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2008 Saturn Sky Full Review
Date Published: 4/15/08
Also in the 2008 Saturn Sky Review:
5.
6.
Saturn Sky Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Saturn Sky Review
The 2008 Saturn Sky gets more standard equipment. This two-seat convertible shares its basic design with the Pontiac Solstice but differs in styling, features, and price. Like Solstice, Sky has rear-wheel drive, 4-cylinder 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-cylinder is turbocharged to 260 hp and is shared with the Solstice GXP. Both offer a 5-speed manual transmission and an optional 5-speed automatic. Red Line has specific suspension tuning. A limited-slip differential is standard. Available safety equipment includes ABS, an antiskid system, and traction control. No side airbags are offered. Both models come with air conditioning, cruise control, and power windows and locks. Leather upholstery is optional. Newly standard for 2008 are a power driver's seat height adjuster and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Sky's performance and accommodations mirror those of similarly 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-cylinder 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 and Mini Cooper. New this year is the Mini Cooper Clubman.
Our Best Buys include the Mazda MX-5 and Scion tC. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Mustang and Mini Cooper. New this year is the Mini Cooper Clubman.
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.
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2008 Saturn Sky Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Steering/handling | Instruments/controls |
| Cargo room | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
The base engine is slow to rev and has little power reserve for quick highway passing. Still, its performance supports GM's 0-60-mph claim of about 7.2 seconds with either transmission. Turbocharged Red Lines are punchy at any speed, though with notable turbo lag. GM says it does 0-60 in 5.5 seconds or less, which seems credible. The automatic transmission has no real penalty vs. the manual, which some testers say has notchy shift action.
| Base, manual | Base, automatic | Red Line, manual | Red Line, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 6.6 |
The base engine is slow to rev and has little power reserve for quick highway passing. Still, its performance supports GM's 0-60-mph claim of about 7.2 seconds with either transmission. Turbocharged Red Lines are punchy at any speed, though with notable turbo lag. GM says it does 0-60 in 5.5 seconds or less, which seems credible. The automatic transmission has no real penalty vs. the manual, which some testers say has notchy shift action.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, base Sky and Solstice models with manual transmission averaged 20.8 mpg 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 gas for both engines.
| Base, manual | Base, automatic | Red Line, manual | Red Line, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.3 |
In Consumer Guide testing, base Sky and Solstice models with manual transmission averaged 20.8 mpg 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 gas for both engines.
Ride Quality
Sky's suspension is slightly softer than Solstice's, but differences are hard to detect. The ride is supple enough for sports cars, but turns jiggly and thumpy on wrinkled pavement at highway speeds. The sport suspension used on Red Line and Solstice GXP is tauter, so impact harshness is more noticeable.
| Base, manual | Base, automatic | Red Line, manual | Red Line, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Sky's suspension is slightly softer than Solstice's, but differences are hard to detect. The ride is supple enough for sports cars, but turns jiggly and thumpy on wrinkled pavement at highway speeds. The sport suspension used on Red Line and Solstice GXP is tauter, so impact harshness is more noticeable.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Predictably agile and balanced with little cornering lean, good smooth-surface grip, and 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, manual | Base, automatic | Red Line, manual | Red Line, automatic | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 |
Predictably agile and balanced with little cornering lean, good smooth-surface grip, and 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
The engines are buzzy or boomy depending on rpm and are 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 is tolerable up to 75 mph with the windows raised.
| Base, manual | Base, automatic | Red Line, manual | Red Line, automatic | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3.2 |
The engines are buzzy or boomy depending on rpm and are 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 is tolerable up to 75 mph with the windows raised.
Controls
The gauges are set in deep tunnels and can be hard to read even by day. Most controls are simple and well marked but can be hard to reach in the tight confines of the cabin, particularly the ill-placed cupholders.
| Base, manual | Base, automatic | Red Line, manual | Red Line, automatic | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5.6 |
The gauges are set in deep tunnels and can be hard to read even by day. Most controls are simple and well marked but can be hard to reach in the tight confines of the cabin, particularly the ill-placed cupholders.
