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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  Mini Caddy-Corvette - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By JohnPBFL - April 14 - 11:43 pm

  This Red-Line is beautiful and handles like a dream. A little rocket ship. Designed with Corvette features and Cadillac style for half the price of those more expensive convertibles. Truly exceeds Honda, Porsche, and Toyota on style. Quality rivals all the top imports. A true collectors must- have.

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  Not a Mini Van - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Jim - April 14 - 10:50 pm

  Driving this car is totally addictive. In my opinion the most beautiful car on the roads today. While consumer mags complain about the lack of trunk space, mechanicaly operated top, and poorly placed window and seat controls, they fail to mention that this is a roadster not a minivan. They sell those in the same lot by the way, at about the same price. After 13,000 miles I have adjusted to all of its so called "flaws". Of course, if you still want to put the top up with a touch of a button, SLKs are only $25000 more, of course, they dont look as good as a Sky, but then again, what does?

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  Best Saturn Yet - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By KEN - March 31 - 1:03 am

  This is my 5th Saturn. All sports coupes until now. Im 63"and it is a little hard getting in and out and my head touches the roof, but it is a convertible and the top should be down. We bought the bluestone color. Looks sharp. Get a wind screen. It really helps.

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  A lot of fun for the money - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By Cam - December 17 - 5:42 pm

  I havent had my 2008 redline very long but I really enjoy driving it. Easy to see out of and fairly comfortable (Im 6 210 pounds). The car is not fast in my opinion but I guess it depends on what you are used to. The car is very simple which is good and I think this body style will hold up well over time. I have read where people say that putting the top up and down is difficult. I have to wonder how these people function in life as this top operation could not be easier. So far I have replaced both VVT solenoids which is par for the course on a GM. This is just a fun car for my girlfriend and I to take to the lake and it should serve that purpose well.

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  Excuse me, what kind of car is that? - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Melissa - December 7 - 7:13 am

  I feel like Im in a grey poupon comercial, the one where your stopped at a stoplight and someone goes, excuse me what kinda of car is that? Saturn, but of course. Noone can believe it. I took it to a car show, and I felt like a movie star everyone surrounded me all at once trying to get a look at it. I even had someone tell me it looks like a mini viper. This car definetly gets a lot of looks.

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  Still Smiling - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By James Hogan - December 4 - 11:33 am

  I picked up my white with red and black interior in April 07. .Ive added an dual exhaust system and a aftermarket air inlet piece, giving me 24mpg in the city and 30mpg on the highway. As far as power, my friends with turbo models are not leaving me no where.I am 61" and use my car as a daily driver with no complaints.The car has admirers every where I go whether driving or parked. My money was well spent.

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  Awesome ride! - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Redline Sky - December 2 - 12:13 am

  I love this vehicle. It feels so good to drive, makes me want to drive it. I have a 2001 Miata that is a dog compared to this and other than a few interior quibbles, this car is awesome! The looks are fantastic, seems put together well, and its fast! Have only had it for a week but have already put 600 miles on it. If you want an inexpensive sports car, this is it and its worth the wait!!

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  Saturn did it right! Great Car - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Worth the wait!!!!! - November 1 - 8:56 pm

  Ordered car in June last year. Waited and waited and car came in April. I am glad I waited for this car. Fit, style, paint, all TOP NOTCH!!! Shifts smooth and clean. Runs just fine and even better than I thought for a 4 cyl. Recomend manual, gives the car a bit more pep. Top works realively easily and wife can handle with no trouble. Trunk space small, but expected. I did get my golf bag in with top up. So far I give GM and Saturn an A++++ on this roadster! The new supercharged SKY should give it a bit more perfomance, but I am well satisfied. As I put on more miles I will update the review. For now -- GREAT!!

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  sky09 roadster - 2009 Saturn Sky
  By luvmy09sky - August 11 - 8:13 am

  Wow, I got my Roadster on the last day of 2009, brand new. I love the way it handles.The interior is 2tone red and black, i love it! When i drive it, everyone sees me. Its an eye catcher.

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  Love my Sky Redline - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By Pdan - May 31 - 11:50 pm

  This car is everything Ive wished for in a roadster. Its extremely fun to drive.The handling is amazing. The sound system is excellent. I was originally considering the Pontiac Solstice, until stumbling across the Sky on the internet. After laying eyes on the Redline we knew it was the car we had been looking for. This car is a must drive. XM radio and OnStar phone service. Excellent!