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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  Summer Fun - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By NYSKYGUY - January 5 - 9:56 am

  Saw the Sky in ads so I called to find that the dealer had 11 alotted to them. So I orderd mine over the phone. That was in Feb 06. On May 9th I got a call that my Sky was in. May 11th I picked it up. From that day it has been great. People stare and ask what it is. It gets a crowd at car shows. Well worth buying. I plan on buying the 08 Saturn Sky RL. Great second car for summer fun.

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  Joy - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By toothpick - January 2 - 1:53 am

  Unrivaled joy squeezed from a too small price, from an overburdened manufacturer. Like the fawn struggling to its feet, this fleet phantom hope sprints across the woodside barely seen and deeply hoped for.

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  My fun car - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Thom - December 15 - 4:03 am

  I am so pleased with my new Sky. I got it as the result of the person that ordered it was not able to do the finance when the car arrived at the dealership and I happened to be at the right place at the right time. Everywhere I go I get a thumbs up or questions about the car with everyone saying it is really hot. At my age I love the attention and consider it my poor mans Corvette. My license plate reads - I SKY

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  Great Ride - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Marion - November 6 - 3:03 pm

  This is by far the most fun I have had in a car in a long time. Not only does it look unique, but is zippy and super fun to drive. It handles like a true roadster and with a smaller engine gets pretty good mileage. A real head- turner! The interior is small and definitely not made for anyone over 6 tall, but the set up puts everything right at your finger tips. Check the trip mileage, oil life and remaining miles on your gas fight on the steering wheel as well as cruise and radio controls. Climate control, just as easy. Trunk is small, but if you are creative there is a lot of room for bags and things. Top is easy to take down and put up. Good job Saturn.

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  Owner review of 2008 Sky Redline - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By Longmont-sky - October 17 - 12:00 pm

  This car is very fun to drive! Has great acceleration and reminds of "space mountain" at Disney world. Handling and cornering are incredible. Who says you need to slow down when going around a 90 degree corner! Pretty good gas mileage as well. I can get 33mpg on the highway and in the city I would say 24-25mpg if youre not too much of a lead foot.

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  Thank You Saturn - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By Stephen - October 5 - 2:26 pm

  I was at a car show while on business in Birmingham, Al. I called my wife and insisted that she go online to check out this car. The next day she was at a dealership in Fort Lauderdale and by the time I got home she owned this car. I cant stop driving it because its just so much fun. Forget about the negative reviews, you must drive for yourself. The trunk space is not bad. We used a soft luggage and was able to pack enought stuff for two days. The 3 hour trip to Keywest was just awesome, fun, exciting, and we had to flip a coin on who was going to be the driver. The OnStar (turn-by- turn), XM radio, and telephone (great reception) is just great. Saturn you did great on this one. A+ baby.

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  Wow - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By IndyBlueSky - August 15 - 9:56 pm

  Sky is a hoot to drive, an aboslute joy. It does turn heads and draws a lot of attention, not for shy people. Power is acceptable, interior quality OK, seats are great. It is just like the commercial "That is a Saturn"?

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  Blast off in the Sky - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By TexSon - August 11 - 12:06 pm

  The Sky is a blast to drive. The acceleration is good, if you need a bit more downshift and you get what you need. I have not had any problem passing when I needed too, or getting into traffic when required. I imagine that the 260 hp Redline would just get me a lot of tickets from the law enforcement folks around here. While you may want more power, I don’t know how you can improve on the handling. It sticks like glue to the road. That line from Pretty Women, “tell your friend it drives like it handles like it is on rails” fully applies to this car. Go around a 90 degree turn, drop it to second and floor it and it sends you down the road like it is suppose to.

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  No Problemo - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Smitty - August 2 - 11:23 pm

  I own a Honda, Jaguar, and a Saturn. I find myself driving the Saturn Sky Redline for enjoyment. It is pure fun. Of the line it is a terror! In my life I owned to many cars to list. These include a 442, 340 Dodge swinger, Turbo Buick, etc. Now at 60 years old I can compare more easily than when I was 30years old. You will not regret a Sky Redline , if you can buy one. It has features that compare to 40-50 thousand dollar cars.I bought my Redline Sky new,the dealer added a Fugita F5 Competition Cold Air Intake System, warranted for one year. I added a Borla Exhaust. This combination only skyrockets your enjoyment. I was looking at specs for other cars but keep coming back to the Red.

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  Redline Sky, What a blast! - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Landscape - June 26 - 10:30 pm

  I considered several models when I decided to get my first "roadster". I decided on the Saturn Sky based on several factors, the power, performance suspension, and looks are what sealed the deal. This car is an absolutely great way to spend the day, or evening for that matter. The Sky hugs the road like velcro and the turbo kicks it to the next level. The only real drawbacks are the window switches should be more forward on the doors, and the seat should have more lumbar support. The visibility with the top up is a bit restricted, but you dont buy this car to drive with the top up very often. The Sky Red Line boasts that it is quicker than the Boxster, I believe it. What a blast.