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2008 Saturn Sky Quality Review

August 19, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Tiny trunk, fussy top, fluttering hood, and cheap interior trim
Car and Driver

Below-average ergonomics and interior plastics quality
Edmunds

Annoying wind rush even at moderate speeds
ConsumerGuide

The 2008 Saturn Sky may be more of a styling statement and performance machine than a luxury car, but it would still be nice to see better materials inside. The Saturn Sky also loses points for its poor interior ergonomics.

The 2008 Saturn Sky arrives as a "two-seat roadster," according to Edmunds, and most reviews read by TheCarConnection.com are disappointed by the design of the passenger space. While ConsumerGuide notes "there's OK leg space and good top-up headroom," they also say the seat "padding feels skimpy" and the "low seats won't suit some shorter drivers." Edmunds reports "ergonomics and materials quality leaves much to be desired," and usefulness of cabin space is impeded by the fact that "the transmission tunnel is unusually wide, which can put the squeeze on larger drivers." Car and Driver also says "the interior has tidy forms but ergonomics on par with a game of Twister."

Things don't get much better for the 2008 Saturn Sky when it comes to practicality and storage space, either. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com are quick to point out that the trunk on the Sky Saturn is woefully small, even for a convertible. Edmunds says that the trunk offers "just 5.4 cubic feet of space with the top up and practically none with it down," while Cars.com reports "when the top is down, roughly a backpack's worth of space remains, though the top must be lifted to reach it." The interior cargo offerings on the Saturn Sky aren't very impressive either, and Cars.com reviewers feel "the Sky needs more covered, lockable storage so you can leave it parked with the top down." ConsumerGuide also notes "cockpit storage is meager, even for a sports car."

The parade of criticism in this category continues when it comes to interior quality, where ConsumerGuide says that the "cabin is awash in cheap-looking hard plastic" and notes the presence of "numerous interior squeaks and rattles." Cars.com adds "the materials are hard to the touch." On the positive side, many reviewers appreciate the "piano black and metallic trim" on the Sky Saturn that Kelley Blue Book says dominates the interior, imparting a "sophisticated, contemporary ambience."

The Saturn Sky loses yet more points when it comes to cabin noise. Cars.com laments the fact that "the engine noise is rough and...noisy." ConsumerGuide also notices the presence of "annoying wind rush even at moderate speeds," thanks to the "ill-fitting tops."

Conclusion

Suffice it to say that you don't buy the 2008 Saturn Sky for the luxurious interior and quiet ride.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:Tiny trunk, fussy top, fluttering hood, and cheap interior trimCar and DriverBelow-average ergonomics and interior plastics qualityEdmundsAnnoying wind rush even at moderate speedsConsumerGuide The 2008 Saturn Sky may be more of a styling statement and performance machine than a luxury car, but it would still be nice to see better materials inside. The Saturn Sky also loses points for its poor interior ergonomics. The 2008 Saturn Sky arrives as a "two-seat roadster," according to Edmunds, and most reviews read by TheCarConnection.com are disappointed by the design of the passenger space. While ConsumerGuide notes "there's OK leg space and good top-up headroom," they also say the seat "padding feels skimpy" and the "low seats won't suit some shorter drivers." Edmunds reports "ergonomics and materials quality leaves much to be desired," and usefulness of cabin space is impeded by the fact that "the transmission tunnel is unusually wide, which can put the squeeze on larger drivers." Car and Driver also says "the interior has tidy forms but ergonomics on par with a game of Twister." Things don't get much better for the 2008 Saturn Sky when it comes to practicality and storage space, either. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com are quick to point out that the trunk on the Sky Saturn is woefully small, even for a convertible. Edmunds says that the trunk offers "just 5.4 cubic feet of space with the top up and practically none with it down," while Cars.com reports "when the top is down, roughly a backpack's worth of space remains, though the top must be lifted to reach it." The interior cargo offerings on the Saturn Sky aren't very impressive either, and Cars.com reviewers feel "the Sky needs more covered, lockable storage so you can leave it parked with the top down." ConsumerGuide also notes "cockpit storage is meager, even for a sports car." The parade of criticism in this category continues when it comes to interior quality, where ConsumerGuide says that the "cabin is awash in cheap-looking hard plastic" and notes the presence of "numerous interior squeaks and rattles." Cars.com adds "the materials are hard to the touch." On the positive side, many reviewers appreciate the "piano black and metallic trim" on the Sky Saturn that Kelley Blue Book says dominates the interior, imparting a "sophisticated, contemporary ambience." The Saturn Sky loses yet more points when it comes to cabin noise. Cars.com laments the fact that "the engine noise is rough and...noisy." ConsumerGuide also notices the presence of "annoying wind rush even at moderate speeds," thanks to the "ill-fitting tops." ConclusionSuffice it to say that you don't buy the 2008 Saturn Sky for the luxurious interior and quiet ride.  2008 SATURN SKY STYLING | [9 out of 10] Car and Driver: "Mini-Corvette styling" Edmunds: "Classy and distinctive styling" ConsumerGuide: "Most controls are simple and well marked but can be hard to reach" The Saturn Sky was a new model for the 2007 model year, but it will take much ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

General Motors says that shoppers typically won't consider both the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky, but the comparison is inevitable. The Solstice starts several thousand dollars cheaper than the 2008 Saturn Sky but has more basic appointments; for instance, it doesn't include power windows and locks or keyless entry. But the Solstice, in standard or GXP (equivalent to Red Line) models, offers comparable wind-in-hair performance for less money. Admittedly, the Saturn has a superior interior, with a more attractive instrument panel design and better controls. But nearly all else is the same. Otherwise, the Honda S2000 may be the closest competitor to the Sky Red Line and Solstice GXP; it brings an incredibly rev-happy, 237-horsepower, 2.2-liter VTEC four-cylinder and six-speed manual that doesn't match the Red Line for straight-line performance but beats it for the tactile experience. A quick drive in the Mazda Miata also reveals what's lacking in the base Sky roadster: the basics. The Miata covers all the necessities with a certain tactile charm lacking in the Sky; the shift action, super-direct steering feel, and sound of the modest engine powering the balanced, lightweight roadster are still unbeatable. But for those seeking more power, the torquey Nissan 350Z Roadster is also worth a look.

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See the Saturn Sky in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

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