2009 Saturn Sky
- 2008 Saturn Sky
- Used Saturn Sky
Based on analysis of 45 Sky reviews and test drives.
Saturn Sky - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Saturn Sky ranks 7 out of 8 Affordable Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 45 published reviews and test drives of the Saturn Sky, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The SKY is admired for its sleek and sexy design, but falters when it comes to performance and everyday practicality.
Widely praised for its head-turning design, the 2009 SKY makes a fun drop-top cruiser, but falls below its competitors in terms of performance. What's more, bad ergonomics and miniscule cargo room make it a poor choice for vacationing or running errands. If you're considering the SKY, test-drive a Pontiac Solstice first. Though they're built on the same platform and have similar performance dynamics, the Solstice is available as a coupe with a removable targa top. However, for a real thrill, consider the MX-5 Miata, as it takes the cake when it comes to affordable sports roadsters.
All told, reviewers find that the SKY offers great value and is definitely worth a look. "The 2009 Saturn Sky is, first and foremost, a good-looking car," writes Edmunds. "Even as the model enters its third year of production, the Sky still manages to turn heads. For the majority of potential owners, that alone is worth the price of admission."
General Motors has recently announced plans to close Saturn after negotiations to sell the brand to Penske Automotive Group fell through. What this means is that the SKY -- like its platform-sharing sibling the Pontiac Solstice -- has been discontinued. Car shoppers considering the purchase of a 2009 SKY must act fast. Now that Saturn's operations are shutting down, shoppers might even be able to land a great deal. And don't worry, GM will still honor warranties.
The SKY carries into the 2009 model year virtually unchanged. It is available in two trims, base and performance-tuned Red Line.
- "Like its Solstice sibling, Sky offers affordable sports-car fun, but feels unfinished. The base model rivals Mazda's MX-5 for performance, handling, and style, but not for practicality and overall polish. The punchy Red Line compares more with Honda's S2000 on price and performance, but has the same drawbacks. For now, Saturn (Pontiac, too) gets an A for effort, C for execution." -- Consumer Guide
- "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
- "You can spend two, three or 10 times as much on a sports car with a bigger engine and a fancier badge, but the smiles don't get a whole lot wider than the ones the 2009 Saturn SKY roadster is capable of painting upon your face (although it also can have you grimacing at times)." -- Kelley Blue Book
- "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
Sky Performance - 7.9 (Good)
Test drivers find that the base SKY handles well, but lacks power. MSN says the SKY "has good road manners and agreeable, though not aggressive, base, four-cylinder power." However, its turbocharged Red Line trim is another story. Read More
Sky Exterior - 8.8 (Very Good)
Auto writers report that the SKY is undeniably attractive, but can't stand its manual convertible top. "While manual tops are not a huge price to pay for al fresco driving, the Sky's top is unduly complicated," writes Edmunds. In fact, most reviewers agree that it looks sharper with the top down. Read More
Sky Interior - 7.3 (Good)
Reviewers appreciate the SKY for its attractive and somewhat comfortable seats, but detest its bad ergonomics and lack of cargo room. "The interior has tidy forms but ergonomics on par with a game of Twister," writes Car and Driver. Read More
Sky Safety - 8.1 (Very Good)
Though the SKY performs well in federal government crash tests, critics aren't impressed by its visibility issues and notice a lack of necessary safety features. Read More
Sky Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)
The 2009 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). The '09 SKY features a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Read More
