CNNMoney Review: Not so good...

**Ahnuld** · 07-20-2006, 08:07 AM

http://money.cnn.com/2006/07/19/auto...n=money_latest

Posted out of fairness... not everyone is in love with the car apparently.

SkyHi07 · 07-20-2006, 08:49 AM

That is what makes America GREAT, everybody get to have his/hers own opinion.

agirltrucker · 07-20-2006, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkyHi07

That is what makes America GREAT, everybody get to have his/hers own opinion.

LiveWire · 07-20-2006, 08:55 AM

Its not a car for everyone that is clear. But nather are the a lot of other cars out there. Buy what you like or what you want in life that is the point i think.

Kustomkaps · 07-20-2006, 09:05 AM

Hey, they still parked the Sky next to the Rolls in the do not touch area, so who cares? I still think my Sky drives and feels better than the Miata, but maybe I have more 'meat' on my bones to absorb the road shock that the Miata gives out.

Rick Tinley Park · 07-20-2006, 09:18 AM

In a way I agree with a lot of it. What most reviewers (and hence people as more people read the review before looking at the car) miss is that the big items they find are really quite minor in the everyday driving 90% of us do. And, dispite their one comaprison, most of their faults are because it is NOT a $40,000 car. And give the roof a rest will ya?!?
For a person entering the sports/roadster car market it is still a great first step. Give GM/Saturn 5 years and it could become a real contender, not just for style (which it already wins hands down) but overall.

HiredGun · 07-20-2006, 09:23 AM

Well, I am 6' 2" and cannot fit INTO a Miata. And when a Mini Cooper is mentioned in the same article, it reminded me of . . . well actually, NOTHING came to mind. What I thought was, "WHAT?"

If the Sky had been introduced by ANY foreign car company, the review would have overlooked any perceived shortcomings.

ranps1 · 07-20-2006, 09:42 AM

I tend to agree on some on these issues, but I live with them because the cost of the car would provide these issues. About safety? Air bags help, no doubt. But side bags were not on common a few years ago for most cars. Give it time. If we all wanted bags, cargo, hardtop, speed, precise handling....we would all be buying 40-80K sport cars and we would still find things that "should" be. I for one love this car, I want to keep this car as long as possible then trade it in for a newer version down the road. It will be a lifelong pursuit to grow with this car.

Miata is where it is now after almost 2 decades...the nay sayers should give the Sky/Solstice a least half that time and see where they end up.

Ernest · 07-20-2006, 10:05 AM

I wouldn't want the SKY to be for everyone, I like the uniqueness of being one of the lucky ones to own one.

SKYtime · 07-20-2006, 10:11 AM

I have to agree with everyone's comments.

1994SC2 · 07-20-2006, 10:27 AM

That seems like a very legit article.

The car has its shortcomings, like all cars, and I think many were addressed -- it just depends if those shortcomings really matter to the potential buyer/owner (for instance I would not have bought side airbags nor do I care for the "feel" of the MX-5) but the waves this baby has created surely are impressive and across the board for a first year car under 25k. I also enjoyed the story about someone offering to buy it right from its primo spot next to the limos.

SkyBos · 07-20-2006, 11:07 AM

I thought the Article was pretty much right on the money.

A car thats in the "do not touch section" next to the Rolls --you'd expect a long list of shortcomings for $50,000 wouldn't you?

At $25,000 the car described word-for-word in this review qualifies as a certain home run.

nighttripper · 07-20-2006, 11:20 AM

Everyone I see who's looking at my Sky, when I have it parked or stopped, seems to have rave remarks about the look of the car. Some think it a BMW or Mercededes at first glance, then when they hear it's a Saturn Sky and the price. SHOCK I think the reviews are one persons opinion who have only driven the car a short while. The proof in the pudding is driving it all the time JMHO

Rick Tinley Park · 07-20-2006, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nighttripper

Everyone I see who's looking at my Sky, when I have it parked or stopped, seems to have rave remarks about the look of the car. Some think it a BMW or Mercededes at first glance, then when they hear it's a Saturn Sky and the price. SHOCK I think the reviews are one persons opinion who have only driven the car a short while. The proof in the pudding is driving it all the time JMHO

**Robotech** · 07-20-2006, 11:43 AM

I had a couple grips about the article.

