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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  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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  Loved the car, but.... - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By wheeker - December 4 - 1:14 pm

  I bought my 2007 Saturn Sky (base) in February 2011. I loved the styling, handling, and performance so much! I just recently traded my car in for 2010 Mazda 3 though. Why would I do such a thing you ask? Well, it was a hard decision, but the idea of putting MORE money into the Sky was not what I wanted to do right now. I needed more room too. I used it as a daily driving car which was great for a while, but became annoying and a hassle when I couldnt even put a bag of cat litter in my trunk. This is a great second car. As an everyday car it becomes a hassle at times. I loved my Sky, and I miss it, especially knowing Ill never get another one, but at least I can say I owned one!

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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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  Next to my Vette its a fun ride - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By Dale - November 4 - 5:13 pm

  I tried both the base engine and the turbo and the difference was very pronounced. My 64 Vette 327-365 HP 4 speed is a fun ride but my 73 year old left leg is getting weak. The automatic in the Sky is plenty fast and the old leg is quite comfortable. Top up or down this little baby is as fun to drive as my other baby a 1949 MG TC which is a 4 speed. To complete my passion for neat cars I have a 2002 Trans Am convertible with an automatic just as a backup. The Sky is a perfect runabout vehicle and the future is here. Side mirrors are questionable and the lack of a decent console storage box is apparent but Ill just get used to it. Great car Saturn and it really draws looks from the Solstice

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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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  RedLine - not worth it - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By turbojim - September 17 - 11:43 pm

  I waited almost a year for this car. Im very disappointed. It looks really cool, but thats about it. Its broken down already. I never had a turbocharger before and Ill probably never buy one again. It seems like it makes it more prone to breaking or maybe its just because its a GM. I love the way it looks, but its not that fast considering its power rating and turbo. Everything feels like plastic junk inside. It rattles all the time. Its not worth the cost or the wait.

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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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  2007 Sky Redline - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By stromodus - August 4 - 10:40 pm

  A blast to drive but a really long waiting list to buy. Interior is uncomfortable, cheap hard plastic. No trunk (you already know). This car is a toy, not a road-warrior for commuting. Dont drive it in rain or snow unless you want to spin into a ditch or tree. Make sure you have a garage to park it in!