2007 Saturn Sky
-edited by wahid polin nv20,2008

Aggressive Styling

To grab back market share from European and Japanese auto makers, General Motors Vice-Chairman Robert Lutz has pushed to reengage buyers with sexier design and more attention to interiors. The 2007 Saturn Sky’s distinctive headlights and taillights are nestled into the body. Chrome air intakes on the hood — which you normally wouldn’t expect on such an inexpensive car (under $25,000) — aggressive front end, and very distinct cowlings on the rear deck add up to one of the best-looking American cars on the market.



Shared Chassis

The rear-drive, two-seat Sky shares a basic chassis and power train with the Pontiac Solstice, but the Sky has distinct styling that incorporates the new look of Saturn’s cars.



Performance

The Sky comes with a 170-hp 2.4-liter Ecotec engine, which is capable of racing from 0 to 60 in 7.2 seconds.



Transmission

A five-speed manual-transmission engine is standard, though automatic is available as an option.



At the Controls

The Sky’s interior is snappy, if cramped. Some people may complain about the lack of storage space, but that’s how a classic roadster is supposed to be: stripped down, lean, and spartan, like the interior of a World War II fighter plane. (Although, with its leather trim, power everything, and sound system, it’s actually much nicer.)



Overall

Based on a concept car developed in England and unveiled in late 2004, the Sky represents a potentially dramatic turning point for not only the Saturn brand, but for parent company General Motors, as well. It is part of an overall effort to prove to consumers that GM can do more than build trucks, sport-utility vehicles, and boring cars — the Chevy Corvette is the exception to the rule. And with the Sky, it has a winner on its hands. The Sky does have competition, though, not only from the Solstice, but from the Mazda Miata, as well as pricier models such as the BMW Z4 and the Mercedes-Benz SLK.