First, the car feels very connected to me and the road. The whole man and machine thing is definately there. Go into a corner too hot and the car does what you expect it to do. Get the rear out of shape a little and same thing.

Second, the top. I decided yesterday to see if I could put the top up and down WITHOUT getting out of the car and I was pretty sucessful. I found you CAN put the top down without getting out. That's right, I went from top up to top down without so much as opening a door. You have to be stopped somewhere with room behind you, but you can do it.

I found that you can reach out the driver's door and reach the trunk. Flip it up but you don't want it to go completly open, just enough to clear the roof. Undo the roof latch and put the roof in the trunk. Be sure to press it down completly. Put the car in reverse and just give it a little blip of throttle. If you have the trunk up just enough (about a 45 degree angle or so) it will come back down when you do this...it doesn't take much. Then you can shut the trunk by grabbing a hole in the bulkhead and quickly yanking the trunk down. It took me twice to get it to shut but with practice I could do it pretty easily. Still not as easy as a Miata...but then again a Miata doesn't look nearly as clean as our cars with the top down.

Putting it up I may be able to get it to where you only need to do the buttresses but you can raise the top from within the car.

Lastly, don't sit there and say how the car doesn't have a lot of power then complain it has no traction control.

seal9 · 07-20-2006, 12:51 PM

Ernest you have it right, we all know that the Sky has some faults all cars do. But this is a very special car...people love it...I love it...some of the forum member can own any car they want..some have the Vipers, Vetts, A/H, and so on ..but they also have a SKY and feel lucky to have it. I agree I will also have my sky till my grandson can drive, and I will pass it on to him..and other Sky's will be in my future, but this first year Sky is the start of a legend that I will be part of.....SEAL9

wt2ga · 07-20-2006, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AustinTashis

Since this is a magazine that deals with money and investing, you'd think they might have noticed that Solstices are selling for more used than their owners paid for them. It's one factoid about the car that actually has something to do with their area of expertise, but they didn't mention it.

.................

calico · 07-20-2006, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wt2ga

.................

As long as it handles as well as the '99' Malibu I have been driving for the past 7 years, I'll be totally satisfied. Since I don't have a whole lot to campare the Sky to, I'm bound to be happy. My hubby and I car pool 60 miles round trip on backup roads 5 days a week. We are so looking forward to doing this in the Sky, hopefully in the not too distant future.

**JohnD** · 07-20-2006, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CNN Article

So I felt mostly the same about both cars, except for design -- the Solstice is nice, too, but it looks like a brown-bag lunch next to the Sky's silver-platter presentation.

See? I could never get away with posting anything like that.

Obviously the CNN reviewer has not reached the point of personal sophistimacation to know that all cars are equally good and attractive, and that pointing out differences only hurts peoples' feelings.

Shame on CNN. I bet they pick on politicians, too.

fireman · 07-20-2006, 02:25 PM

As far as handling, the test drive I took on the Sky was such an improvement over my last sportscar (yup a 1980 MGB) that if i wasnt sold on the looks and price prior to driving it, the test drive sealed my opinion of it being a great car. Yes i have drove a 2002 Vet, and several other cars. Its about being able to feel how the car drives. I drive a motorcycle as everyday vehicle for over 15 yrs now, and going from that (and it is a very positive feedback vehicle) to the Sky, I had no reservations in buying it. Now, I am just waiting to see when it gets here...

wt2ga · 07-20-2006, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdigiant

See? I could never get away with posting anything like this.

I felt mostly the same about both cars, except for design -- the Solstice is nice, too, but it looks like a brown-bag lunch next to the Sky's silver-platter presentation..

Alright what's wrong with a brown-bag lunch

07-20-2006, 08:07 AM	#1 (permalink)
Ahnuld First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NJ-TP: Exit 3 Posts: 1,454 My Photos: (1)	CNNMoney Review: Not so good... http://money.cnn.com/2006/07/19/auto...n=money_latest Posted out of fairness... not everyone is in love with the car apparently.

