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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  Little Ole Lady Driver - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Elizabeth - July 8 - 5:43 am

  Excellent for enhancing the self image and the ego! Downside: very limited trunk storage so large travel bags are not an option. Almost nil available area for a large handbag or for general paper storage in the interior. For a short person, the rear view mirror vision can be limiting. No regrets on purchase just wish Id purchased the Red Line! Sassy, smart, slightly sexy and a hint of conservative!

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  Fun ride - 2009 Saturn Sky
  By stas - July 1 - 4:23 am

  This has been an outstanding and fun car. Great toy with an incredible amount of compliments. Truly an incredible empty nest vehicle.

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  Reach for the Sky - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Kimmiejoy625 - June 24 - 7:16 pm

  I love my Sky Redline. I have been waiting for it since the prototype was shown at the auto show. I am super happy with my purchase.

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  Birthday present - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By cielo07 - June 16 - 9:23 pm

  This is a beautiful car! My husband bought it for me as a gift but I think he really bought it for himself as he cannot stop raving about it. I chose the bluestone color which clearly was worth the wait. Cant wait until the weather warms up so I can really have some fun!

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  Who needs therapy - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Shpchngr - June 6 - 4:56 pm

  ...when you have this car. I love it! I have never had a convertible before. When I put the top down and drive down a country road...every day is a good day. It has been a major conversation starter every where I go. Starts out...what kind of car is that and then there is astonishment over it being a Saturn. I have taken a 5 hour trip in it and packed everything I needed for a weekend in the trunk. That being said, this is a second car so there is a bigger vehicle available for longer trips (but not nearly as much fun).

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  LIGHTNG (my Lic Plate) - 2008 Saturn Sky
  By BJ - May 21 - 11:50 am

  Remember "Lighting McQueen from the movie "Cars?" Well thats what my little red roadster reminds me of! I saw a black Sky in a parking lot & was one of those people who chased it down to see what it was! 4 months later I drove my Red/Redline off the lot! I love it! Very fun to drive! The body style is awesome. It turned my head! The performance is great even in the mountains!

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  Its Pretty, Nothing more - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By findpenny - April 22 - 8:30 pm

  This car has blown repeated computers, ohms regulator, the air conditioner blower replaced, the cup holder has jammed into the dash, the trunk leaks, the motor already has a knocking sound. It has literally been in the shop nearly as much as in my garage. Cant get it repaired timely because they apparently dont make the parts until there is a problem. If this is a car you need to be dependent on, dont buy it. If you have the patience to work with the mechanics, go for it, its beautiful, but Id recomend waiting until the next line comes out, my car seems to be a beta test version.

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  Sky review - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By Susan Musulin - March 16 - 2:53 am

  I have restricted insurance curently on this car that stops on Dec 15th so I have only had a short time to drive it but during that time, I have thoroughly enjoyed the car and the drive. I only wish that it had more storage space for traveling. People stop and ask me questions about the car because it is such an eye catcher, so it is an easy sell based on its looks. So far I have totally enjoyed the car.

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  Summer Fun - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By NYSKYGUY - January 5 - 9:56 am

  Saw the Sky in ads so I called to find that the dealer had 11 alotted to them. So I orderd mine over the phone. That was in Feb 06. On May 9th I got a call that my Sky was in. May 11th I picked it up. From that day it has been great. People stare and ask what it is. It gets a crowd at car shows. Well worth buying. I plan on buying the 08 Saturn Sky RL. Great second car for summer fun.

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  Joy - 2007 Saturn Sky
  By toothpick - January 2 - 1:53 am

  Unrivaled joy squeezed from a too small price, from an overburdened manufacturer. Like the fawn struggling to its feet, this fleet phantom hope sprints across the woodside barely seen and deeply hoped for.