Ford Focus vs Saturn Ion
The Ford Focus is more fuel-efficient at 27 MPG combined, against 25 MPG for the Saturn Ion. At EPA assumptions that is about $200 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Ford Focus | Saturn Ion | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 1,224 | 962 |
| Most reported problem | Electrical system | Electrical system |
| Crashes and fires | 70 and 23 | 64 and 4 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 55,000 miles | 72,000 miles |
| Recalls | 1 | 5 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 27 MPG | 25 MPG |
| City and highway | 24 and 32 | 22 and 30 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $2,500 | $2,700 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 1,224 complaints for the Ford Focus and 962 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: 1 for the Ford Focus, 5 for the Saturn Ion.