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:

• 

  My Baby - 2009 Saturn Sky
  By Magee74 - June 17 - 11:23 pm

  I have wanted a Saturn Sky since they first were placed on the showroom floor. Once I was on my own with no need for the SUV, I gave in and purchased one. Silver pearl with the premium package, convertible. It certainly turns heads and is fun to drive. I love the car. My only complaint is that there is very little trunk space. The top is manual but not difficult to put up and down by yourself.

• 

  Red line fever - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Larry Porter - May 28 - 2:50 pm

  We picked up our sunburst yellow Sky the last day of April. All I can say is wow. I love this car. Everyone notices it, and wants to ask questions. Everyone stares at it. I get about 40 MPG ( Canadian ) on the highway and mabey 30 city with just over 5000 km on the odometer. There are a few things that need to be changed in my mind. The switchs for the power windows are difficult to reach as is the hand brake. The ride is comfortable, having drove for 3 and a half hours strait was no problem. Lots of power and enough trunk space ( if you can travel light and dont mind washing your clothes to go away for a week ) we did.

• 

  Make Mine Sky - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By tom w. - May 11 - 5:33 pm

  I considered several roadsters before selecting the Red Line Sky. I knew soon as sat in a display model that his was it. My Sky is powerful and handles curves beautifully. I love the way it handles in town as well as on the road. I waited several months after placing my order but the wait was worth it.

• 

  Get Yourself Noticed - Big Time! - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Jayne - May 1 - 1:50 pm

  The first thing you notice when driving the Sky is that you are noticed. This is the sexiest car on the road today bar none. The handling is far beyond my expectations and the torque provided by the standard engine is adequate in my opinion. If you cant afford a Vette get the Sky. Its like driving from the cockpit of a fighter jet.

• 

  GM has a winner - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By stevep - April 27 - 11:13 am

  I like the interior almost as well as the exterior. In 1 word: fabulous! The top is easy to put up and take down contrary to some reports. This is my first convertible, and I expected much more wind noise with the top up, and was pleasantly suprised it was quieter than Id expected. Handling is excellent, and mileage is respectable for what it is, a convertable roadster. Anyone who doesnt like this car either has kids or dogs, or needs/wants too much stuff around them at all times. This car wasnt intended for the masses. Space for two is all I need. The price makes it a real value, and it makes me feel good that GM has finally made a car that generates this much interest from foreign car shoppers.

• 

  Saturn Sky Red Line = Awesome - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By Cajun - March 25 - 5:16 pm

  This car is meets beyond my expectations. This car turns heads and I find people speeding up to see what it is. I absolutely love this car. I car shopped for 2 months and will be the first to say I never thought about going to a Saturn dealership. With the service and the quality car I got, I will always drive a Saturn.

• 

  Great Car - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Teresa - January 6 - 2:06 am

  I could not be happier with the Sky. Mine is yellow. Its great looking, and handles the road. The only thing I wish I had done is gotten the red line and that the top would be power driven. The manual top is not hard to handle, just a nice convience to be powered.

• 

  Great roadster with pzazz - 2009 Saturn Sky
  By M LeVan - November 27 - 9:00 pm

  Yes - Its an Orphan now!.. Too bad GM wasnt able to keep Saturn viable - So now The Sky is a collector car, and an exciting one at that. Sure, the interior and dash are plasticy, and theres hardly a place for sunglasses or 2 cups of Starbucks, but my God what a looker!..I knew the the top action was a little Rube Goldberg and the trunk is almost non-existent. But, after I drove one and checked it out, Wow! Plenty of grunt, nice quick steering, firm, sporting suspension- exhaust note a little timid, but sounds nice when you can hear it. And that styling..This is balls out the greatest. I owned a bunch of notable and not so notable cars. Raced some of them at Watkins Glen and Lime Rock.

• 

  Fit and Finish. Typical GM Quality - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Roy Nakamura - November 24 - 2:50 pm

  Well, Ive done it again. After years of owning Toyotas, Hondas and Nissan I thought Id go back to my roots and but another GM product. I used to only GM products for 20 years and now I remember why I stopped buying them. The build quality and fit and finish is totally garbage. Anyway, my 2007 still looks like a million bucks in the garage.

• 

  Saturn Sky rocks! - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By dsduca - November 18 - 9:53 am

  The Sky is an amazing car despite the claims of some national reviewers. This is a car meant for pure fun bordering on hedonistic, not a sensible car. Who would want sensible when you can be this sexy for under 30 grand. The top is not difficult to put up or down whoever said it was must be used to having everthing done for them. I absolutley love this car.