The new Saturn Sky, which is labeled a 2007 model but will be available in the spring of 2006, brings some welcome warmth and activity to the Saturn brand. This is Saturn's first convertible, and its impact on the otherwise dowdy Saturn lineup could be equated to having Maria Sharapova show up at a pickup tennis match full of middle-aged and badly dressed men. Fun to drive and relatively easy on the wallet, the Sky's attractive shape will certainly turn a lot of bystanders' heads. For its approximate $23,000 MSRP, the Sky provides a lot of value for the money.
Like its corporate cousin, the Pontiac Solstice, the Sky is a two-seat, rear-drive roadster with a manually operated convertible top. The two cars are built on the same chassis, which draws inspiration from the Chevrolet Corvette in that they utilize hydroformed longitudinal rails and are quite stiff. The Sky and Solstice also have very similar dimensions and curb weights (almost 2,900 pounds) and use the same powertrain. Standard and optional equipment levels are also about equal.
This family DNA sharing means that the Saturn Sky is inbred with the same strengths and weaknesses. On the positive side, the Sky can be a blast to drive. Its big 18-inch wheels and tires provide a high level of grip and its 2.4-liter engine, while not exactly a model of refinement, provides enough gusto to keep one's attention from waning. Its cockpit is also relatively roomy. The major downsides are its fussy top operation and a trunk that is small even for this class of car. Choosing between the Sky and Solstice will come down mainly to your preference in styling and availability at the dealership. Alternatively, one can check out the Mazda Miata, which was fully redesigned for the 2006 model year. The Miata is a little more expensive, but it boasts a higher level of quality and a more interactive driving experience. Overall, the Sky is certainly the most exciting (and arguably best) product to come out since Saturn's inception and will no doubt inspire a very pleasing ownership or leasing experience.
The Saturn Sky is a small two-seat convertible. Choosing one is relatively easy as there is only one trim level available. Standard equipment highlights include 18-inch wheels, a manual cloth top with a glass rear window, automatic headlights, keyless entry, cruise control, power windows and mirrors, air conditioning and a six-speaker audio system with a CD player. One can upgrade the audio system to a more powerful seven-speaker system that also has an MP3-compatible, in-dash CD changer and the option for satellite radio. An optional Premium Trim package adds leather seating, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio controls, and a bit of flashy metallic trim for the sill plates and pedals. Other optional features include chromed 18-inch wheels and a limited-slip rear differential.
Four-wheel antilock brakes are standard equipment. So is OnStar, GM's telematics system. Side airbags and stability control aren't offered.
Though dainty roadsters aren't typically known for having roomy cabins, the Saturn Sky is better than most in terms of offering enough room for large occupants to stretch out. A wraparound dash and high door sills surround the driver like the cockpit of a fighter jet, and bolstered seats are comfortable and supportive. Still, the cabin is marred by some mediocre plastics. The retractable top is a bit fussy; lowering it requires the driver to turn a latch on the windshield, pop the rear deck lid with a button in the glovebox, then get out of the car and manually fold the top down into its well before slamming the rear deck closed. It's not difficult, but it is tedious compared to the MX-5's one-handed operation. We're also not fans of the Sky's trunk, which provides just 3.8 cubic feet of space with the top up.
When thrown into a corner, the Sky will tend toward safe understeer unless provoked with the throttle. Most drivers will find the car's substantial lateral grip and quick steering enjoyable enough to make the Sky a fun and engaging canyon companion. Ride quality is quite acceptable for normal day-to-day use. The 2.4-liter Ecotec engine, which is pretty much the same engine found in a multitude of GM economy-oriented products, is merely adequate in terms of refinement and performance.
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