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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  Love My Sky - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Nicole - December 11 - 2:00 pm

  I love driving my Sky. It handles quite beautifully! I get good mileage and I drive 30 minutes to work then 30 back! I love the look of the car! There are few things I would change.

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  I Absolutely Love This Car - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Colleen - November 29 - 11:46 am

  I originally saw the Sky on a poster in the dealership when I had my Saturn Ion in for service. I asked my salesman how I could get one. He said that they were backordered but I could get order one that day and get on the waiting list. It took 9 months for the car to arrive, I counted the days off on the calendar. When they called to tell me it had arrived I was exxtremely excited. This car is a blast to drive, it handles great, looks amazing and is totally awesome. I have had people follow me and pull up next to me to find out what kind of car it is. No one can believe it is a Saturn. My Sky which is midnight blue, with black leather interior and black top is the best.

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  Not Dissappointed! - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By Larry B - November 23 - 6:03 pm

  Love this car! Beautiful with plenty of power and great handling. Had a 280Z and Porsche 944 both of which which I liked and drove for many years, but the fully loaded Sky Redline is a lot more fun, and way more sexy! Some of the interior design features and lack of storage space take getting used to, but the positive aspects of the car far outweigh what for me are relatively minor inconveniences. The leather seats are very comfortable with electric vertical control. Door lock controls are fine. Steering wheel mounted controls are small but completely adequate. The top and windshield have a somewhat chopped look which limits visibility some, but looks great with the top up or down. Fun car!

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  My New Sky - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By JimA - November 8 - 7:06 pm

  My wife and I were drooling over this car since we fist saw it at the auto show last year. We knew then we wanted one, it was to be a fun car only and not a daily driver. We waited a year for the prices to come down and mark up to go away. The car is quite quick for being non turbo, I recomend the manual trans, I drove the auto in the test drive, it was no where near as fun. This car is not purchased to be practical, I have a Toyota for that. I dont know why all the automotive journalists dont get the point. The manual top adds to the fun. So what about trunk space, if we need it, we dont drive the Sky.

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  Almost Perfect - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Chris1112 - September 20 - 8:46 am

  This car is amazing and really turns heads. It handles amazingly well, even if it is slightly underpowered for a sportscar enthusiast. The Redline version has more horsepower and better fuel economy, so theres little reason not to get one instead. There are minor convenience issues to note, like the hard to read gauges and limited cargo room. If thats nothing you cant handle, then I highly recommend grabbing one. Of the several dozen Sky owners I have contact with, not one regrets their purchase.

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  SKY- Upscale Roadster for the Common Man - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By VUETH1S - August 25 - 7:36 am

  Colossal value. Thoroughly enjoyable to drive around. Interior a pleasure to sit in. Quick, nimble, excellent road hugger. Solid and tight. If youre 6-4 probably need something bigger.

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  Overall - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Kay Rose - August 5 - 1:50 am

  I also have a Lincoln Towncar and I would rather drive my Saturn Sky any day, but being I live in Mich I store it during the winter. I love the way the car handles, the style and the comfort. The only thing I dont care for is where the extra cup holder is located as I tend to bump it with my elbow while driving which opens it. Many people have stopped me and asked what kind of car it is and it has also been mistaken for a Corvette. I would like to have the option of getting an automatic roof but wouldnt give up the car for the little inconvenience of manually raising or lowing the roof as it is really simple and made so it is only a one person car.

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  Comparing roadsters - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Sky Lover - July 24 - 4:46 am

  I own a Miata, A BMW Z4 and a Sky. I much prefer to drive the Sky over the others. I would compare the ride and handling very similar to the Z4 and fun to drive with the Miata..the best of both worlds. I would like the Sky to have a little more power although it is adequate if you keep the RPMs up. The fit and finish is very good and the car has been trouble free. The trunk space is very limited, especially with the top stowed. It would not be conducive to long trips where a lot of luggage was needed.

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  Its a Looker - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Alan Mc - June 28 - 2:20 am

  The Sky Redline has plenty of power, the handling is super. It is a little rough riding, on bumpy roads, but with the top down on a smooth road, it cant be beat. The style makes heads turn and wonder, its a Saturn. Yes it is and I am very happy.

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  Nice car...bad example - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By Sean - May 17 - 11:35 am

  So...most reviews on these cars are great. I would know since Ive wanted one the day they came out. That was in middle school. I saved and saved and finally bought a very nice condition Sky Redline. Looks immaculate. Being a college student I took the safe road and purchased a sports car with realiability to back it (according to numerous reviews). WRONG! At least in my case. This car has been in the shop longer than its been in my driveway (unless we count the time it isnt running). The Chevy dealer I bought it from cannot locate the issue. It stalls, the fan stops working occasionally, my blinkers dont work when they want to...its an electrical problem. DO NOT do what I did and automatically figure its a sound car...test drive it multiple times, have it inspected and be skeptical. Obviously my car is the one in a million with severe problems (and none of which documented in multiple different VIN history reports) but just be aware so you dont end up like I did. I kmow these cars are great cars...mine just happens to be junk! I dont want this to happen to anyone else. When I read reviews I never once saw a post like this...it gave me a strong sense of security. I just want possible buyers to realize its possible for these cars to be junk. Im not sure what the previous owner (there was only one) did to this vehicle but it must have been pretty bad. Unfortunately they knew how to upkeep appearance and make a wolf in sheeps clothing and I got the short end of the stick.