Honda Accord vs Saturn Ion
The Honda Accord is more fuel-efficient at 26 MPG combined, against 25 MPG for the Saturn Ion. At EPA assumptions that is about $100 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Honda Accord | Saturn Ion | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 2,384 | 962 |
| Most reported problem | Transmission | Electrical system |
| Crashes and fires | 189 and 23 | 64 and 4 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 88,000 miles | 72,000 miles |
| Recalls | 13 | 5 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 26 MPG | 25 MPG |
| City and highway | 23 and 31 | 22 and 30 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $2,600 | $2,700 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 2,384 complaints for the Honda Accord 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: 13 for the Honda Accord, 5 for the Saturn Ion.