2008 Saturn Sky
Based on analysis of 39 Sky reviews and test drives.
Saturn Sky - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Saturn Sky ranks 6 out of 8 Affordable Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 39 published reviews and test drives of the Saturn Sky, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
Though it has an eye-catching exterior design, the 2008 Saturn SKY can't match leading sports cars in performance or their easy-to-use features. The SKY ranks near the bottom of its class.
The 2008 Saturn SKY is a fairly new model -- just introduced to Saturn's lineup for 2007 -- and it shares a mechanical platform with the Pontiac Solstice. If reviewers were to recommend a sports car on looks alone, the SKY would be at the top of their lists. Unfortunately, issues like the SKY's uneven performance, cramped cabin accommodations, and awkward ergonomics cause them to suggest shopping around. According to Forbes: "The problem with this handsome vehicle is that it's what we might call 'sculpture:' all show and no go. In the segment, Mazda's Miata sets a high standard for performance. While the Sky is just as handsome as the Miata, it is not a lot of fun to operate."
In addition to its base model, the 2008 Saturn SKY is available as a performance-tuned Red Line trim that's acknowledged for its finesse.
- "Saturn's new roadster sets a style and performance high water mark for the brand. It's not so much a maxi Miata as a Corvette junior petite." -- Car and Driver
- "My nickname for Saturn's new car, the 2007 Sky, is "Saturn's best secret." The reason: During my weeklong test drive, other drivers repeatedly sought me out to ask "what is that?" " -- Road & Travel Magazine
- "As you'd expect, the Saturn Sky inherits the Solstice's strengths and bears its flaws. But as an attractive, affordable sports car that's zippy enough to be entertaining, yet docile enough to live with every day, it works. And it's anything but icky." -- Motor Trend
- "Red Line Edition is a blast to drive. It punches all the buttons -- acceleration, handling and jazzy looks that turn heads even though the Sky has been out a while." -- MarketWatch
- "The Sky costs about three grand more than the base Solstice and weighs 73 pounds more. Both penny and pound penalties seem worth it." -- Los Angeles Times
- "This is one beautiful automobile, yet unlike most beautiful automobiles -- such as the Mercedes-Benz SL500, Lexus SC 430, or even the BMW Z4, this little Saturn fits the budget of most new-car shoppers -- prices begin under $24,000, about $2,000 under today's average new-car transaction price." -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
- "The new Saturn Sky roadster reinforces my personal theory of successful sports car building: Give folks a sexy-looking car at a reasonable price and they'll reach for their checkbooks at the approximate speed of a nuclear reaction." -- Sacramento Bee
Sky Performance - 7.5 (Good)
Most test drivers can only muster faint praise when comparing the SKY's performance to other roadsters. The New York Times explains best that "while the suspension and brakes are willing performers, the unfortunate weak link in G.M.'s would-be sports car package is the engine -- it builds revs with all the alacrity of Katrina reconstruction." The SKY scores in the bottom half of its class for performance. Continue with our full SKY Performance Review to learn why critics favor the Red Line trim over the base model. continue
Sky Exterior - 8.7 (Very Good)
Auto writers are left aghast by the SKY's attention grabbing exterior design, but are left disappointed with its manual folding convertible top. "The top stows under the rear-hinged trunk lid, and it leaves the Sky looking super-sleek," writes Automobile Magazine. But the bummer is that raising and lowering the top is kind of a pain, requiring you to get out of the car. This is not an operation that can be performed at a stoplight." Still, the SKY ranks near the top of its class for its sexy design. Continue with our full SKY Exterior Review to read reviewer criticisms of its convertible top, or check out our photo gallery. continue
Sky Interior - 6.5 (Mediocre)
Critics find that the SKY's two-passenger interior cabin has comfortable seats, but is plagued by bad ergonomics and virtually no cargo room. According to Motor Trend, "It still has the same ergonomic flaws (two of the three cupholders are a pain to use; you have to reach far back on the doors to engage the window switches, and there's a dearth of interior storage spaces), but the cabin has been dressed up a bit." The SKY's interior cabin ranks in the middle of its class. Continue with our full SKY Interior Review to read what reviewers think of its optional Monsoon audio system, or go to the 2008 SKY Photo Gallery to see pictures of its interior appointments. continue
Sky Safety - 8.1 (Very Good)
The 2008 SKY earns respectable scores in crash tests conducted by the federal government, but lacks several safety features that critics believe should be standard. Compared to other vehicles in its class, the SKY receives a low safety ranking. Continue with our full SKY Safety Review to learn why visibility is an issue. continue
Sky Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Saturn Sky reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Saturn offers impressive warranty coverage on all of its cars, including a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Continue with our full SKY Reliability Review to learn about Saturn's competitive powertrain warranty. continue