Details
Sky's brightwork and piano-black finishes look upscale vs. the Solstice's cockpit. Like the Solstice, however, the cabin is awash in cheap-looking hard plastic. Several test models suffered from numerous interior squeaks and rattles.
| Base, manual | Base, automatic | Red Line, manual | Red Line, automatic | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4.8 |
Sky's brightwork and piano-black finishes look upscale vs. the Solstice's cockpit. Like the Solstice, however, the cabin is awash in cheap-looking hard plastic. Several test models suffered from numerous interior squeaks and rattles.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Tighter for six-footers here than in the Mazda MX-5, but there's OK leg space and good top-up headroom. Low seats won't suit some shorter drivers--and impede entry and exit for all. Seats have good lateral and lower-back support, but the padding feels skimpy. Double-hump rear deck hinders vision astern for shorter drivers, but top-up rear visibility is better than in most convertibles. The top requires standing outside the car to manipulate its folding mechanism, rear-roof pegs, and trunklid--hardly convenient.
| Base, manual | Base, automatic | Red Line, manual | Red Line, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.3 |
Tighter for six-footers here than in the Mazda MX-5, but there's OK leg space and good top-up headroom. Low seats won't suit some shorter drivers--and impede entry and exit for all. Seats have good lateral and lower-back support, but the padding feels skimpy. Double-hump rear deck hinders vision astern for shorter drivers, but top-up rear visibility is better than in most convertibles. The top requires standing outside the car to manipulate its folding mechanism, rear-roof pegs, and trunklid--hardly convenient.
Room/Comfort (rear)
(No rear seating.)
| Base, manual | Base, automatic | Red Line, manual | Red Line, automatic | Class Average |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.4 |
(No rear seating.)
Cargo Room
The top folds into the trunk after lifting the rear-hinged lid and leaves oddly shaped space for only smaller items like briefcases. Top-up space is sufficient for one large golf bag or two small ones. Cockpit storage is meager, even for a sports car.
| Base, manual | Base, automatic | Red Line, manual | Red Line, automatic | Class Average |
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2.9 |
The top folds into the trunk after lifting the rear-hinged lid and leaves oddly shaped space for only smaller items like briefcases. Top-up space is sufficient for one large golf bag or two small ones. Cockpit storage is meager, even for a sports car.
Value within Class
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.
| Base, manual | Base, automatic | Red Line, manual | Red Line, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
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.
Total Score
| Base, manual | Base, automatic | Red Line, manual | Red Line, automatic | Class Average |
| 43 | 43 | 44 | 44 | 53.2 |
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 42 | |
| Average Score | 53 | |
| High Score | 70 |
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2008 Saturn Sky Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/04/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base 2-door convertible | $25,525 | $23,866 | $620 |
|
|
|||
| Red Line 2-door convertible | $29,785 | $27,849 | $620 |
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, limited-slip differential, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunklid release, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, OnStar assistance system w/one year service, cloth upholstery, bucket seats, driver-seat power height adjustment, center console, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, intermittent wipers, 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.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Steering wheel 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 |
||
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5-speed automatic transmission
|
||
|
Base, Red Line
|
$925
|
$851
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Leather upholstery
|
||
|
Red Line
|
$475
|
$437
|
|
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
|
||
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Base, Red Line
|
$295
|
$271
|
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Requires Monsoon sound system.
|
||
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Monsoon sound system
|
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Base, Red Line
|
$395
|
$363
|
|
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
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Rear spoiler
|
||
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Base, Red Line
|
$275
|
$253
|
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Special paint
|
||
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Base, Red Line
|
$195
|
$179
|
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Custom color combination
|
||
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Base, Red Line
|
$590
|
$543
|
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Chrome alloy wheels
|
||
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Base
|
$795
|
$731
|
|
Red Line
|
$545
|
$501
|
|
|
||
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 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 | 19/25 | 19/28 |
| 5-speed automatic | 19/24 | 19/26 |
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 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 5 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 4 |
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 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | --/-- | -- |
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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Saturn Sky Review:
5.
6.
Saturn Sky Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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