2008 Saturn Sky Review
Price Estimate: $2,700 - $4,158





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Low base price, powerful Red Line model, compliant highway ride, roomy cockpit, classy and distinctive styling.
Cons
- Limited trunk space with awkward access, below-average ergonomics and interior plastics quality, complicated soft top operation requires getting out of the car.
What’s new
Stability control, a limited-slip differential and satellite radio become standard equipment on all 2008 Saturn Sky roadsters. Customers now have the option of specially ordering any exterior and interior color combination they choose. A new special-edition trim known as Carbon Flash debuts on both the base and Red Line models.
Edmunds says
Though not as nimble or refined as a Mazda Miata, the 2008 Saturn Sky is nevertheless a willing driving companion. This, in combination with its sharp styling, low price and everyday comfort, makes it a solid choice for a small roadster.
For sale nearby
61 listings
- $9,995fair price$1,262 below market
- 62,472 miles
- 1 accident, 2 owners, personal use only
- 4cyl automatic
- Southwest Sales (276 mi away)
- Leather Seats
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Alarm
- Trip Computer
Close
Located in Austin, MN
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
21 Combined MPG (19 City/25 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1G8MC35B98Y121105
Stock: PP6672
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-04-2024 - 71,003 miles
- 1 accident, 5 owners, personal use only
- 4cyl manual
- Efkamp Auto Sales Urbandale (359 mi away)
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Upgraded Stereo
- Alarm
- Trip Computer
Close
Located in Des Moines, IA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (19 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1G8MG35X88Y104067
Stock: 104067
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-13-2025
Vehicle overview
The real Saturn sky consists of molecular hydrogen, 1,120 mph winds, at least 62 moons and those famous icy rings. The 2008 Saturn Sky consists of classic roadster proportions, 18-inch wheels, a low price and an available 260-horsepower turbocharged engine. Neither, of course, has anything to do with the other besides a common ability to attract attention with their stunning good looks -- which the car does in abundance and without the need for a telescope.
While its mechanical near-twin, the Pontiac Solstice, has set hearts aflutter since it debuted, the classier, less-sensational Sky looks arguably less like a toy and more like an athletic driver's car. There are two varieties: the regular version with its rather pedestrian 177-hp inline-4, and the Red Line, which features a turbocharged inline-4 that produces a massive 260 hp. It doesn't take a master logician to figure out which Sky we prefer, as the Red Line is not only almost 2 seconds quicker from zero to 60 mph, but its stiffer suspension tuning makes it handle better on twisty roads than the base Sky. However, neither is as involving as the Mazda Miata, which, despite having less power than both Sky models, offers much better steering and a more intimate relationship between driver and car. The Sky is entertaining up to a certain point, but more demanding drivers will be frustrated by its slow throttle response, numb steering and bland exhaust note.
The Sky also loses some points to the Miata in everyday operation. There is very little interior storage space, and the trunk is difficult to access (the lid is rear hinged) and rendered almost useless when the top is down. The top is also an ergonomic nightmare, as 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 seems like a Rube Goldberg experiment compared to the MX-5's one-handed, in-car operation.
Of course, the Sky's styling is its ultimate selling point, and no amount of ergonomic glitches or numb steering will spoil the ownership experience for those folks who just have to have one in their garage. Buyers can now even customize their 2008 Saturn Sky with any exterior and interior color combination they choose, such as the Ronald McDonald special with bright yellow paint and red leather. This combo may display a colossal lack of taste, but it's certain to attract more attention than 62 moons and some icy rings.
Performance & mpg
The base-model 2008 Saturn Sky comes with a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine that makes 177 hp and 166 pound-feet of torque. The Sky Red Line has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with direct injection capable of a very strong 260 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Both cars send their power to the rear wheels through a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic. In our performance testing, the regular Sky went from zero to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, while the Red Line challenges the Porsche Cayman at 5.8 seconds. Both tested models were equipped with the manual transmission.
Safety
Antilock disc brakes and stability control are standard equipment, as is OnStar, GM's telematics system. Side airbags aren't offered on any Sky roadster. In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash testing, the Sky scored four stars (out of five) for both frontal- and side-impact tests.
Driving
When thrown into a corner, the Sky tends 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 twisty road companion. Ride quality is quite acceptable for normal day-to-day use, and the Sky is a better highway cruiser than the Miata. The base 2.4-liter engine, which is pretty much the same as what's found in a multitude of GM economy-oriented products, is merely adequate in terms of acceleration and refinement. Thankfully, the Sky Red Line is a more serious performance car thanks to its powerful engine and stiffer suspension tuning. It's impressively quick in a straight line, but numb steering and an imprecise throttle prevent the driver from obtaining a true connection to the car when driving hard on curvy roads.
Interior
Though dainty roadsters aren't typically known for having roomy cabins, the 2008 Saturn Sky is better than most in terms of offering enough room for large occupants to stretch out. The dash is modern and attractive, with comfortable, well-bolstered seats. Ergonomics and materials quality leaves much to be desired, however. Also, the transmission tunnel is unusually wide, which can put the squeeze on larger drivers while eliminating any possibility of center storage space. The Sky's trunk doesn't help either, providing just 5.4 cubic feet of space with the top up and practically none with it down, and an awkward lid that opens rearward.
2008 Saturn Sky models
The 2008 Saturn Sky is a two-seat roadster available in base and Red Line models. Standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels, a limited-slip differential, a manual cloth top with a glass rear window, automatic headlights, full power accessories, air-conditioning and a six-speaker audio system with CD/MP3 player, auxiliary jack and satellite radio. There is an upgraded seven-speaker system with in-dash CD changer available. The optional Premium Trim Package adds leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, and metallic interior trim. The Carbon Flash Special Edition also adds those items plus 18-inch chrome alloy wheels and Carbon Flash paint.
The Saturn Sky Red Line is equipped similarly to a regular model with the Premium Trim Package, but has special interior and exterior details, a sport-tuned suspension and performance tires. The Red Line Carbon Flash adds the chrome wheels and unique paint. Customers can opt to mix and match interior and exterior colors in any way they want for an additional charge.

