Saturn Sky Review

Saturn Sky

2008 Saturn Sky Convertible

The new Saturn Sky brings some welcome warmth and interest to the Saturn brand after years of lackluster products. The Sky, and its more spirited Sky Red Line sibling, are the division's first convertibles. As exciting additions, they're sure to turn lots of heads and rev up Saturn's model lineup.

A two-seat rear-drive roadster with a manually operated convertible top, the Saturn Sky rides on a corporate GM platform using advanced, stiff hydroformed longitudinal rails inspired by the Chevrolet Corvette. This helps make the Sky a fun roadster to drive -- even the base model has big 18-inch tires and wheels for a high level of grip, and the 177-horsepower 2.4-liter engine offers enough oomph at speed to tickle your senses. The turbocharged Sky Red Line, with its 260-horsepower engine and stiffer suspension tuning, is a screaming performance value -- Saturn claims zero to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds.

While the Saturn Sky does offer a lot of bang for the buck, it unfortunately comes with a lack of refinement as well. In reviews, we've found that the car's throttle response can be slow off the mark, and its steering can be a bit numb at times. Also be advised that the trunk is really more of a "trunkette" -- especially with the top down -- and the interior is a somewhat tight tangle of awkward ergonomics for larger drivers that also lacks sufficient storage space.

Some other competitors boast a higher level of quality and a more interactive driving experience for a higher price, but the Saturn Sky is certainly a head-turner and one of the most exciting roadsters in a long time -- no doubt pleasing dedicated Saturn fans and others seeking an expressive, lightweight convertible with sharp styling and everyday comfort for a relatively low price.

The Saturn Sky is a compact two-seat convertible with two trim levels: base and Red Line. Standard equipment includes the expected powered accessories, air-conditioning, a manual cloth top, 18-inch wheels and a six-speaker CD audio system. An MP3/satellite radio upgrade is available, as is a Premium Trim package with leather trim, steering wheel audio controls and flashy metallic sill plates and pedals. The hot-rod Red Line model is similarly equipped but also has unique interior and exterior accents, a sport-tuned suspension with performance tires, and a limited-slip rear differential and stability control for max traction.

The standard Saturn Sky roadster comes with a modest 2.4-liter, inline four-cylinder Ecotec engine developing 177 hp and 166 pound-feet of torque; the Sky Red Line features a torque-rich 2.0-liter version of the power plant with a turbocharger, direct injection, variable valve timing and 260 horsepower. Both transmit their power through a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic to the delight of commuters.

Inside, a wraparound dash and high door sills surround the driver. The transmission tunnel is unusually wide, which can put the squeeze on super-sized occupants. When it comes time to drop the top, we've found the Sky's operation a bit fussy. Lowering it requires 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. Although not difficult, it can be tedious.

Most drivers will find the Sky's substantial lateral grip and quick steering enjoyable enough to make it a fun and engaging choice. Ride quality is quite acceptable for normal daily use, and the Saturn Sky is among the best highway cruisers in its class. The base 2.4-liter engine is only adequate in terms of acceleration and refinement, but thankfully the Red Line is a far more serious performance machine. Our editors note that it's impressively quick in a straight line, but more serious drivers may find the somewhat numb steering and imprecise throttle prevents them from feeling truly connected when driving hard on curving, twisty roads.

Overall, the drop-top Sky is still generally fun to drive and easy to live with. And with an alluring, eye-catching shape and available high-performance Red Line variant, the Saturn Sky provides a lot of bang for the buck for new compact convertible shoppers.

Saturn ION Review

Saturn ION

2007 Saturn ION 2 Coupe

The Saturn Ion is the brand's entry-level car. Aimed at younger buyers, it has edgy styling and design features and a strong 2.2-liter engine. Over the past few years, Saturn has gone through a brand restructuring by moving more upscale in appearance and price. It has announced that it will eliminate the Ion after only one generation, replacing it with a new compact car based on the Opel Astra, which General Motors currently offers in Europe.

The front-wheel-drive Saturn Ion comes in two body styles: a four-door sedan and the "Quad Coupe." The Quad Coupe is styled like a two-door coupe but actually has two rearward-opening doors similar in style to an extended-cab pickup. For each body style there are two primary trim levels: a base 2 and 3.

Both trims come standard with a 145-horsepower 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine. The Ion 3 sedan also has an optional 2.4-liter four-cylinder with variable valve timing, which is good for 175 hp. It is part of an Enhanced Performance Package -- only available with the Ion 3 -- and also includes antilock brakes, traction control and a sport-tuned suspension. A five-speed manual transmission comes standard on these main trims, and a four-speed automatic is available as an option.

There is an additional performance trim for the Quad Coupe called the Saturn Ion Red Line. It's powered by a supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which bumps power up to 205 hp. The Ion Red Line comes exclusively with a close-ratio five-speed manual transmission, 17-inch wheels, upgraded disc brakes and a track-tuned suspension package.

Saturn has been improving the Ion since its introduction and what was once a cheap-looking interior has evolved quite a bit. It's still nowhere near class-leading in style or comfort, but at least it's now competitive. This is particularly important, as more and more manufacturers are offering premium-looking interiors in their economy cars.

There is plenty of cargo room in all trims. The front passenger seat folds down flat, and trunk space is among the largest in the segment. The Ion 2 trim comes pretty bare-bones, without standard air-conditioning or power mirrors and windows. You have to step up to the Ion 3 for these features, as well as 16-inch wheels and tires, cruise control and an upgraded CD/MP3 audio system.

In road tests and comparison tests, our reviewers found the Saturn Ion to be among the lower performers in the entry sedan and coupe classes. Despite the strong engine, the Ion lacks liveliness, and overall performance can be classified as conservative at best. The steering is overly heavy. Even with the recent interior improvements, the seats could be more comfortable and offer more support.

Although the Saturn Ion is still in its first generation, there have already been several major changes to the model lineup. The Ion launched in 2003 as a replacement for the now-defunct S-Series. Originally, there was a stripped-down Ion 1 sedan trim level, as well as a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) option. The Ion 1 was dropped in 2006 (the same year Saturn added the 170-hp 2.4-liter engine option) and the CVT was dropped in 2005.

The company has also been vigilant about making minor improvements to the quality of the ride, such as better fitting of interior pieces (thus reducing rattling), so we suggest that interested used-vehicle buyers should try to get the most recent model year available that fits their budget.