07-20-2006, 08:55 AM	#4 (permalink)
LiveWire First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spring Hill, FL. Posts: 102 My Photos: (0)	Its not a car for everyone that is clear. But nather are the a lot of other cars out there. Buy what you like or what you want in life that is the point i think. __________________ Silver Pearl, Red/Black, 18-inch alloy wheels(Panted), LSD, CD/MP3 player Monsoon audio system with XM, 1100 05-23 2000 05-29 2500 06-01 3000 06-01 3100 06-02 3300 06-03 3400 06-24 3800 06-29 Home 08-05 Vin# 4675

07-20-2006, 09:05 AM	#5 (permalink)
Kustomkaps Supporting Vendor Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: S.E. Michigan/Toledo area Posts: 793 My Photos: (0)	Hey, they still parked the Sky next to the Rolls in the do not touch area, so who cares? I still think my Sky drives and feels better than the Miata, but maybe I have more 'meat' on my bones to absorb the road shock that the Miata gives out. __________________ Chili Pepper Red Vin #1584 Down Payment June 6, 2005 Imaged March 8, 2006 Released to Carrier April 18, 2006 Delivered to Dealer May 5, 2006 In my Drive May 6, 2006 <--- My favorite logo

07-20-2006, 09:18 AM	#6 (permalink)
Rick Tinley Park Moderator Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: SW Suburbs of Chicago Posts: 4,819 My Photos: (11)	In a way I agree with a lot of it. What most reviewers (and hence people as more people read the review before looking at the car) miss is that the big items they find are really quite minor in the everyday driving 90% of us do. And, dispite their one comaprison, most of their faults are because it is NOT a $40,000 car. And give the roof a rest will ya?!? For a person entering the sports/roadster car market it is still a great first step. Give GM/Saturn 5 years and it could become a real contender, not just for style (which it already wins hands down) but overall. __________________ Find out about my radio show http://www.anj.westpm.net Founder: www.chicagolandroadsters.com Rick Tinley Park Delivered June 15, 2006 VIN - 3099 Sunburst Yellow Name - Sunni1 IL License # - YLO SKY 1

07-20-2006, 09:23 AM	#7 (permalink)
HiredGun First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Toledo, Ohio Posts: 203 My Photos: (0)	Well, I am 6' 2" and cannot fit INTO a Miata. And when a Mini Cooper is mentioned in the same article, it reminded me of . . . well actually, NOTHING came to mind. What I thought was, "WHAT?" If the Sky had been introduced by ANY foreign car company, the review would have overlooked any perceived shortcomings. __________________ Hired Gun "Of all the boats I have loved, the Sky is my mistress." Toledo, Ohio The Sky is my 4th Saturn and 2nd Redline.

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07-20-2006, 08:49 AM	#2 (permalink)
SkyHi07 First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Bloomington, Illinois Posts: 1,056 My Photos: (11)	That is what makes America GREAT, everybody get to have his/hers own opinion.

07-20-2006, 09:42 AM	#8 (permalink)
ranps1 First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 57 My Photos: (0)	I tend to agree on some on these issues, but I live with them because the cost of the car would provide these issues. About safety? Air bags help, no doubt. But side bags were not on common a few years ago for most cars. Give it time. If we all wanted bags, cargo, hardtop, speed, precise handling....we would all be buying 40-80K sport cars and we would still find things that "should" be. I for one love this car, I want to keep this car as long as possible then trade it in for a newer version down the road. It will be a lifelong pursuit to grow with this car. Miata is where it is now after almost 2 decades...the nay sayers should give the Sky/Solstice a least half that time and see where they end up. __________________ Black w/Blk & Red Int. Polished Rims Henderson, NV

