Vehicle History Report
Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.
- • New Cars
2007 Saturn Sky Full Review
Date Published: 4/09/08
Also in the 2007 Saturn Sky Review:
2007 Saturn Sky Review
Addition of a high-performance Red Line model is the latest highlight for Saturn's two-seat convertible. Sky shares its basic design with the Pontiac Solstice, but differs in styling, features, and price. Like Solstice, Sky has rear-wheel drive, 4-cyl engines, and a manual-folding soft top with heated glass rear window. The top folds into the trunk. The base Sky has 177 hp. Red Line's 4-cyl is turbocharged to 260 hp and is shared with the Solstice GXP. Both offer 5-speed manual transmission and an optional 5-speed automatic. Red Line has specific suspension tuning. ABS is standard, but only Red Line offers traction/antiskid control, which is standard. No side airbags are available. Both models come with air conditioning, cruise control, and power windows/locks. Leather upholstery is optional. Sky's performance and accommodations mirror those of comparably equipped Solstices.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. The Sporty/Performance Car class consists of two-seat roadsters, 4-cyl hatchbacks, and V8 muscle cars. Regardless of configuration, all have an emphasis on affordable performance.
Our Best Buys include the Mazda MX-5 and Scion tC. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Mustang, Mini Cooper, and Nissan 350Z.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Mini Cooper, Nissan 350Z, and Saturn Sky.
Our Best Buys include the Mazda MX-5 and Scion tC. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Mustang, Mini Cooper, and Nissan 350Z.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Mini Cooper, Nissan 350Z, and Saturn Sky.
News
Though sources expect Pontiac to add a fixed-roof Solstice for 2008, they say nothing about a possible Sky coupe. Instead, they predict Saturn will offer a supercharged Sky roadster, which would seem a curious duplication given the just-introduced turbocharged Red Line. Perhaps the model will make sense if and when it appears. Further out, Sky should mimic Solstice with a major makeover or full redesign around model-year 2011.
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2007 Saturn Sky Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Steering/handling | Instruments/controls |
| Cargo room | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Base engine slow to rev, has little power reserve for quick highway passing. Still, its performance feel supports GM's 0-60-mph claim of about 7.2 sec with either transmission. Turbocharged Red Line punchy at any speed, though with notable turbo lag. GM says it does 0-60 in 5.5 sec or less, which seems credible. Automatic transmission no real penalty vs. manual, which some testers say has notchy shift action.
| Base, man. | Base w/Prem. Trim Pkg., auto. | Red Line, man. | Red Line, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 6.4 |
Base engine slow to rev, has little power reserve for quick highway passing. Still, its performance feel supports GM's 0-60-mph claim of about 7.2 sec with either transmission. Turbocharged Red Line punchy at any speed, though with notable turbo lag. GM says it does 0-60 in 5.5 sec or less, which seems credible. Automatic transmission no real penalty vs. manual, which some testers say has notchy shift action.
Fuel Economy
With manual transmission, base Skys and Solstices averaged 20.8 in mixed driving, 23.0-25.2 in mostly highway driving. Test manual-transmission Red Line averaged 20.1 mpg in mostly city driving. GM recommends premium-grade fuel for both engines.
| Base, man. | Base w/Prem. Trim Pkg., auto. | Red Line, man. | Red Line, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
With manual transmission, base Skys and Solstices averaged 20.8 in mixed driving, 23.0-25.2 in mostly highway driving. Test manual-transmission Red Line averaged 20.1 mpg in mostly city driving. GM recommends premium-grade fuel for both engines.
Ride Quality
Sky suspension slightly softer than Solstice's, but differences hard to detect. Ride supple enough for sports cars, but turns jiggly/thumpy on wrinkled pavement at highway speeds. Red Line/GXP sport suspension tauter, so impact harshness more noticeable.
| Base, man. | Base w/Prem. Trim Pkg., auto. | Red Line, man. | Red Line, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Sky suspension slightly softer than Solstice's, but differences hard to detect. Ride supple enough for sports cars, but turns jiggly/thumpy on wrinkled pavement at highway speeds. Red Line/GXP sport suspension tauter, so impact harshness more noticeable.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Predictably agile and balanced: little cornering lean, good smooth-surface grip, great steering feel and response. Fine straightline stability and crosswind resistance too. Red Line/GXP can hop and skip over large bumps, but quickly regain composure.
| Base, man. | Base w/Prem. Trim Pkg., auto. | Red Line, man. | Red Line, auto. | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 |
Predictably agile and balanced: little cornering lean, good smooth-surface grip, great steering feel and response. Fine straightline stability and crosswind resistance too. Red Line/GXP can hop and skip over large bumps, but quickly regain composure.
