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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  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.

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  Cute Barbie Car - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Diana - June 25 - 9:03 pm

  I ordered the Sky in Mar 05 and I got my car in July 06. People wave at me and scream "great car". It really is an attention grabber. I love driving it and it really grabs the road. Wish it had more storage room in the trunk. Shopping habits need to change. Luggage doesnt fit! The car is really safe and beautiful. I love my Sky!

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  In Love - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By keylime1602 - June 20 - 11:30 am

  When I first saw the Saturn Sky in late 2005, I knew that I wanted it. Now in 2007, I finally have my dream car and it has exceeded my expectations. Its exceptionally fun to drive and its appearance has a classy sex appeal without appearing too feminine/girlie. The performance is precise with some tricks up its sleeve. Its my first manual car and its been so easy to drive. The cloth top is easy to handle whether going up or down. Do splurge on the leather interior as it adds to the class and overall appearance of the car. Definitely a head turner. Everytime I see a Solstice, Mustang or BMW or insert lux brand name here, I think, "Mine is so much better" and smile.

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  Great car - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By Lou - May 18 - 2:20 am

  The Red Line is a blast to drive. The styling is great and it handles like a dream. I am not looking forward to the day I have to put in the garage for the winter! I had a choice to invest some more money in stocks or to buy some fun. Given what is happening on Wall Street, looks like I made the right choice.

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  Excellent Car with Top Up or Down - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By John - April 22 - 5:06 pm

  Whenever I drive this car it always great. It loves corners like the magna traction racing cars I drove as a kid on the slot tracks, but this is the real thing that I can get into and drive and still have moeny left for gas. Yes the only minor gripe is the limited space in the trunk when the top down is down, but it is a sports car and a good looking one at that. Some people say what do you think about the manual top? and I say it is easy and quick to put it up and down, simple open the doors, move the latch, pop the trunk and shut it, done. I never have to worry about an electric roof motor braking. I have drove a lot of cars and I waited a year to get this one and it has been worth it.

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  Turns heads Everywhere - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Reggie8 - April 4 - 11:06 pm

  I absolutely love the car. Everywhere we go, heads turn as they watch us drive by. I get stopped at the grocery and at the gas station to see what it is and how I like it. If you havent had a chance to drive one, stop by and experience the fun it is and youll see everyone turn to look at you too!

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  Worth every Penny - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By JImTarter - March 29 - 11:36 am

  At 48 years old this car was bought just to enjoy driving. Unlike some low ego emmission cars, you will get stopped by someone asking who makes it. As an American I an proud to say Saturn. Hopefully they wont try over engineer it like Ford did the 1965 Mustang. The Mustang was my first car but I like this Sky better.

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  Its turning heads - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Kenne Dean - March 7 - 12:13 pm

  I live on a small island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and Im causing whiplash, the heads are turning so fast as I drive by. It is a totally impractical car, which is perfect for this island (Lanai, Hawaii). Im so happy I have chosen this car. The design is flawless, the execution less so. Already, after only a month of owning the car, I can see signs of wear on the rubber parts of the roof gaskets. Not a good sign. But I love the car, and wont trade it. Ive already gotten offers to buy it for more than my purchase price. Ive turned them all down, with a smile!

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  redski 1 - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Dave witman - February 27 - 8:03 pm

  I think this car is well designed. When I drive around town, its a real head turner. People ask what is it and who makes it. I put it in a car show last year. There was so many people around it I couldnt get to it, it stole the show. I am going to trade it in for the red line. I hope to pick it up by months end. I only use it on the weekends and only in good weather. There are a few things about the car I would consider looking at. I think the car should have run flats on it by Goodyear. I have a standard transmission, and it dosent shift with ease. Its a little on the hard side. All in all I think its the best roadster.