Ever since the brand’s introduction in 1990, the easy-to-purchase Saturns have been known mainly as sensible cars for small families and modest budgets. That’s all changed dramatically with the debut of the SKY roadster and, especially, its recently-introduced turbocharged Red Line offshoot. Only in small details does it differ mechanically from the Pontiac Solstice, and the rear-wheel-drive two-passenger 2009 Saturn SKY – particularly in Red Line guise – sends Saturn and its potential customers into a new and unexpected automotive realm.
Used 2009 Saturn SKY Pricing
Used 2009 Saturn SKY pricing starts at $10,545 for the SKY Roadster 2D, which had a starting MSRP of $28,265 when new. The range-topping 2009 SKY Red Line Roadster 2D starts at $11,614 today, originally priced from $32,090.
Original MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (nat'l average) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Roadster 2D | $28,265 | $10,545 | ||
Red Line Roadster 2D | $32,090 | $11,614 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for used 2009 Saturn SKY models in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly.
Driving the Used 2009 Saturn SKY
Though it’s no BMW in terms of refinement, the 2009 Saturn SKY Red Line experience is reminiscent of BMW’s Z4. Relatively high steering effort translates to a heavy overall feel. This two-seater maneuvers effectively and hugs the road tenaciously. Although the engine delivers an impressive flow of power, if you’re not in the optimum gear with a manual-shift model, don’t expect startling response, and the exhaust sounds aren’t especially inspiring. Sitting atop the console, the short gearshift lever is actually in good position for gear changes, though the clutch engages at a surprisingly low point on the pedal.
Interior Comfort
Squeezing into the SKY’s co*ckpit may demand some twitchy contortions, but its seats are snugly satisfying – eager to keep you tautly in position through enthusiastic driving maneuvers. The Red Line-specific speedometer and tachometer are so deep-set that they’re difficult for some eyes to read easily in the daytime, and things are not helped by the tiny gas gauge. No other conventional instruments are mounted on the dashboard, which relies instead on digital readouts for additional information, and the excessive chrome brightwork can result in distracting glare on sunny days. With the top down, space in the rear-hinged trunk shrinks from meager to nearly non-existent.
Exterior Styling
Among the shapeliest roadsters on the market, the SKY attracts attention even from the uninitiated – especially when painted brilliant Sunburst Yellow. Compared to the base model, the front end of the SKY Red Line flaunts several unique styling touches, including functional brake-cooling vents. A larger mesh pattern in the lower grille is intended to improve airflow toward the engine. Red Line headlamps differ, too, with black bezels instead of chrome. Flangeless, five-spoke polished aluminum-alloy wheels hold 18-inch tires. Putting the fabric top up or down isn’t the easiest task.
Favorite Features
Sensuously-Shaped Body
Can this really be a Saturn? Anyone who’s turned away from prior Saturn products due to humdrum appearances is sure to be shocked by the first close look at the SKY – which looks even more voluptuous in Red Line form.
Turbocharged Direct-Injection Engine
Saturn deserves credit not only for giving this small-displacement engine abundant power, but for doing so without a sharp drop in gas mileage. In fact, the Red Line’s turbo earns EPA fuel-economy estimates that beat the base-model’s larger, but less-potent engine.
Standard Features
Standard Red Line equipment includes a five-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential, GM’s StabiliTrak stability-control system and a performance-tuned suspension. Inside are a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and a digital turbo boost gauge. Dual polished aluminum exhaust outlets release the turbocharged engine’s gases. Red Line models feature stainless steel pedal covers and metallic sill plates. The SKY roadster also has anti-lock braking (ABS), foglamps, OnStar, keyless remote entry and power windows/doors/mirrors. Due to limited trunk space, no spare tire is included.
Factory Options
For around $100, a five-speed automatic transmission can replace the standard five-speed manual gearbox, though for performance enthusiasts the stick-shift may deliver stronger results from the turbo engine. Additional options include a six-CD changer with Monsoon sound, leather-surfaced seat trim, chrome wheels and a rear spoiler.
Engine & Transmission
In contrast to the base-model SKY’s 173-horsepower engine, the SKY Red Line has a 260-horsepower, 2.0-liter Ecotec four-cylinder, driving a five-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic transmission. Direct-injection technology sends fuel directly into the combustion chambers of the turbocharged engine to produce greater power with less fuel consumption. 2.0-liter in-line 4 Turbocharged
260 horsepower @ 5300 rpm
260 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2500-5200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/28 (manual), 19/27 (automatic)
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Our Expert Ratings come from hours of both driving and number crunching to make sure that you choose the best car for you. We comprehensively experience and analyze every new SUV, car, truck, or minivan for sale in the U.S. and compare it to its competitors. When all that dust settles, we have our ratings. We require new ratings every time an all-new vehicle or a new generation of an existing vehicle comes out. Additionally, we reassess those ratings when a new-generation vehicle receives a mid-cycle refresh — basically, sprucing up a car in the middle of its product cycle (typically, around the 2-3 years mark) with a minor facelift, often with updates to features and technology. Rather than pulling random numbers out of the air or off some meaningless checklist, KBB’s editors rank a vehicle to where it belongs in its class. Before any car earns its KBB rating, it must prove itself to be better (or worse) than the other cars it’s competing against as it tries to get you to spend your money buying or leasing. Our editors drive and live with a given vehicle. We ask all the right questions about the interior, the exterior, the engine and powertrain, the ride and handling, the features, the comfort, and of course, about the price. Does it serve the purpose for which it was built? (Whether that purpose is commuting efficiently to and from work in the city, keeping your family safe, making you feel like you’ve made it to the top — or that you’re on your way — or making you feel like you’ve finally found just the right partner for your lifestyle.) We take each vehicle we test through the mundane — parking, lane-changing, backing up, cargo space and loading — as well as the essential — acceleration, braking, handling, interior quiet and comfort, build quality, materials quality, reliability.
