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- Stylish
- Excellent handling, quick steering response
- Optional 260-hp turbocharged engine is also fuel efficient
- Cramped trunk
- Manual soft-top operation
- Base engine is underpowered
- Interior ergonomics, low-quality plastic trim
- No side airbags
The Saturn Sky shares its chassis and powertrain with the Pontiac Solstice (*est. $22,165 to $31,750), but many reviewers prefer the Sky's styling. The base trim level of the Sky includes more standard equipment and a higher base price than the Solstice. Reviewers like the Saturn's handling and performance and generally call it a solid choice. Writers prefer the 260-hp turbocharged Sky Red Line model for its stronger acceleration and slightly better fuel economy than the less expensive base model. Small trunks are an inherent drawback of most sports cars, but the location of the Saturn Sky's (and Pontiac Solstice's) gas tank results in a tiny, oddly-shaped 5.4 cubic foot trunk that's basically useless with the top down. Critics also universally dislike the way the manual soft-top operates -- the driver must physically exit the car to raise and lower it.
While sports cars are not particularly noted comfortable rides, several writers are pleasantly surprised by the Saturn Sky's compliant highway manners -- better than the Mazda MX-5 Miata (*est. $20,635 to $28,060). Reviewers acknowledge that the MX-5 is the class leader, and the Sky is not as refined or nimble-handling. Other competing roadsters mentioned as potentially good alternatives include the Honda S2000 (*est. $34,300 to $37,300) and Nissan 350Z convertible (*est. $28,120 to $41,500).
Useful road-test reviews of the 2008 Saturn Sky can be found at Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, The Car Connection and ConsumerGuide.com, although none of these involve head-to-head comparisons. ForbesAutos.com and Kelley Blue Book give the Saturn Sky a "Recommended" rating.
Our Sources
1. Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com editors provide a well-rounded review and separate ratings summary of the Saturn Sky, noting its strengths and weaknesses. They give high scores to the Sky's styling and low cost of entry but criticize the top operation, overall practicality, and interior plastics.
Review: 2008 Saturn Sky Review, Editors of Edmunds.com
In this balanced review, KBB editors love the styling and they prefer the Saturn Sky's slightly softer suspension over the Pontiac Solstice. Still, neither car can match the Mazda MX-5 for overall refinement and performance.
Review: 2008 Saturn Sky Review, Editors of Kelley Blue Book
ConsumerGuide.com does a fine job rating each detail of the Saturn Sky, describing its pros and cons and listing its features. In a total of the numerical ratings, the Sky comes up on the low end of the scale compared to all other sporty/performance cars.
Review: 2008 Saturn Sky Review, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, May 28, 2008
This descriptive summary also makes some brief comparisons to the several competing roadsters. Writer Bengt Halvorson commends the Sky Red Line's design, power, and handling, but dislikes the interior ergonomics, uncomfortable seats and "disappointing" soft-top arrangement.
Review: 2008 Saturn Sky Bottom Line, Bengt Halvorson
5. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Editors of Consumer Reports base the current report on a test of the 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line, as well as its chassis-sharing twin, the base model 2006 Pontiac Solstice. One unique aspect of Consumer Reports is its data on historical reliability.
Review: Saturn Sky Review, Editors of Consumer Reports
Forbes includes the Saturn Sky Red Line and fraternal twin Solstice GXP on its "Sports Cars We Recommend" list. Auto writer Jim Gorzelany says the Sky is "entertaining" but has a cumbersome convertible top.
Review: The Sky's the Limit, Jim Gorzelany, Apr. 8, 2008
7. SaferCar.gov
Results of frontal, side and rollover crash tests are displayed; the Saturn Sky receives four-star ratings (out of five) for all crash tests, plus a perfect rollover rating.
Review: Saturn Sky crash test results, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
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