Walking up to the Ion 3, take note of the sedan’s new chrome-trimmed grille, revised lights, and the machine-finished alloy wheels. Body color roof trim and chrome beltline accents also decorated our test car, and the result is a handsome compact sedan with a generically upscale appearance. If only those panel gaps were tighter.

Inside, though a complete redesign is the real remedy for what ails the Ion’s cabin, Saturn has at least delivered new seats for midgrade 2 and uplevel 3 trims. Our test car came equipped with leather that felt more like vinyl, but the new seats were quite comfortable. Larger and more supportive than before, they also feature a manual pump-action height adjuster that makes it easier to select a decent driving position. Other modifications include new chrome-ringed gauges on the Ion 3, metallic center dash trim for all but the Ion 1 sedan, and a larger steering wheel lifted from the racy Ion Red Line coupe.

Connected to recalibrated electric steering, the new four-spoke steering wheel is far more pleasurable to use. Unlike previous Ions we’ve driven, our 2005 test vehicle exhibited little tendency to hunt and wander, and supplied much improved on-center stability. Only deeply grooved Los Angeles freeways and pavement joints tugged at the Saturn’s substantial and sticky 205/55R16 Firestone Firehawk GTA tires. Suspension modifications result in a smoother ride quality this year, though the Saturn Ion is still taut over bumps and a surprisingly competent handler in corners.

Another update with a positive result is the change from the previous Aisin five-speed automatic to a tried-and-true GM Hydramatic four-speed unit. The Ion shifts more smoothly and predictably, and the new transmission hunts for gears less frequently. This change, combined with measures to reduce noise, vibration and harshness, makes the 2005 Saturn Ion far more pleasant to drive. Plus, it can be flat-towed with the new automatic, which is good news for RV owners who wish to avoid putting their car on a dolly.