Quietness
Engines buzzy or boomy depending on rpm, loud enough to mask most tire noise. Several test Skys and Solstices had ill-fitting tops that allowed annoying wind rush even at moderate speeds. Top-down wind buffeting tolerable up to 75 mph with windows raised. Skys have roof sound insulation that's optional on Solstices, but it doesn't help much.
| Base, man. | Base w/Prem. Trim Pkg., auto. | Red Line, man. | Red Line, auto. | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Engines buzzy or boomy depending on rpm, loud enough to mask most tire noise. Several test Skys and Solstices had ill-fitting tops that allowed annoying wind rush even at moderate speeds. Top-down wind buffeting tolerable up to 75 mph with windows raised. Skys have roof sound insulation that's optional on Solstices, but it doesn't help much.
Controls
Gauges set in deep tunnels, can be hard to read even by day. Controls mostly simple, well-marked, but some awkward to reach in these tight confines, as are cupholders. Sky's brightwork, piano-black finishes look upscale vs. Solstice cockpit, but still too much hard, cheap-looking plastic.
| Base, man. | Base w/Prem. Trim Pkg., auto. | Red Line, man. | Red Line, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.5 |
Gauges set in deep tunnels, can be hard to read even by day. Controls mostly simple, well-marked, but some awkward to reach in these tight confines, as are cupholders. Sky's brightwork, piano-black finishes look upscale vs. Solstice cockpit, but still too much hard, cheap-looking plastic.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Tighter for six-footers than Mazda MX-5, but OK leg space, good top-up head room. Low seats won't suit some shorter drivers--and impede entry/exit for all--but a power driver-seat height adjuster is promised for later in the model year. Seats have good lateral and lower-back support, but padding feels skimpy. Double-hump rear deck hinders vision astern for shorter drivers, but top-up rear visibility is better than in most convertibles. Top requires standing outside the car to manipulate folding mechanism, rear-roof pegs, trunklid--hardly convenient.
| Base, man. | Base w/Prem. Trim Pkg., auto. | Red Line, man. | Red Line, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Tighter for six-footers than Mazda MX-5, but OK leg space, good top-up head room. Low seats won't suit some shorter drivers--and impede entry/exit for all--but a power driver-seat height adjuster is promised for later in the model year. Seats have good lateral and lower-back support, but padding feels skimpy. Double-hump rear deck hinders vision astern for shorter drivers, but top-up rear visibility is better than in most convertibles. Top requires standing outside the car to manipulate folding mechanism, rear-roof pegs, trunklid--hardly convenient.
Room/Comfort (rear)
(No rear seating.)
| Base, man. | Base w/Prem. Trim Pkg., auto. | Red Line, man. | Red Line, auto. | Class Average |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.1 |
(No rear seating.)
Cargo Room
Top folds into trunk after lifting rear-hinged lid, leaves oddly shaped space for only smaller items like briefcases. Top-up space sufficient for one large golf bag or two small ones. Meager cockpit storage even for a sports car; most shoeboxes hold more.
| Base, man. | Base w/Prem. Trim Pkg., auto. | Red Line, man. | Red Line, auto. | Class Average |
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2.5 |
Top folds into trunk after lifting rear-hinged lid, leaves oddly shaped space for only smaller items like briefcases. Top-up space sufficient for one large golf bag or two small ones. Meager cockpit storage even for a sports car; most shoeboxes hold more.
Value within Class
Like its Solstice sister, 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 powertrain 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 A for effort, C for execution.
| Base, man. | Base w/Prem. Trim Pkg., auto. | Red Line, man. | Red Line, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.2 |
Like its Solstice sister, 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 powertrain 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 A for effort, C for execution.