Saab, Saturn Vehicles Added to Takata Airbag Recall

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2002-'04 Saturn Vue Recalled for Ignition Key Cylinder Problem

2004-'12 Chevrolet Malibu Among 2.4 Million GM Cars Recalled for Taillight Problems
Compare 2008 Saturn Sky trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
$184/mo for Sky Base
Sky Base
vs
$165/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Reliability
The 2008 Saturn Sky has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 5 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
5 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 17V061000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 17036
- Manufactured from:
- 2005-12-06 to 2009-05-26
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 91007
- Defect Description:
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. The Passenger Air Bag Suppression System (PPS) sensor may become bent or damaged within the front passenger seat, possibly disabling the front passenger air bag.
- Defect Consequence:
- In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag does not deploy as intended, the front passenger has an increased risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- The remedy for this recall is still under development. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 17036.
- Recall Number:
- 14V171000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 14113,1413
- Manufactured from:
- 2007-04-24 to 2008-06-19
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 2191014
- Defect Description:
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
- Defect Consequence:
- If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
- Corrective Action:
- General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.
- Recall Number:
- 14V047000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 13454/1406
- Manufactured from:
- 2007-04-24 to 2008-06-19
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 2190934
- Defect Description:
- This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
- Defect Consequence:
- If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GM+s recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
- Recall Number:
- 14E021000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 14529
- Defect Description:
- UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.
- Defect Consequence:
- If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.
- Corrective Action:
- UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should contact UCI-FRAM Group at 1-800-890-2075. GM vehicle owners requiring additional information on that recall campaign should contact GM at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac) or 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn).
- Recall Number:
- 07V454000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 07263
- Manufactured from:
- 2007-08-01 to 2007-10-31
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1482
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS." AND STANDARD NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE ONE TO FOUR INBOARD SEAT STUD FASTENERS THAT DO NOT MEET SPECIFICATION FOR STRENGTH.
- Defect Consequence:
- IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT AND SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY MAY NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT AS INTENDED AND COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE INBOARD SEAT STUDS AND, IF NECESSARY, REMOVE THE STUD AND INSTALL A BOLT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 10, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 AND SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.
Warranty
3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 5 years / 100,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 6 years / 100,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 5 years / 100,000 miles
Saturn Sky Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Midlife Crisis
4.25 out of 5 starsAnonymous, 12/07/2010
2008 Saturn Sky Red Line 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
This is my second Sky, I owned a base model which was no. 850 off the Saturn line. I love the car and the only bad points are lack of storage space and ease of entry and exit, that's it. Good points, styling, handling, ride, yes ride it rides better than my 2004 Acura TL, ask my brother. Reliability, well don't have enough miles to judge that just yet but my first Sky only had a small … differential leak recall (mine was not leaking but repaired under warranty) that's it. My current Redline only has had the door latches replaced under warranty. Saturn actually came out with a new design. No squeaks or rattles and quiet for a convertible. Pack lite, stay flexible, highly recommended.
The Sky is The Limit
4.75 out of 5 starsMike7642, 11/04/2009
2008 Saturn Sky Carbon Flash SE 2dr Convertible (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Saturn has built one fine little roadster. It doesnt just look awesome, but handles like a true sports car. The Sky handles turns with amazing performance and powers out of them with ease. Its big wide tires stick to pavement like glue. Once in the cockpit, you cant help but smile. One drawback, there is no luggage space for a really good road trip.
Absolute joy to drive
5 out of 5 starsCincycoop, 01/15/2019
2008 Saturn Sky Red Line 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
I wanted to get a fun car for just date nights with my wife, errands, or small trips. This car is an absolute joy to drive! I frequently catch myself just smiling or even laughing when driving it. Maybe the happiest I have ever been with any purchase. Update after 4 years: still love this car. Have been zero issues except a new battery this year. Great car!
Blue Sky
5 out of 5 starsJimmy, 11/07/2017
2008 Saturn Sky 2dr Convertible (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
5/9/21
Still a sweetheart that looks and dives as it did when new.
Beautiful little car that our kids have used more than we. Absolutely no problems and the few recalls were addressed. To date we have been extremely lucky/happy with both of our 2008 Saturns, one SKY and one Aura.
11/7/19
Still getting compliments today on how beautiful the car is, more than eleven years after its … purchase. The performance portion of your survey was rated at three stars because it was never intended to be a fast car, not with 173 horsepower. It was intended to be a pleasant little cruiser and it is exactly that.
11/7/20
Still the car GM promised and we hoped it would be. An absolute joy!
2008 Sky Highlights
Convertible
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $25,855 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $184/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 5.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Sky include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5PassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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