Honda Civic vs Saturn Ion
The Honda Civic is more fuel-efficient at 30 MPG combined, against 26 MPG for the Saturn Ion. At EPA assumptions that is about $350 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Honda Civic | Saturn Ion | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 1,710 | 1,537 |
| Most reported problem | Engine | Steering |
| Crashes and fires | 108 and 21 | 72 and 7 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 60,000 miles | 67,000 miles |
| Recalls | 13 | 4 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 30 MPG | 26 MPG |
| City and highway | 26 and 36 | 23 and 32 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $2,250 | $2,600 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 1,710 complaints for the Honda Civic and 1,537 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 Civic, 4 for the Saturn Ion.