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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  Im a Star in my Sky! - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Star in my Sky - December 7 - 8:33 pm

  Yes, folks its all that youve heard and more. Ive been complimented by people driving everything from a Porsche to a Bentley Continental (yes, you read that right). People cant take their eyes off it, and I cant keep myself out of it. After only 8 weeks Ive already got close to 5k miles on it -- its that fun to drive! I knew up front about its power deficiency and I have yet to be disappointed by its performance. Then again, Im not attempting to race all these sports cars that sidle up next to me on the freeway in an attempt to goad me into a race.

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  Love this car - 2009 Saturn Sky
  By dcfvaxman - December 5 - 5:53 pm

  I love driving this car. I got a comment today from another driver that pulled up next to me. He said, what is that thing. He couldnt take his eyes off of it. Mine is a bright yellow which is a real eye catcher. A design flaw is that not enough tolerance was designed between the engine hood and the open drivers door. If you shut the hood with the door open, that will hit and chip off the paint.

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  Great Car! - 2009 Saturn Sky
  By Sky Rider - October 24 - 8:20 pm

  The manual top is lightweight and easy and quick to put up and down. The mileage is actually better on the Red Line - they got it backwards. And most people get better mileage than the EPA estimates. I average 32-35 on the freeway and about 26 in town. You want to have fun & meet people - then buy a Sky ! People flock to it.

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  Sexy car, Great Look! Everyone asks what it is - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Deb Christopher - October 20 - 2:50 am

  The wait was worth it. Pictures do not do this car justice. Sexy, sporty and unique best describe this car. The price is unbelievable. No one believes how resonable it is. The common question is what kind of car is it. When told Saturn, they are surprised. Dont be. I owned an SC2 and was pleased with the reliability and how inexpensive it was to own. I will never sell either car. My SC2 is my winter car now and my Sky my summer toy! Im in love with my SKY My license plate says it all "Fly Away" in my sky.

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  10 for the Roadster! - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Bolton - October 15 - 5:13 pm

  This car is fun, fun, fun! I was skeptical at first because I couldnt see the side of the vehicle when I was driving, then I finally figured out that I didnt need to see the side by turning my head because I could see the whole side in side mirror. I am a teacher and my students are fighting over who will drive it to the prom!

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  Great car, Fun to Drive - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Craig - October 15 - 4:53 pm

  I have had my Sky for 4 months, and have 12,000 miles on it now. I bought the chili pepper red with black interior. Handles great. Everywhere I go, it turns heads. Have to take extra time everywhere I stop because of people wanting to look and talk about it. I havent had any problems with it at all. Only taken it to the shop for oil changes and tire rotation. I am getting about 28mpg average. This surprised me. I love this car!

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  WOW, its a Saturn? - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Katie - September 2 - 3:56 am

  Overall this car is amazing value for the money! Its quieter than I expected on the inside, due to extra padding on the inside of the soft top. The gas mileage is great if you can stay out of max turbo-boost, which is hard to do! And it is so comfortable. The looks this car gets from luxury car owners is amazing! The car performs very well, has great pick up. I did opt for all the options and it was well worth it. The monsoon system sounds great, and having 6 disc CD in dash as well as XM radio really does come in handy. The stability and traction control systems work great. It really is like driving a Corvette.

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  Best bang for your buck - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By oceans221 - July 29 - 6:53 am

  I purchased my Sky about a week ago. The sales staff were extremely easy to deal with and made the deal happen within minutes. Although these usually go for about $1,500 - $3000 over sticker they let it go for $500 over as they had 2 on the lot, very rare. I love the car. Everywhere I go I get positive feedback on both its looks and its affordability. This car is definitely the most car for your dollar if youre shopping for a sports car on a budget that doesnt look like youre on a budget.

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  Best Sports Car Value - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By SkyRider - July 21 - 9:46 pm

  Ive had my Sky for 10 days and loving it. I stand there looking at it (like everyone else) and shake my head saying, "I cant believe this is a GM product." Saturn hit this one out of the ballpark and with minor exceptions, is the best value of any sports car on the market. In other words, this car looks like a $50-70,000 sports car. Thats what people say, thats what they think, and Im embarrassed to tell them how much it really cost. In fact, from now on, Ill just go along. The comment I hear the most driving around (mostly men pointing and telling their wives/girlfriends): "Thats the new Saturn!" My only regret: Ill be driving it in the winter.

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  Wonderful Sky RL - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By agm226 - July 11 - 4:06 pm

  What a great car! Fun to drive and look at. People always ask what kind of car it is! Bought special Sky luggage that fits perfect in trunk. Not a lot of room inside but geez its a convertible! Want more room? Buy a bigger car! Bought saddle bag to hold the little extras. Absolutely love everything about the car! Even the manual top!