All Ions (except the high-performance Red Line) are powered by a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 140 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission is standard. Automatic transmissions are optional ($980).

Three trim levels are available, called Ion 1, Ion 2, and Ion 3. The sedan is offered in all three. The coupe is available in the upper two levels.

The Ion 1 sedan ($11,430) comes with a four-speaker AM/FM stereo, tilt steering, an immobilizing anti-theft system, 185/70 tires on 14-inch steel wheels, and not much else. The windows wind and the mirrors adjust manually. Air conditioning costs extra ($960).

The Ion 2 sedan ($14,380) and coupe ($14,930) also come with air conditioning, a CD player, a more deluxe interior with a driver's seat that adjusts for height, and 195/60 tires on 15-inch aluminum wheels. A convenience package ($825) adds cruise control, power windows, mirrors and locks.

The Ion 3 sedan ($15,905) and coupe ($16,680) add an MP3 player and better speakers, cruise control, selective locking and unlocking with remote keyless entry, power windows and mirrors, and other niceties, plus 205/55 tires on 16-inch aluminum wheels. Leather upholstery ($700) is optional.

Safety features include dual-stage driver and front-passenger frontal airbags. Optional curtain airbags ($395) are designed to improve head protection for front- and rear-seat passengers in the event of a side impact or rollover. The Ion has received five-star/five-star ratings, the highest attainable, in the federal government's (NHTSA) crash tests. We recommend the optional ABS and traction control ($400) as it can help you avoid a crash. Always wear your seatbelts as they are your first line of defense in an accident. OnStar ($695) is available on Ion 2 and 3, an option that enhances safety as well as convenience, with operators that will direct emergency crews to your exact location should the airbags deploy.

A CD player ($290) and CD/MP3 systems and XM Satellite Radio ($325) are available on Ion 2 and 3. The Travel Package ($200) includes a map light, outside temperature gauge, compass, and auto-dimming inside mirror, all useful features A power sunroof ($725) is available for all models except the base Ion 1.

The Red Line coupe boasts 205 horsepower from a supercharged and intercooled 2.0-liter engine. To manage the additional power, the Red Line coupe gets a heavy-duty five-speed manual gearbox from Getrag, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, a recalibrated suspension with a lowered ride height (by 10mm), and 215/45R17 tires on 17-inch wheels. The Ion Red Line is distinguished by unique front and rear fascias, side sills, a rear wing, and Recaro sport seats.