The GM Milford proving grounds were locale for a video I was directing in the late 80's. A rare privilege to be in that hallowed place, however we had the absolute confidence of our hosts. During the shoot my art director and I were taken to a building used to measure interior sound. Off to one side was an absolutely gorgeous 4-door sedan. We were informed it was a Saturn prototype.
What a shame the bean counters or marketing execs rejected this lovely concept in favor of a more conservative design. With such a dynamic entry Saturn might have become the Japanese auto fighter then-president Roger Smith intended.
For reasons irrelevant to this review, I've never driven a Saturn. Yes... I've read the hype about dealer/customer relationships, admired the second-generation styling, liked the original engine's single and double-overhead-cam options. So I expected to be bewitched by the Ion, assuming my attractive blue test car might make me one of the thousands of dedicated enthusiasts who turned the brand into a cult.
Sorry, but that didn't happen. Compared with the competition from Japan and Korea there were too many minor annoyances to make me a fan, and that's a shame, for the Saturn has some very likeable features.
