Saturn Ion vs Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is more fuel-efficient at 46 MPG combined, against 26 MPG for the Saturn Ion. At EPA assumptions that is about $1,150 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Saturn Ion | Toyota Prius | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 1,537 | 1,690 |
| Most reported problem | Steering | Lighting |
| Crashes and fires | 72 and 7 | 110 and 7 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 67,000 miles | 50,000 miles |
| Recalls | 4 | 6 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 26 MPG | 46 MPG |
| City and highway | 23 and 32 | 48 and 45 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $2,600 | $1,450 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 1,537 complaints for the Saturn Ion and 1,690 for the Toyota Prius. 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 Saturn Ion, 6 for the Toyota Prius.