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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  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.

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  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.

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  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

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  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.

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  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!

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  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.

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  Yellow & Not A Lemon - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Yellow - February 20 - 1:56 pm

  I actually brought my ION in for an oil change & saw the redline. I called my wife told her the hood opens up backwards. We test drove it on her birthday for 2 minutes & all she said was I want a yellow one. 3 months waiting was worth it. I have now had this car a year & after reading complaints I have come to the conclusion that 2 seat roadsters are not for everyone. If you want an eye turner that is the biggest bang for the buck with both looks & performance to match, this is it. If not buy a sedan. Saturn has my attention.

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  Awesome - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Vinny - January 4 - 11:50 pm

  I love the performance, handling and total driving experience. The better then expected fuel economy was a surprise. The super tight suspension and supreme handling keeps all four wheels firmly on the road. Its low end torque allows the car to jump off the line.

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  A Future Classic - 2009 Saturn Sky
  By Roadster 2.4 - December 22 - 9:56 am

  The Roadster is a fantastic car. I beleive that this car was never build as a Sports Car it was built to be Sporty and it does it extremely well. I can honestly say that driving the Roadster brings a smile to my face and makes me feel good. I do not need a car that does a million miles an hour, I like a car that not only is well built and reliable but also looks good (I admit it) the Roadster fits the bill and more. If you can find one buy it! if you have one, keep it!

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  Beautiful, but much to be desired - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By DnTnSC - November 18 - 7:56 pm

  Overall a great little car. Fun to drive, great handling, good power, and the car definitely turns heads! On the road it gets around 31 mpg, 24 to 26 in town driving. However, it does have some flaws. After owning for a year, it developed a very loud squeak in the front end (during cold weather) that Saturn cant find. Its noisy at high speed, and when you really get down on it the acceleration should be smoother. The dash developed a couple of different rattles after a year. The passenger side cup holder is a waste - it breaks if you use it (mine has been replaced 3 times). The window controls are not positioned well, and it has no room for any cargo at all.