable and the standard inline-four engine is supercharged to generate 205 horsepower and 200 foot-pounds of torque. Compared to its ION brothers, the Red Line receives larger brakes, a sports suspension and a seriously improved steering system. Add a $1,500 Competitive Package and you have the makings of a tuner kids’ dream machine.

So why do I have a problem liking the Red Line? Despite improvements, the interior is still crammed with too much cheap plastic and fit-and-finish remains below par. Other automotive manufacturers have proven that inexpensive cars don’t have to be crude.

On the road where it counts, the Red Line is responsive in the straightaways, but ungainly in the curves and I never got comfortable with the five-speed gearbox. It just doesn’t flow like some of its competitors.

Bottom Line: The Red Line is a good start for the GM Performance Division. I can’t wait to see what they do with it next.

What Is It?: The ION is an entry-level sedan and coupe from Saturn. The Red Line runs around $21K.

What’s a Quad?: The name refers to the half doors that open backwards for backseat passengers.

Cheat Sheet: Saturn is part of the GM family.

So, Where Are Ya From?: The ION is assembled at Saturn’s plant in Spring Hill, Tenn.