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 True Roadster - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Skys The Limit - June 22 - 8:13 am

  Back in the early 70s I owned an MG. It was fun to drive, but not very reliable. The Sky reminds me of the way the MG handled, but it has more power and is more comfortable. The MG had clips on the right and left for the top and it was a pain to take down. Ive read some complaints that the top on the Sky is difficult to take down, but it takes about 15 seconds to take down and about 20 to put back up. It is well designed for a mechanical top. This car has plenty of power and is so much fun to drive. I love putting the top down and taking it on a curvy road and listening to the engine roar. It is also beautiful, especially when compared to the Miata, which looks so vanilla.

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  Lovin this car! - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By Lees Gem - June 21 - 6:00 am

  I am continually surprised at how much attention this car gets! At gas stations, the grocery store, garages, old and young, people come up to me and talk about this car. Everyone loves the look. I knew I loved it when I bought it, I really did not think it would generate this much buzz with people I didnt know. I drive it for mileage on my commute, put the cruise on at 72 and get 30-33 mpg on the highway. Then the weekends, I drive for fun, punch it whenever I can get away with it. Im putting the cold air intake in soon, Ive spoken with other owners who are getting +3 to +4 mpg with it plus the 10 horsepower punch. Best purchase Ive ever made!

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  Sky High In My Saturn Redline - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By BOOOST - April 14 - 8:03 pm

  Great car for the money! My 2007 Saturn Sky (black) Redline is quick and handles great. Out-of-the-box or with easy to add on performance extras, this car is a fun one to zip around the city in or easily manhandle country curves. Be prepared to be gawked at. One young 20 something hip male even went so far as to say "Its the coolest car I have ever seen!" Women call it "really cute," "beautiful" and "hot." Like the rest, my wife calls it "really cute," so thats a good thing. For me though, its a great change of pace after driving a big SUV (which I still have, had to keep it, Sky cant haul anything except two people) for the last 9 years. And yes, its a Saturn.

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  Sky 4 Me - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Pam - April 13 - 5:20 am

  Seeing a Sky in the showroom and then owning one are two different things. I love the way the car handles and looks. However, I do have some complaints about the interior design. There is a cup holder on the right side of the console that constantly opens whenever I have a passenger in the car. Also, the buttons for the windows are in a very awkward area and hard to reach with your left hand. Its also hard to reach the seatbelts. The gas gauge is very small and hard to read. Also, not very "sound proof" when the top and windows are up. Gas tank takes up all the room in small trunk. Its not a car for taking a trip in for two. But I love my Sky! Ive waited a long time for it.

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  Do it, you will not regret this car - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Dave - March 15 - 4:33 pm

  I was a little leery to buy a Saturn, boy was a wrong after taking a closer look. These things are built well for the most part. Theres a couple things that could be refined like the doors having to be all the way open or closed to open/close the hood, and the window controls being to far back on the doors, but this thing is a ton of fun to drive. It handles like its on rails, has a nice solid feel, decent power for a NA engine (I plan on putting a big turbo on it in a few years). With the sub its stereo has an excellent sound. This thing kicks the heck out of the Miata. For the price this car is fun, reliability will be proven, but with 6 year 100K mile warranty Im not worried

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  Little Rocket - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Fireman - February 22 - 9:33 am

  Forget all the hype. This is one car that will make you smile for some time. From the unique styling to the snappy feel, the Sky will do more than open your eyes, it will turn heads no matter where you drive. For the wait, my money is on this car, hands down.

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  Curts Sky - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By curt robinson - February 18 - 12:26 am

  I originally purchased the car for my wife but she didnt like red. I liked mine so well that I got her the bluestone for Christmas. These cars are a blast. Both are the 2.4 auto-trans. I have put a header, Borla dual outlet exhaust, cold air intake, oversized throttle body, ecm upgrade, rebar, mud flaps, chrome mirror covers, little chrome locks and seatbelt guides. My wifes has a flowmaster dual outlet exhaust (sounds and looks better than the borla) and everthing i put on mine except the ecm and the header. Im going to do those befor the year is up. With these upgrades the car is really wild and fast. I want to take on a red line one day to see how they compare.

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  Better than Mazda - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Junit - January 21 - 10:03 pm

  Its about time that Saturn got a little edgier. I almost purchased the Pontiac Solstice but I opted to wait. After the test drive I was sold. It has great handling, good mpg., and looks like no other.

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  Mine, all mine - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Ann Drewitt - December 20 - 9:20 pm

  This is the most exciting small vehicle to hit the road. My husband and I have been in the auto business over 40 yrs each and in the "high end". We have retired and having the most incredible time in our baby. We are the center of attraction everywhere we go and it has been called everything from a Corvette to a Viper. My husband used to be a rally driver so he knows how to handle this car. It sticks like glue and a dream to drive. It has been years for me to drive a stick shift but fell into changing gears immediately. It is so easy. Keep it up Saturn, we give it 500%.

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  Saturn Sky - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Andrey805 - September 30 - 6:50 pm

  I drive a 2007 black Sky-Redline in Automatic (I tested both and the automatic I read was faster 0-60, plus I do alot of driving in traffic). This car is impossible for me to loose control with, Ive pushed its limits and it keeps surprising me, I also beat Mustang GTs and Cobras daily. If you care about looks, speed/performance, and fun factor... get this car, if you care about impressing people with a logo/brand, go get a twice as expensive japanese or german car.