Expert Reviews

DriverSide Overview
Far from us to judge a car solely on its engine – there are, after all, many other factors to consider – but the 2008 Saturn Sky Red Line has an outstanding one. Not only does it perform incredibly well, but its striking styling and aggressive lines also make the two-seater look incredibly fast. While this car won't replace your daily driver, thanks to an overall lack of usable storage space, it will give you something to sink your teeth into on the weekend. Saturn has priced this small, good-looking, turbo-charged convertible at under $30,000 too - making it practically irresistable.

What's to Like
The Sky's crowning achievement is its power. Its 260 hp and turbo boost are smooth from a stop and power quickly through the streets and highways. For a two-seater convertible, the headroom is unexpectedly roomy and the car's looks are easy on the eyes.

What's Not to Like
The trunk is useless for holding anything but a gym bag and a pack of gum, and that's when the top is up. We're sure no one owns luggage small enough to fit in that tiny U-shaped space. Also, visibility out the windshield is pretty limited; an inch more of glass would have made a huge difference. Build quality is sorely lacking when compared to its import rivals.

The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
The Sky is equally pleasant to drive at low and high speeds, what with the whir of the turbo echoing gently in your ears as you accelerate. The faster you go, the better the handling. The stiff suspension will be an annoyance for those who are just driving around town, but it's perfect for those back road twisties. The roof and window meet almost exactly at ear level, making for a slight buzzing cabin noise when the top is up, being a good excuse to keep the top down. 

Engine and Drivetrain
The Sky Red Line has a 2.0-liter, dual VVT turbo-charged, four-cylinder engine that spits out 260 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. With all that power comes speed – the Red Line hits 0-60 in 5.5 seconds. Its five-speed manual comes standard, but the automatic is just as fun. The rear-wheel drive also makes this speedster more grounded and fun to drive.

Interesting Vehicle Features and Options
There's little to be said about the options Saturn provides in the Sky, mainly because it has so many standard features. There is an upgraded audio system, available for $395, which includes a subwoofer and speed-compensated volume – leaving you to concentrate on driving instead of adjusting the sound. The stock system is pretty impressive though: an auxiliary jack comes standard, and you'll be happy with the six clear-sounding speakers. The Sky also comes with a tire inflator kit, containing tire sealant and an air compressor, for those handy types who can fix their own punctures.

Key Technology Evaluation
On a convertible for this price, you'll be hard pressed to find overwhelming amounts of exciting new technology. The fussy manual roof is evidence of this. However, XM radio is installed in every Sky and there's a convenient OnStar button located on the rearview mirror ready to help should you get locked out of your car or need roadside help.

Green Evaluation/Gas Mileage
It's not the fabled Tesla, but an mpg of 19 city and 26 highway for the automatic and 19/28 for the manual isn't terrible for a car with this amount of power. GM's Ecotec engine helps reduce fuel consumption, but the result isn't that stellar. Compared to the base Sky, with its 2.4-liter engine, however, the Red Line gets better gas mileage on the highway.

A Closer Look:  Vehicle Details
Interior
Sliding into the Sky's sporty red and black bucket seats, you feel the cabin enveloping you. The instrument panel gleams with a glossy black finish that's a little too receptive to fingerprints, but the dials are complementary to the overall design. The gauges are a little boring though, and blocked somewhat by a steering wheel that lacks telescoping capabilities.

Exterior
The Sky sports a rough and tumble design, sealing the impression that it's a convertible not afraid to get its rims dirty. Angular headlamps transition sharply into enlarged front wheel fenders. Standard 18-inch wheels complete the aggressive look of the Sky Red Line.

Market Segment and Pricing
Set in the middle of the price range between a Mazda MX-5 Miata and Honda S2000, the Sky's $30,405 starting price might sway buyers over to Saturn. Factor in the turbo-charged engine and 260 hp and the Sky Red Line will easily jump ahead of the other two. There are also so many standard features in this 2-seater that the options pricing won't get out of control.

What We Think
The Sky Red Line is a great speedster for the price. It might be difficult to own this as a daily driver since the front seat is the only place large enough to hold cargo like grocery bags. Still, it produces an exhilarating ride, and driving it can add plenty of unbridled fun to your day.