When style and price rule, there may be no better convertible that provides more visual bang for the buck right now than the Sky.
The new Saturn Sky brings some welcome warmth and interest to the Saturn brand after years of lackluster products. The Sky, and its more spirited Sky Red Line sibling, are the division's first convertibles. As exciting additions, they're sure to turn lots of heads and rev up Saturn's model lineup.
A two-seat rear-drive roadster with a manually operated convertible top, the Saturn Sky rides on a corporate GM platform using advanced, stiff hydroformed longitudinal rails inspired by the Chevrolet Corvette. This helps make the Sky a fun roadster to drive -- even the base model has big 18-inch tires and wheels for a high level of grip, and the 177-horsepower 2.4-liter engine offers enough oomph at speed to tickle your senses. The turbocharged Sky Red Line, with its 260-horsepower engine and stiffer suspension tuning, is a screaming performance value with a 0-60-mph time of 5.8 seconds.
While the Saturn Sky does offer a lot of bang for the buck, it unfortunately comes with a lack of refinement as well. In reviews, we've found that the car's throttle response can be slow off the mark, and its steering can be a bit numb at times. Also be advised that the trunk is really more of a "trunkette" -- especially with the top down -- and the interior is a somewhat tight tangle of awkward ergonomics for larger drivers that also lacks sufficient storage space.
Some other competitors boast a higher level of quality and a more interactive driving experience for a higher price, but the Saturn Sky is certainly a head-turner and one of the most exciting roadsters in a long time. It will no doubt please dedicated Saturn fans and others seeking an expressive, lightweight convertible with sharp styling and everyday comfort at a relatively low price.
