I've been wondering..what happened to the 5-speed automatic the Ion had before its MCE? Why was it replaced by a unit with one less gear? Is teh four speed more durable or what?

Edited December 9, 200718 yr by Dodgefan

I'm not really knowledgeable on the Ion tranny stuff, but I posted a link to your Q on SixthSphere.com, so I should have an answer to relay to you soon, unless someone on here beats me to it, which they might.

I believe the 5-speed and CVT were both deficient in the reliability category. Thats what I recall anyways. I think the 5a was outsourced (Aisin?) and the CVT was an in-house transmission, but I could be wrong on that.

The CVT had some manufacturing problems early on, but the biggest problem was consumer acceptance. It unnerved people too much when it didn't shift when they expected it to.

The auto was the Aisin AF23, the default transmission for non-Toyota users prior to the new 6-speed autos.

The change over from the 5 speed to the four speed occurred at the same time that the Cobalt was introduced with the 4 speed. That said, there were numerous complaints with the five speed unit. Engine revs would flair up at unpredictable times during shifts. Everyone who commented at the time at the Saturn forums said th four speed outperformed the 5 speed transmission. Better execution?

I hated the CVT in the ION coupe I test drove before I bought mine. I see Ford did away with the CVT when they switched back to Taurus/Sable nameplates.

yeah, the replies I got basically said that the 5 speed auto spent too much time hunting for a gear. Sounds like it wasn't well executed.

I see. That explains why they switched to teh 4-speed unit.