Labeled “a different kind of car company,” the Saturn Corporation was originally a stand-alone automaker wholly owned by General Motors. Unlike other GM automobile brands such as Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac, Saturn was managed separately and had its own unique car models. Saturn also had a dealership network that was separate from the rest of the General Motors matrix.

The company successfully began production in July 1990 with the release of various sedans, coupes, and station wagons. Saturn would go on to extend its production list, adding the Vue crossover in 2002, Relay minivan in 2005, and both the Sky Roadster and Outlook crossover in 2007. In an effort to expand its production line, GM began rebranding existing models with the Saturn logo, and the company ultimately stopped making unique Saturn models.

Following General Motors' bankruptcy in 2009, the car manufacturer was forced to restructure and made an effort to sell the Saturn Corporation, but it later collapsed, and on October 31, 2010, Saturn was officially discontinued as a result of financial problems. This ended its 25-year journey. However, over that quarter of a century time frame, they brought some slick rides to market, including the Saturn Sky.

Without further ado, let's take a look at the Saturn Sky and what we love about it.

The First Generation Saturn Sky Roadster

Saturn Sky Rearview
Via: Wikimedia Commons - http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

The Saturn Sky is an exciting two-seater convertible. It was the Saturn Corporation’s first and best roadster. The two-seater convertible, which hit the market in 2006, was built on a Kappa platform, much like the Pontiac Solstice. This architecture was installed by General Motors to add the necessary structure for a two-seat rear-wheel drive convertible with a suitable drivetrain, longitudinal-mounted transmission, and front-mid engine.

The Sky, however, separates itself from the Pontiac with the presence of an extra layer of cloth added to the convertible top for more noise attenuation. It also has received suspension, which in turn improved the roadster's overall driving experience.

Later, the manufacturer would produce the 2007 Saturn Sky Redline, which, much like its predecessor, boasted a sleek styling based on the design of the Vauxhall VX Lightning concept car. The smooth edges and slammed suspension made it largely comparable to the Mazda Miata roadster.

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The Performance Of The Saturn Sky

Saturn Sky Bonnet
Via: Mike Babcock, Wikimedia Commons - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0

The base model of the Saturn Sky features General Motors' 2.4-liter inline, naturally aspirated Ecotec 4-cylinder engine. The Sky's powertrain uses variable valve timing to produce about 173 horses. The base model also packs 258 lb-ft of torque at 2,500-5,200 RPM, as well as a 1,998 centimeter cubed displacement. In addition, this ride uses multipoint fuel injection for more power, increased reliability, and reduced fuel consumption.

Weighing a little over 3,000 pounds, the Sky convertible goes from 0-60 in about 7.3 seconds bone stock, according to General Motors, and with manual transmission, it offers a more enjoyable and engaging driving experience.

The Redline trim of the Saturn Sky is also equipped with a 260 HP 2.0-liter turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine, perfect for enthusiasts with a passion for performance. The Redline Saturn also includes a limited-slip 3.73 rear axle differential, performance-oriented suspension tuning, and more aggressive high-performance tires.

She is also fitted with a high flow exhaust system with dual outlets and a couple more advanced features for it’s exterior and interior, which complement the unique high-performance stature of this roadster. Both trims offer a 5-speed manual gearbox, and front and rear ventilated discs with a stock tire size of 245/45 R18 96V on chrome five-star wheels.

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The Saturn Sky's Interior

Saturn Sky Interior
Via: BrokenSphere, Wikimedia Commons - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0

The Sky roadster has a crisp interior to match its fun, sporty exterior. Although not as lavish as expected, GM did a perfect job to match the car's interior with it’s overall demeanor. The seats are fairly comfortable and covered in a tough, no-frills fabric accompanied by a black carpet on the floor.

Although not as advanced as what you'd get today, the instrument cluster on the Saturn Sky comprises two massive old-fashioned speedometer and tachometer gauges and a digital boost gauge that tops out at around 18 PSI. Pretty straightforward, but it covers the basics.

The retractable top is also skillfully designed, considering it takes roughly 20 seconds to take it off or put it on, which is pretty slow when compared with most automated setups. However, the acrylic material used to make the retractable top on the Saturn Sky weighs less than 35lbs which helps to maintain a low gross vehicle mass.

Why The Saturn Sky Offers Great Value For Money

2009 Saturn Sky
Via: Reedred, Wikimedia Commons - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0

At $23,705, the Saturn Sky is one of the most affordable high-performance convertibles out there, and with it’s astounding features, it is truly worth your money.

The only drawback is the vehicle's limited luggage space, so the Saturn Sky isn’t the best choice for a family car or for doing grocery shopping, but it’s a lot of fun as a commuter or weekend driver. Production of the Sky ended in July 2009 as both the Saturn and Pontiac nameplates were discontinued.

NEXT: Mallet Performance Hammers A 2007 Saturn Sky Into A 360-HP LS2 V8-Powered Classy Roadster