Forbes' Greenest Vehicles for the Year

[SVOboy]

http://www.forbes.com/vehicles/2007/...greencars.html

[cfg83]

SVOboy -

Nice to see the (last plastic clad) Ion in the list, even if it is at the tail. If Saturn had tried, they could have created a 30/40 (old school) MPG Ion easy.

CarloSW2

[rh77]

Originally Posted by cfg83

SVOboy -

Nice to see the (last plastic clad) Ion in the list, even if it is at the tail. If Saturn had tried, they could have created a 30/40 (old school) MPG Ion easy.

CarloSW2

My experiences with the Ion are "Less-than-Ideal".

Saturn isn't what it used to be -- the Ion represents a feble attempt to replace the entry level SL1 model with a poorly constructed, oddly designed "piece". Saturn is in a state of flux -- changing from a past of simplicity and a solid following, to a more luxurious brand, similar to what we lost with Oldsmobile's passing, but more unique, and younger than Buick. It should bode well for GM, but in the meantime, we've been stuck with these half-hearted attempts.

Granted, the SG is in the Center of my dash with the clock, but the Ion's center mounted tach and speedo makes little sense as the primary gauge view. Build quality has also deminished and the unique powertrains have been replaced by GM's corporate 2.2L "Ecotec" line. The 1.9 is gone...

I would take it over a Ford SUV Hybrid, but I'm not impressed. I'm waiting for the Opel Vectra replacement to make its entry -- but again, no option for the smaller or Diesel varieties.

RH77

[cfg83]

RH77 -

I know, that is why I never really got close to getting one.

But I can put up with alot. If it was 30/40, I might have one in my Garage right now (I love suicide doors).

The Ecotec does exist as a 2.0, but, as usual, not here (I am not counting the Ion Redline because it is not a GasSaver).

CarloSW2

[ELF]

Missing cars.... toyota yaris,corolla, honda fit, regular civic. to name a few all get better mileage than the hybred suv's. Although that kind of mpg looks pretty good for a suv.,

[SVOboy]

The rating was done based on emissions standards including particulates and things besides carbon, so I wouldn't say they are "missing," they just don't have low enough emissions.