Total Score
| Base, man. | Base w/Prem. Trim Pkg., auto. | Red Line, man. | Red Line, auto. | Class Average |
| 43 | 42 | 43 | 43 | 47.3 |
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 41 | |
| Average Score | 47 | |
| High Score | 57 |
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2007 Saturn Sky Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 12/08/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base 2-door convertible | $24,725 | $23,118 | $600 |
|
|
|||
| Red Line 2-door convertible | $28,425 | $26,577 | $600 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunklid release, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, OnStar assistance system w/one year service, cloth upholstery, bucket seats, center console, cupholders, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, intermittent wipers, driver-side visor mirror, map lights, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, 245/45R18 tires, alloy wheels.
Red Line adds to Base:
Powertrain
2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, traction control, limited-slip differential.
Safety
Antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, 245/45WR18 tires, polished alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Premium Trim Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$750
|
$690
|
|
Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, metallic pedals and sill plates.
|
||
|
|
||
Powertrain |
||
|
5-speed automatic transmission
|
||
|
Base, Red Line
|
$850
|
$782
|
|
Limited-slip differential
|
||
|
Base
|
$195
|
$179
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Leather upholstery
|
||
|
Red Line
|
$475
|
$437
|
|
Monsoon AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
|
||
|
Base, Red Line
|
$590
|
$543
|
|
Monsoon AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
|
||
|
Base, Red Line
|
$890
|
$819
|
|
Satellite radio
|
||
|
Base, Red Line
|
$199
|
$183
|
|
Requires optional radio.
|
||
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Rear spoiler
|
||
|
Base, Red Line
|
$275
|
$253
|
|
Special paint
|
||
|
Base, Red Line
|
$195
|
$179
|
|
Chrome alloy wheels
|
||
|
Base
|
$795
|
$731
|
|
Red Line
|
$545
|
$501
|
|
|
||
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2007 Saturn Sky Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Saturn Sky 2-door convertible |
| Wheelbase, in. | 95.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 161.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.4 |
| Overall Height, in. | 50.2 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2892 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 3.8 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 13.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.5 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /145 | 2.0 /122 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 177 @ 6600 | 260 @ 5300 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 166 @ 4800 | 260 @ 2500 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 5-speed manual | 20/28 | 22/31 |
| 5-speed automatic | 22/26 | 21/29 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Saturn Sky 2-door convertible |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | All Saturns have a 30-day, 1500 mile vehicle exchange program. |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
rear-wheel drive
|
Tester's Comments
|
|||
 |
|||
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
Major Options: Premium Trim Package (leather seat inserts, leather wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel audio controls, metallic finish sill plates, stainless steel pedal covers), Monsoon Premium Audio System, XM Satellite Radio Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 23.94 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Ed Piotrowski Those who value form over function in an affordable sporty car will want to put Sky at the top of their list. This roadster is drop-dead gorgeous, though not quite as fun to drive as a Mazda MX-5. Still, Sky should be a resoundingly successful halo vehicle, one that hopefully will signify a turnaround for this GM division that's lost its luster over the last 6 years. John Biel Though Skys start off a little more expensive than the Solstice, the difference buys a few things Solstice buyers will likely spring for anyway. Styling is different enough between the two to cater to different esthetic sensibilities: Do you prefer Solstice round or Sky creased? Mark Bilek Sky and similar Solstice are a good first effort for GM. However, interior materials fall way short of the mark and the base engine is agrarian. Deft blend of ride quality and athletic steering/handling make Sky appealing for any driver. Rick Cotta High on style, low on practicality, the Sky is nontheless an appealing weekend runabout--as long as you don't have to carry anything. Tom Appel Despite its flawed ergonomics and '48 Plymouth engine, Sky shines where it matters most: making driving fun. The steering, shifter, and clutch are a joy to manipulate, and the car is flat out gorgeous. There are certainly worse ways to spend $25,000. |
|||
|
|
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2007 Saturn Sky Review:
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Locate a Dealer
Sell Your Car
Powered by:
-
MAKE -
CATEGORY
Subcompact Car
Compact Car
Midsize Car
Large Car
Premium Midsize Car
Premium Large Car
Sporty/performance Car
Premium Sporty/performance Car
Minivan
Full-size Van
Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Compact Pickup Truck
Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Premium Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Pickup Truck
Premium Compact Car
Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Exotic Car
