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:

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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!

• 

  1st Sky owner in the area. - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Charles - May 19 - 4:26 am

  Though Ive only owned for a week now, the car is great. You cant stop without a crowd gathering to look at the car. Even the Solstice owner have admitted the love the styling and quality. Wish the top was easier to handle but you get use to it. Styling is the #1 catch. Best money Ive spent. Options such as tonneau cover and car cover are overpriced. Will soon buy another one for the wife.

• 

  This car is fun - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By BRW - May 6 - 11:16 am

  Fun to drive. Great to look at. It is beautiful. Fun to see other folks turn their heads when I drive by. It is not a muscle car. I describe it as peppy.

• 

  Sky High Performance - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By OConnell - April 26 - 8:20 am

  This car is a great performance vehicle. It handles great in the rain and has a lot of pick up. This car is one to own. This is the future of small convertibles

• 

  Little Ole Lady Driver - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Njinks - April 22 - 8:56 am

  This late manufactured 2007 vehicle is a love to drive! Unless your clothing can be rolled up or a wear & toss type, trunk space is limited as is the 3 cups holder. Driving with the top down did not hamper conversation even at 80 mph. I had the most problems with the automatic phone connection due my accent! Ive ordered a 2008 turbo therefore if this vehicle had not met my expectations and more, I would not continue to be a Saturn Sky owner. Very easy to drive and shifting never did present a problem.

• 

  Saturn Sky - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By vpp982 - March 8 - 1:30 pm

  The car is beautiful and fun to drive. Everyone I meet loves the car instantly. I recommend this car for anyone who loves to drive!

• 

  Excellent value roadster - 2009 Saturn Sky
  By Ron - February 28 - 9:26 pm

  Overall the Sky has excellent performance and a good value for the price. Some of the other convertibles I test drove had large blind spots when the top is up and I felt the Sky was better than others in this regard (face it, youre going to have to have top up sometimes). Highway mileage has been better than EPA estimates. The Sky Red Line is a blast to drive.