Chevrolet Impala vs Saturn Ion
The Saturn Ion is more fuel-efficient at 26 MPG combined, against 22 MPG for the Chevrolet Impala. At EPA assumptions that is about $450 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Chevrolet Impala | Saturn Ion | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 1,378 | 1,124 |
| Most reported problem | Electrical system | Electrical system |
| Crashes and fires | 80 and 34 | 78 and 6 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 70,000 miles | 70,000 miles |
| Recalls | 4 | 8 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 22 MPG | 26 MPG |
| City and highway | 19 and 29 | 23 and 32 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $3,050 | $2,600 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 1,378 complaints for the Chevrolet Impala and 1,124 for the Saturn Ion. Complaint counts depend heavily on how many of each vehicle were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a less reliable car.
Safety recalls on file: 4 for the Chevrolet Impala, 8 for the Saturn Ion.