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 - 2009 Saturn Sky
  By Loving IT - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Great car. I bought this used with 8030 miles on it. The Sky is a great sports car, fun to drive and people just stare when you pass them on the road. The trunk space is fine, it is a small sports car. Why didnt Saturn advertise this car more? GM should pick up the Sky and keep making more of this model. Gas mileage is great, top is easy to put up and down, just a great little sexy car for a grandma who is turning 60. Find one, buy one.

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  Great Performance and Fun in a Looker - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By JP - December 27 - 9:20 am

  This is a great car to drive. Its fun and delivers on performance, both in acceleration as well as grip and suspension on the twisties. And it looks like a million bucks. After a year and half on the road, I still get shouts of "nice car" or thumbs up from pedestrians and drivers alike. Like any roadster, it does have its blemishes here and there. So if you demand high end fit and finish, take a long look before you buy. But if your main focus is performance, fun, and looks, this is a perfect 10. I dare say you will not find a better roadster on the market today in this price range.

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  I was sold a Lemon! - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By teresa - November 25 - 11:53 pm

  I bought a Red Line Saturn Sky last May. I ordered my car thinking I was getting a great car with alot of performance, WRONG! I have had this car in the shop 7 times out of 9 months. First it was the fuel pump, then my battery, telephone wont work correctly, and I cant pick and hold radio stations and now its hesitating when I accelerate. I have had nothing but problems with it. When I took it to get fixed, the dealership scratched my car and had to get it repainted. I paid Cash for this car, and if I had financed it-they could have the Lemon back! The company wont stand behind their name or buy this back from me. I have bought 3 brand new cars from Saturn! Not ever again. Teresa

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  My Sky - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Jack - October 1 - 6:30 pm

  At 6 it is snug but not uncomfortable and very much a fun car to drive. Very stable on the curvy roads and for a small engine it is suprisingly quick and very fast. This is my fifth sports car and it is great. Using soft luggage you can pack for a week for two with the top up. Should have a six speed for lots of fun!

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  Its good to see GM is reviving - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By Peter - September 13 - 10:40 am

  This car looks and drives like a mini Vette. If you are looking for a mean toy machine, this is it. Its chassis is stiff and the visibility is not the best but after all it is a pure sports car and all the rest is excellent; looks, power, fun, speed. Mind you I paid $55k for this car in Europe but it was worth it. If I were in the US I would buy two so you should at least buy one.

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  Midlife Crisis - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By Anonymous - August 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Sky, I owned a base model which was no. 850 off the Saturn line. I love the car and the only bad points are lack of storage space and ease of entry and exit, thats it. Good points, styling, handling, ride, yes ride it rides better than my 2004 Acura TL, ask my brother. Reliability, well dont have enough miles to judge that just yet but my first Sky only had a small differential leak recall (mine was not leaking but repaired under warranty) thats it. My current Redline only has had the door latches replaced under warranty. Saturn actually came out with a new design. No squeaks or rattles and quiet for a convertible. Pack lite, stay flexible, highly recommended.

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  Awesome car - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Eric Bowman - July 29 - 4:46 am

  It is a lot of fun to drive and everybody looks when you drive by. I am very surprised at how much head room is inside for the driver. Ive been in bigger cars that dont have this much room. The handling is like driving on rails. The seats are very comfortable. I have 2 problems with this car. The first one is the controls for the mirrors and windows are too far back to reach comfortably, and the second is my wife wont let me drive it very much. But all in all it is a great car!

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  Still Turns Heads - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By Thomas Watkins - June 5 - 8:23 pm

  Love my Sky Redline!!! Still a looker; great fuel economy, cheap to maintain. Fast, fun, extremely reliable. Turns heads everywhere I go, & people still ask "what kind of car is that?"

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  Turbo"nized" Toenail Trimming - 2009 Saturn Sky
  By DocB - May 17 - 7:16 pm

  We reviewed several kinds of two seat roadsters before deciding on the slick looking, turbo charged Saturn Redline Sky. SHARP! Coupled with a new IPod and some appropriate ZOOM ZOOM music, we have thoroughly enjoyed evening cruises. With GREAT gas milage too! While not our main source of enjoyment - you cant help but notice (and HEAR) the repeated ongoing attentions of others - some mistake it for a Corvette due to front end styling - but for 20,000 grand less? Why not? Its a great, fun car.

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  Dreammaker - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By SKYZIG - May 13 - 12:03 pm

  I have always dreamed of owning a real sports car. Ive looked at them all. I picked the Saturn Sky based on appearance, standard equipment, performance and Saturns reputation for quality, not to mention the affordable price. I have not been disappointed in any aspect. I can only apologize for those accidents that may have happened by other drivers attention being drawn away from their driving. I have never been approached by so many strangers in my life. My wife and I take turns driving it and we both not only feel but act younger than our years now. Driving in the Rocky Mountains has taken on a whole new experience. I first drove the 2.4 liter. I bought the Red Line. Indescribable!