Overview & Reviews

Before Saturn bit the dust as a result of the 2009 GM bankruptcy fiasco, the Saturn Sky brought some welcome warmth and interest to the brand following years of lackluster products. A two-seat rear-drive roadster with a manually operated convertible top, the Sky rode on a platform shared with the Pontiac Solstice.

The Saturn Sky offered a respectable amount of bang for the buck, and its exterior styling turned heads almost as reliably as an exotic's. It also generated some serious speed in turbocharged form. Unfortunately, the Sky lacked refinement, and its reputation for reliability was also suspect. We would not recommend the Sky as a used-car purchase.

Most Recent Saturn Sky

The Saturn Sky was a compact two-seat convertible produced from 2007-'09. It was available in two trim levels: base and Red Line. Standard equipment included the expected powered accessories, air-conditioning, a manual cloth top, 18-inch wheels, stability control and a limited-slip differential (as of 2008), and a six-speaker CD audio system ('08 saw the addition of satellite radio). The hot-rod Red Line model was similarly equipped but boasted unique interior and exterior accents, Bluetooth and a sport-tuned suspension with performance tires to go along with a high-output turbocharged engine.

The standard Saturn Sky roadster came with a modest 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine developing 177 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. The Sky Red Line featured a 2.0-liter four that cranked out 260 hp with the aid of a turbocharger, direct injection and variable valve timing. Both transmitted their power through a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic.

Inside, the Sky's wraparound dash and high door sills surrounded the driver. The transmission tunnel was unusually wide, which could put the squeeze on oversized occupants. When it came time to drop the top, we found its operation remarkably fussy by modern standards. Lowering it required the driver to turn a windshield latch, pop the rear deck lid with a button inside the glovebox, then get out of the car and manually fold the top down into its well before securing the rear deck lid.

In reviews, we found the Sky's driving dynamics to be subpar. Ride quality was acceptable for normal daily use, but the base 2.4-liter engine was only adequate in terms of acceleration and refinement, and the manual transmission was sourced from the Chevy Colorado pickup truck (and felt the part). The Red Line could really scoot with its turbocharged four, but it sounded strained at full throttle. Moreover, the Sky was a rather blunt instrument when driven hard on twisty roads. The steering lacked feel, and the overall experience was less enjoyable than what's provided by the Mazda Miata.

User Reviews:

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  2009 Sky Redline Collectible - 2009 Saturn Sky
  By Mark S - October 12 - 6:29 pm

  Not only is the 2009 Saturn Sky Redline a blast to drive, it’s also turning out to be a great investment. The 2009 was the last year of the Sky sold to the public. It had modern features like Bluetooth that earlier versions did not have. There are very few 2009 Redlines out there, and they have become quite sought after. If you can find one it’s the best of both worlds….great to drive on sunny days, and a great investment as well. Turning out to be a fun hedge against inflation…..

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  Make Mine Sky - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By tom w. - May 11 - 5:33 pm

  I considered several roadsters before selecting the Red Line Sky. I knew soon as sat in a display model that his was it. My Sky is powerful and handles curves beautifully. I love the way it handles in town as well as on the road. I waited several months after placing my order but the wait was worth it.

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  Great roadster with pzazz - 2009 Saturn Sky
  By M LeVan - November 27 - 9:00 pm

  Yes - Its an Orphan now!.. Too bad GM wasnt able to keep Saturn viable - So now The Sky is a collector car, and an exciting one at that. Sure, the interior and dash are plasticy, and theres hardly a place for sunglasses or 2 cups of Starbucks, but my God what a looker!..I knew the the top action was a little Rube Goldberg and the trunk is almost non-existent. But, after I drove one and checked it out, Wow! Plenty of grunt, nice quick steering, firm, sporting suspension- exhaust note a little timid, but sounds nice when you can hear it. And that styling..This is balls out the greatest. I owned a bunch of notable and not so notable cars. Raced some of them at Watkins Glen and Lime Rock.

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  Styling is all this has to offer - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Insane Driver - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I must say im dissapointed in this vehicle. Leave it to GM to again take a good idea and mess it up. The interior layout is terrible,and the cheap plastics dont help it any. The way the top works is a terrible design.Their are stories going around GM dealers about how the rear ends go out in the vehicles,which mine is already making noise,and how the tops begin to leak terribly. These cars look nice and thats about it. My CX7 gets almost the same MPG, and its a SUV, what gives? The power window buttons are in a place so you have to bend your elbow to find them and it seems that GM tried to hide the seat recliner. Cupholders are also in terrible places.2 years in development,and GM builds this?

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  Great looking car-Faulty parts - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By drmechem - September 1 - 8:56 am

  Love the way the car looks, turns alot of heads and gets alot of compliments.

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  Beautiful, but much to be desired - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By DnTnSC - November 18 - 7:56 pm

  Overall a great little car. Fun to drive, great handling, good power, and the car definitely turns heads! On the road it gets around 31 mpg, 24 to 26 in town driving. However, it does have some flaws. After owning for a year, it developed a very loud squeak in the front end (during cold weather) that Saturn cant find. Its noisy at high speed, and when you really get down on it the acceleration should be smoother. The dash developed a couple of different rattles after a year. The passenger side cup holder is a waste - it breaks if you use it (mine has been replaced 3 times). The window controls are not positioned well, and it has no room for any cargo at all.

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  Get groovin - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By 2007 Saturn Sky - January 3 - 5:46 pm

  Its quite the looker with plenty of pep for the pound. I bought this car for my wife after thirty years of marriage. This is the only automobile ever that she has ever seriously asked to own. She without a doubt is in love with this vehicle. I do get to drive it to the dealer, gas station, places of the like. However she lets me ride in it along with her when we just want to get some air and excitement when spectators take that second look at one of the finest vehicals on the North American continent. The only drawback is the closing of the convertible top. The alignment pins more often do not locate themselves into the debit as they should and this has caused the weatherstrip to tear.

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  Great to Drive but failure in warranty - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By Bonnieb4 - April 19 - 6:46 am

  This car does turn heads everywhere I go. Kids walking to school give me a thumbs up. People stop me to ask about the car... still! The handling in the mountains is awesome. It corners with plenty of power, no need to downshift with this machine.

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  Mini Caddy-Corvette - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By JohnPBFL - April 14 - 11:43 pm

  This Red-Line is beautiful and handles like a dream. A little rocket ship. Designed with Corvette features and Cadillac style for half the price of those more expensive convertibles. Truly exceeds Honda, Porsche, and Toyota on style. Quality rivals all the top imports. A true collectors must- have.

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  Not a Mini Van - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Jim - April 14 - 10:50 pm

  Driving this car is totally addictive. In my opinion the most beautiful car on the roads today. While consumer mags complain about the lack of trunk space, mechanicaly operated top, and poorly placed window and seat controls, they fail to mention that this is a roadster not a minivan. They sell those in the same lot by the way, at about the same price. After 13,000 miles I have adjusted to all of its so called "flaws". Of course, if you still want to put the top up with a touch of a button, SLKs are only $25000 more, of course, they dont look as good as a Sky, but then again, what does?