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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  A lot of fun for the money - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By Cam - December 17 - 5:42 pm

  I havent had my 2008 redline very long but I really enjoy driving it. Easy to see out of and fairly comfortable (Im 6 210 pounds). The car is not fast in my opinion but I guess it depends on what you are used to. The car is very simple which is good and I think this body style will hold up well over time. I have read where people say that putting the top up and down is difficult. I have to wonder how these people function in life as this top operation could not be easier. So far I have replaced both VVT solenoids which is par for the course on a GM. This is just a fun car for my girlfriend and I to take to the lake and it should serve that purpose well.

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  Saturn Sky - A Winner - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Shagguy - March 28 - 6:33 am

  Excellent vehicle. Very satisfied. Corners very well, average pick up off the line. I was not looking for a racing vehicle. I wanted a fun car and I got it. I have owned Corvettes and RXs. This rates right up there in the fun to drive category. Thanks Saturn !

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  Love My Sky - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Nicole - December 11 - 2:00 pm

  I love driving my Sky. It handles quite beautifully! I get good mileage and I drive 30 minutes to work then 30 back! I love the look of the car! There are few things I would change.

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  Not Dissappointed! - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By Larry B - November 23 - 6:03 pm

  Love this car! Beautiful with plenty of power and great handling. Had a 280Z and Porsche 944 both of which which I liked and drove for many years, but the fully loaded Sky Redline is a lot more fun, and way more sexy! Some of the interior design features and lack of storage space take getting used to, but the positive aspects of the car far outweigh what for me are relatively minor inconveniences. The leather seats are very comfortable with electric vertical control. Door lock controls are fine. Steering wheel mounted controls are small but completely adequate. The top and windshield have a somewhat chopped look which limits visibility some, but looks great with the top up or down. Fun car!

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  My New Sky - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By JimA - November 8 - 7:06 pm

  My wife and I were drooling over this car since we fist saw it at the auto show last year. We knew then we wanted one, it was to be a fun car only and not a daily driver. We waited a year for the prices to come down and mark up to go away. The car is quite quick for being non turbo, I recomend the manual trans, I drove the auto in the test drive, it was no where near as fun. This car is not purchased to be practical, I have a Toyota for that. I dont know why all the automotive journalists dont get the point. The manual top adds to the fun. So what about trunk space, if we need it, we dont drive the Sky.

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  Midlife Crisis - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By Anonymous - August 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Sky, I owned a base model which was no. 850 off the Saturn line. I love the car and the only bad points are lack of storage space and ease of entry and exit, thats it. Good points, styling, handling, ride, yes ride it rides better than my 2004 Acura TL, ask my brother. Reliability, well dont have enough miles to judge that just yet but my first Sky only had a small differential leak recall (mine was not leaking but repaired under warranty) thats it. My current Redline only has had the door latches replaced under warranty. Saturn actually came out with a new design. No squeaks or rattles and quiet for a convertible. Pack lite, stay flexible, highly recommended.

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  Awesome car - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Eric Bowman - July 29 - 4:46 am

  It is a lot of fun to drive and everybody looks when you drive by. I am very surprised at how much head room is inside for the driver. Ive been in bigger cars that dont have this much room. The handling is like driving on rails. The seats are very comfortable. I have 2 problems with this car. The first one is the controls for the mirrors and windows are too far back to reach comfortably, and the second is my wife wont let me drive it very much. But all in all it is a great car!

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  Why pretend you care how it peforms? :) - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Maven - February 25 - 11:36 am

  Lets face it: if youre thinking of buying a Sky, its because youre in love with the body. Its the Supermodel of Roadsters: you know its superficial, but you still want to date it. Theres really no beating the Sky in terms of a sexy, affordable convertible. Yes, the Miata performs better. You dont care. Yes, the ergonomics are bad. You still dont care. Its sexy, its affordable... GO BUY ONE. You wont regret it.

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  Who needs therapy - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Shpchngr - June 6 - 4:56 pm

  ...when you have this car. I love it! I have never had a convertible before. When I put the top down and drive down a country road...every day is a good day. It has been a major conversation starter every where I go. Starts out...what kind of car is that and then there is astonishment over it being a Saturn. I have taken a 5 hour trip in it and packed everything I needed for a weekend in the trunk. That being said, this is a second car so there is a bigger vehicle available for longer trips (but not nearly as much fun).

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  Sky review - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Susan Musulin - March 16 - 2:53 am

  I have restricted insurance curently on this car that stops on Dec 15th so I have only had a short time to drive it but during that time, I have thoroughly enjoyed the car and the drive. I only wish that it had more storage space for traveling. People stop and ask me questions about the car because it is such an eye catcher, so it is an easy sell based on its looks. So far I have totally enjoyed the car.