From the Windsor Star: The Ion replaced the four-door SL and two-door SC coupe models as the cornerstone of the Saturn small-car lineup. Both the Ion sedan and Quad Coupe, so called because it came with small, clamshell-style rear openings, used plastic body panels to fend off dings and dents.

The Sacramento Bee reported earlier this month that GM will pay owners of Saturn Ions and Vues equipped with continuously variable transmissions.

With the 2005 model year just around the corner, SaturnFans.com has assembled a list of the rumored changes to each of Saturn's existing models. Look for a more complete - and official - list to be posted online as soon as it becomes available.

SaturnFans.com has learned that at a press conference earlier this week, Gary Cowger, GM President of North America, hinted that GM plans to "change" the Ion later this year. While Cowger did not elaborate as to what changes are coming for the 2005 model year, interior and exterior updates are likely in store.

Last week Saturn unveiled its all-new 2005 Relay sport van to the media in a virtual press conference. For the first time we were able to get an official look at what we could expect from Saturn's upcoming minivan. However, with availability of the Relay still almost a year away, Saturn didn't share all of the details about the new model.

General Motors announced the names of its four new crossover sport van (CSV) entries that will debut as 2005 models. Delivering an optimal blend of mid-van versatility with SUV-like attributes, the new models take the segment in a new direction and help GM compete across a broader range of the highly competitive people and cargo-carrying marketplace.

In an e-mail sent out to registered members of the My Saturn website, Saturn Corporation revealed yesterday morning that it will announce the name of its upcoming seven passenger van in Las Vegas at a retailer conference on September 8th.

GM told retailers at the 2003 National Auto Dealer Association (NADA) convention that Saturn and Buick will get minivans in 2004. The announcement, made by General Motors Vice President John Middlebrook on Sunday, indicates further commitment by GM to grow the Saturn brand. Saturn's minivan will arrive in the third quarter of 2004 as a 2005 model.