Ford Taurus vs Saturn Ion
The Saturn Ion is more fuel-efficient at 25 MPG combined, against 21 MPG for the Ford Taurus. At EPA assumptions that is about $500 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Ford Taurus | Saturn Ion | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 1,524 | 962 |
| Most reported problem | Suspension | Electrical system |
| Crashes and fires | 78 and 20 | 64 and 4 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 78,000 miles | 72,000 miles |
| Recalls | 3 | 5 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 21 MPG | 25 MPG |
| City and highway | 18 and 26 | 22 and 30 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $3,200 | $2,700 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 1,524 complaints for the Ford Taurus 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: 3 for the Ford Taurus, 5 for the Saturn Ion.