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.