I have a 2006 Saturn Ion. The motor starts chugging and acting like it is going to die after driving for about 5 miles. Accelration is barely there and it is shifting hard. what is wrong?

Have your alternator check out!

Well, longer oil change intervals all insist on enough oil. you cannot just keep going without checking it ROUTINELY.
I am not sure about the "thought I needed more oil" either it measured low or it did not....However, situations like you describe would not usually cause engine damage, and oil would not cause no start. I suspect that something else has happened, and I suggest that you get your vehicle towed to your mechanic, tell him all of the details and have it diagnosed.
Change your oil evey 2,500 to 3000 miles, it is cheap insurance.

Possibly loose or dirty battery connection

the electric power steering motor is going bad,the motor is about $100 not installed,thats the issue bad motor,easy to fix

very possible the fuel pump. have fuel pressure checked.

My car has had these symptoms. And just yesterday I started smelling gas. I will get it checked immediatly. If it is that I will file for a recall also.

i just had the same issue . . .I have been having starting problems with my car (2006 Saturn Ion) and smelling gasoline. It turns out the hose connected to the fuel pump was cracked and leaking gas. The mechanic said that this is a safety issue and should be recalled. He feels that the one hose is not connected and harnessed properly and the vibration to the hose eventually caused the crack. I googled "Saturn 2006 Ion fuel leak" and several other people have had the same issue. What is also the major problem here is that the hose is configured with the fuel pump itself. So, the entire mechanism had to be replaced. It cost me 700.00 for a cracked hose because the fuel pump had to be replaced and my car only is 46,000 miles. This is a major safety issue. I drove for 2 weeks with a car that was leaking fuel. Saturn must know about this and is waiting for the same situtation to happen, but for the car to blow up instead. PLEASE IF YOU ARE READING THIS CAUSE YOU HAVE THE SAME ISSUE . . . . contact the office of defects and the NHTSA . . .This is a saftey issue and a recall needs to be in affect . . .

remove electronic power steering (EPS) motor. remove the 4 bolts that hold on the motor housing. remove the housing. using a tooth brush, clean out the 'brush' dust from between the commutators. don't use cleaner spray as you might degrease the bearings. don't use anything metal to clean out the dust you might scratch or nick the commutators.

this solution has worked for over 500 miles for me. I'll keep you posted.

Welcome to Fixya! I have heard this A LOT about this car. Are you still under Warranty? You will need to take it in for a Recall and Repair.

you should check the main fuse its the large one you probably blew it and hopefully not the ecu.