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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  Styling is all this has to offer - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Insane Driver - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I must say im dissapointed in this vehicle. Leave it to GM to again take a good idea and mess it up. The interior layout is terrible,and the cheap plastics dont help it any. The way the top works is a terrible design.Their are stories going around GM dealers about how the rear ends go out in the vehicles,which mine is already making noise,and how the tops begin to leak terribly. These cars look nice and thats about it. My CX7 gets almost the same MPG, and its a SUV, what gives? The power window buttons are in a place so you have to bend your elbow to find them and it seems that GM tried to hide the seat recliner. Cupholders are also in terrible places.2 years in development,and GM builds this?

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  Packed with Power, Loads of Fun - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By RedOne - October 8 - 12:10 pm

  I shopped for several months before deciding on the Sky. I love it! Its a head turner, for sure. Its fun to drive and does not leave anything to imagination. Ive owned sports cars before and the Sky is awesome. The gas mileage is about 26mpg. Nothing but the turbo would do for me! I havent gotten a speeding ticket... yet. Driving with the top down is great but I bought a rear wind screen and its even better. I am a middle aged woman who just earned a Masters degree in Education. I am the coolest teacher on campus. My teenage daughters think its pretty cool to drive moms car!

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  Great looking car-Faulty parts - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By drmechem - September 1 - 8:56 am

  Love the way the car looks, turns alot of heads and gets alot of compliments.

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  Cant find a cooler car - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By pokefun - August 29 - 6:32 pm

  Love this Sky, well designed, solid and afordable

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  Best roadster for the price. - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Donald Perkins - August 27 - 2:26 am

  I have had the BMW Z3, the Porsche Boxter and just turned in my BMW Z4. This vehicle looks better than all of them. The ride is better. It doesnt have the power, but for driving around town it is perfect. No matter where we go people want to check it out. It is a winner!

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  Skys the Limit - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By kustomkaps - August 12 - 3:13 am

  The Sky is such a fun car to drive. The agility is quite good, and it doesnt have the butt pounding shocks like some of the other roadsters. Turns on a dime, and simply feels right when youre driving. Plenty of head room and little outside noise with the top up. Could use more left arm room as the door rest seems too narrow for long range comfort. Very happy with our choice and would highly recommend the Sky.

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  This car is hot! - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Linda - July 12 - 4:20 pm

  I took my new car out last night for the 1st drive and caught stares, wolf whistles, shout outs ("Outrageous car!") and even growls from people passing us and from people on the street. This is a fun car to drive, hugs the curves, rides smooth, is surprisingly comfortble (seems to form- fit my body) and looks much more expensive than its affordable price tag states. So many of the little "extra touches" and features make this car appear expensive - chrome on the inside, OnStar, "wings" coming back from the roof line top, hand controls on the steering wheel, the front lights, Porsche shaped side windows... all nice touches. Great design.

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  Great car, but... - 2009 Saturn Sky
  By lazerbeam - July 7 - 3:13 am

  Mine is the turbo with automatic. The car is really fun to drive. Unfortunately the turbo failed (actually the waste gate servo)with 210 miles. Gets 28 MPG at 65 and 31 at 70 MPH as long as you dont put you foot into it. Use mostly for commute 70 miles round trip on interstate hwy. Primary complaint is the poor ergonomically interior design and lack of a few features. Window and mirror controls are under your elbow, should have been put on door along with electric door lock. Power seat only up up/down though it makes the seat go forward as you raise it up. Have manually adjust it back. Need vanity mirror on pass side. Ride is little rough but seats are very comfortable.

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  Fun for the Money - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By NM FUN - June 5 - 6:23 pm

  We bought the car this weekend in PHX/AZ and drove it 450-miles to ABQ/NM in the most beautiful and awful weather you could have in April. We had the top down and flew thru the AZ mountains, passing 2 Mustangs and 1 Vette that wanted to know more about the Sky. It hung curves and took off into the straights. V6/8s kill you in long straits, but who cares. This car is fun, head turning, and stacked in the handling dept. We had hard/high winds, rain and sleet that the interior handled well. Top is easy to put down for the money. Buy for a 2nd car or if you do not need a trunk. Love the car, but know your space needs. Highs outweigh lows, so far.

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  Drives as good as it looks - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By exstreamliners - May 29 - 12:56 pm

  I owned my Carbon Flash SE for about 2 weeks now. It drives remarkable well. Fast when you want fast. Sound system is spectacular. Everyone stops me wherever I go. I even took it to another Saturn dealership and everyone at the dealership stopped what they were doing to come and take a look. The only downfall to the car is there is no trunk space, I take s suite case now and then. The other downfall is if you have long legs you cant adjust the seats much. I do wish the steering column was extendable and not just a verticle adjustment. Otherwise, it is fantastic!