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2008 Saturn Sky Safety Review

August 19, 2008

SAFETY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Four stars, front impact protection and side impact protection
NHTSA

Antilock disc brakes and stability control are standard equipment
Edmunds

New standard features include StabiliTrak stability control
Kelley Blue Book

The 2008 Saturn Sky performs decently well in crash tests and offers a number of the more typical safety features, but it is disappointing to note the absence of other critical features.

The 2008 Saturn Sky has been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the results are heartening. The federal crash-testing agency subjected the Saturn Sky to its full range of tests and has awarded the Sky Saturn four out of five stars in every category. That includes four-star ratings for front driver and passenger impact protection, along with a four-star rating for side impact protection. The Saturn Sky has not, however, been tested by the other major crash-testing authority, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

In addition to respectable crash-test ratings, the 2008 Saturn Sky offers quite a few safety features, but reviews read by TheCarConnection.com note some glaring omissions. On the positive side, Edmunds says "antilock disc brakes and stability control are standard equipment, as is OnStar." ConsumerGuide mentions that a "tire-pressure monitor," which can improve safety and fuel economy, and "daytime running lights" are standard on all 2008 Saturn Sky models. Unfortunately, Cars.com points out that "the big safety disappointment is the absence of side-impact airbags," which aren't even available as optional equipment and which they say "have proven critical in occupant safety." Kelley Blue Book is also disappointed to find that, "unlike the MX-5, the Sky doesn't offer side airbags or traction control."

One area where the Saturn Sky redeems itself is driver visibility; many reviewers are impressed by the sightlines afforded by the Sky Saturn's design. ConsumerGuide says "top-up rear visibility is better than in most convertibles," though they mention that the "double-hump rear deck hinders vision astern for shorter drivers." Reviewers at Cars.com also say they are "able to see well over the hood," and the placement of the rear window "immediately behind the driver" means "the rear view with the top up isn't bad."

Conclusion

For a small car with no side impact airbags, the 2008 Saturn Sky fares pretty well in crash tests.

SAFETY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Four stars, front impact protection and side impact protectionNHTSAAntilock disc brakes and stability control are standard equipmentEdmundsNew standard features include StabiliTrak stability controlKelley Blue Book The 2008 Saturn Sky performs decently well in crash tests and offers a number of the more typical safety features, but it is disappointing to note the absence of other critical features. The 2008 Saturn Sky has been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the results are heartening. The federal crash-testing agency subjected the Saturn Sky to its full range of tests and has awarded the Sky Saturn four out of five stars in every category. That includes four-star ratings for front driver and passenger impact protection, along with a four-star rating for side impact protection. The Saturn Sky has not, however, been tested by the other major crash-testing authority, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In addition to respectable crash-test ratings, the 2008 Saturn Sky offers quite a few safety features, but reviews read by TheCarConnection.com note some glaring omissions. On the positive side, Edmunds says "antilock disc brakes and stability control are standard equipment, as is OnStar." ConsumerGuide mentions that a "tire-pressure monitor," which can improve safety and fuel economy, and "daytime running lights" are standard on all 2008 Saturn Sky models. Unfortunately, Cars.com points out that "the big safety disappointment is the absence of side-impact airbags," which aren't even available as optional equipment and which they say "have proven critical in occupant safety." Kelley Blue Book is also disappointed to find that, "unlike the MX-5, the Sky doesn't offer side airbags or traction control." One area where the Saturn Sky redeems itself is driver visibility; many reviewers are impressed by the sightlines afforded by the Sky Saturn's design. ConsumerGuide says "top-up rear visibility is better than in most convertibles," though they mention that the "double-hump rear deck hinders vision astern for shorter drivers." Reviewers at Cars.com also say they are "able to see well over the hood," and the placement of the rear window "immediately behind the driver" means "the rear view with the top up isn't bad." ConclusionFor a small car with no side impact airbags, the 2008 Saturn Sky fares pretty well in crash tests.  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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