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:

• 

  I love my catmobile - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Catwoman - August 3 - 3:43 am

  Triple black sleek cat. Love her! She gets the looks, but thats not the best part. Shes fun to drive. Handles like small sports car but rides like a big luxury car. Hugs the turns like shes glued to the road.

• 

  Fun for a second car - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Ohio61 - July 21 - 4:10 pm

  I basically purchased this car to have a fun second car for the summer months. So far its lived up to exactly that. Most reviews would tell you to look at the Miata first before you get the Saturn, but I had to problems with the Miata, styling and size. Styling is pretty obvious, the Saturn is a much sexier car then the now dated Miata shape. Second being the size, I am 6ft+ and the Miata was an impossibility. So if your looking for a well priced sports car that can compete with the Miata and still have room to get in, I would look into getting the SKY.

• 

  Fom Miata to Sky - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By runner - July 14 - 11:23 pm

  Sold a two year old Miata loved it. Really fun, but wow does this Sky get looks! Cant park anywhere without being asked questions. More fun to drive than Mazda, more feautures and believe it or not tighter. Great performance but still would by a hot option, maybe a turbo in next one. GM hit a home run this time

• 

  Most fun youll ever have for under 30K - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By lynn - June 19 - 10:00 am

  The reviews are all true on this stunner. It is fun to drive, and youll meet the nicest people as folks stop you at lights and in parking lots to praise the car and/or gawk. The base model engine is more than sufficient for daily driving, and the gas milage is pretty good w/ the top down, and really good w/ the top up. The most surprising thing is how well insulated the top is - very little road noise. The trunk is useless, but you dont buy a car like this to haul things in - thats what friends w/ SUVs are for! I waited 10 months for my car to be delivered, and it was worth every minute.

• 

  Skys the Limit - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By Rich Schulhoff - June 5 - 4:50 pm

  An impressive auto thats great fun to drive. After having four BMW Z3s and Z4s, I switched to the Sky and enjoy it more at $15,000 less.

• 

  Just What I Expected - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Lou - June 4 - 11:10 am

  This is the most fun little car I have had so far. I previously had a SLK230 Sport, and this car is much nicer than the MB. The ride and handling is excellent. Very peppy motor. Turbo must be amazing. The MB had a little more leg room and a bigger trunk. This is not a practical, everyday driving car. It is to drive for pleasure. It is not a Corvette or a MiniVan. It is not super fast, or extremely roomy. I purchased this car used, drove it 650 miles home. A 10 hour drive. It averaged 25 mpg. For such a small car, it was still fairly comfortable on a long trip. Never once did I bump the cup holder(like everyone says), and the other was very convenient. Everything I expected. Very satisfied.

• 

  Awesome - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By steven - May 2 - 12:06 pm

  This car left the idea of the trunk to the wind but who cares? No spare tire. Car is comfortable for small car. It was built for fun not a family and it is fun and fast. Love it!

• 

  What a Blast! - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By Ross - April 7 - 12:30 am

  This car is just so much fun to drive! If youre looking for a 2 seater that will bring a smile to your face every time you get in it (or just look at it), this is the car youre looking for!

• 

  True enjoyment! - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By Darksky - March 8 - 11:46 pm

  I fell in love with the looks the minute I saw my first one! Its one of the best looking cars on the road and for the money a lot of car and a great buy. I dont understand the reviewers complaints about the manual top. Its simple, fast and reliable to operate. Its so small I cant see the need for motors and a drive system. The performance, handling and braking are exceptional. The car is a constant hit with everyone you meet. I love the XM radio and all the small speakers. Even with the top down at 80 sounds are still clear and strong. Its fun to drive and the enjoyment factor is way high. A bonus is the ease of manuevering and parking such a small car.

• 

  Excellent Buy - 2009 Saturn Sky
  By BLAnthony - January 18 - 10:26 am

  Just got the car this month and so far no problems and it is a blast to drive. I got the red line edition because the power was lacking in the base model. The car will throw you back in your seat when to tromp on the gas. I got the automatic transmission and it shifts smooth. I opted for the midnight blue with tan top & interior, which gave the interior a nice two-tone color. The car is stylin with no complaints there. I would say with the top up visibility is diminished quite a bit but the cabin is quite guiet. The only complaint I can think of is the leg room for taller passengers in the passenger seat. Also another complaint is the lack of storage in the cabin. Great car for the money.