I have the same problem on a 1993 saturn

sl1 and ion are NOT the same car the only thing that will work from the ion are the rims sorry for the bad news

saturn shifter bushing repair kit. sold at parts stores and eBay for about 20 bucks

You have a slave cylinder for this trans. Pump the clutch pedal 25 times with the engine OFF. Then start it and try shifting it into each gear while parked. If this make it work your slave cylinder needs to be replaced

is this a manual or an automatic, either way it seems like a internal transmission problem

pull trans side cover & replace input & output shaft nuts retorque install new gasket top off fluid

2nd gear & reverse share the same clutch.You probally have a loose Input shaft nut that needs retorqued.Located in the endcover of trans.You will need a gasket,fluid & a manual.Re-Torque to 110ft lbs

Saturn says and I quote

there transmission fluid is not to be changed after the first change at 6000 miles.

Now I say it should be changed at every 30000 miles. If changing out the fluid doesn't work then you need to go to a transmission repair shop.

Your tranny is shot. I had the same problem with a customers car came down to having to replace the tranny

im pretty sure your transmission is going out on the car.you say it wont move in reverse and has hesitation going forward...id say start looking for another transmission or another car

Have you checked the transmission fluid level?

Alex
www.cas411.com