07-20-2006, 10:05 AM	#9 (permalink)
Ernest First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Arlington, TEXAS Posts: 4,298 My Photos: (10)	I wouldn't want the SKY to be for everyone, I like the uniqueness of being one of the lucky ones to own one. __________________ ERNEST '04 Torch Red Corvette Coupe '07 Corvette Z06 "Scarlett" Victory Red 555.6 rwhp / 485.5 rwt N/A - No Spray Myspace www.myspace.com/ernest06z06 Scarlett's 10.97 @ 127 Video www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWEaFz9hn8s

07-20-2006, 10:11 AM	#10 (permalink)
SKYtime First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Newark, Delaware Posts: 1,126 My Photos: (0)	I have to agree with everyone's comments. __________________ Silver Graphite 2.4L Prem Trim/Blk Lthr/Blk Top Manual Trans. 6-disk Monsoon System Chrome Wheels LSD Pre-Order: 4/06 Order Date: 9/27/06 To Dealer: 10/17/06 Picked up: 10/18/06 VIN: 14489 No mand. add-ons/MSRP Codename: JUSTICE

07-20-2006, 10:27 AM	#11 (permalink)
1994SC2 First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Washington DC/Carlisle, PA Posts: 1,377 My Photos: (21)	That seems like a very legit article. The car has its shortcomings, like all cars, and I think many were addressed -- it just depends if those shortcomings really matter to the potential buyer/owner (for instance I would not have bought side airbags nor do I care for the "feel" of the MX-5) but the waves this baby has created surely are impressive and across the board for a first year car under 25k. I also enjoyed the story about someone offering to buy it right from its primo spot next to the limos. __________________ 1994 SC2 (Obituary) 2007 SKY (Thread 'n Pics) VIN 326 5 spd, black trim, chromies, XM 6-disc, deck spoiler, LSD

07-20-2006, 11:07 AM	#12 (permalink)
SkyBos First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 141 My Photos: (0)	I thought the Article was pretty much right on the money. A car thats in the "do not touch section" next to the Rolls --you'd expect a long list of shortcomings for $50,000 wouldn't you? At $25,000 the car described word-for-word in this review qualifies as a certain home run. __________________ Silver Pearl, Red/Black Leather, Polished Wheels, Automatic Deposit: May 28,2006 Image: August 28,2006 (day of $1K increase, price protected..close call!)

07-20-2006, 11:20 AM	#13 (permalink)
nighttripper First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ingersoll On. Canada Posts: 1,152 My Photos: (1)	Everyone I see who's looking at my Sky, when I have it parked or stopped, seems to have rave remarks about the look of the car. Some think it a BMW or Mercededes at first glance, then when they hear it's a Saturn Sky and the price. SHOCK I think the reviews are one persons opinion who have only driven the car a short while. The proof in the pudding is driving it all the time JMHO __________________ 2.4L Midnight Blue, Premium Interior, MP3/Stereo, LSD MODS-Magnaflow 2.5" Quad Tips C/B Exhaust, Redline Rear Valance, KS Windscreen, SMS Header,PCMforless tune, Saturn Sky Floor Mats, KS M1 Wheels, Falken 452 tires........Looking to get BOOSTED

07-20-2006, 11:43 AM	#15 (permalink)
Robotech Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2006 Location: Riverside, CA Posts: 1,097 My Photos: (0)	I had a couple grips about the article. First, the car feels very connected to me and the road. The whole man and machine thing is definately there. Go into a corner too hot and the car does what you expect it to do. Get the rear out of shape a little and same thing. Second, the top. I decided yesterday to see if I could put the top up and down WITHOUT getting out of the car and I was pretty sucessful. I found you CAN put the top down without getting out. That's right, I went from top up to top down without so much as opening a door. You have to be stopped somewhere with room behind you, but you can do it. I found that you can reach out the driver's door and reach the trunk. Flip it up but you don't want it to go completly open, just enough to clear the roof. Undo the roof latch and put the roof in the trunk. Be sure to press it down completly. Put the car in reverse and just give it a little blip of throttle. If you have the trunk up just enough (about a 45 degree angle or so) it will come back down when you do this...it doesn't take much. Then you can shut the trunk by grabbing a hole in the bulkhead and quickly yanking the trunk down. It took me twice to get it to shut but with practice I could do it pretty easily. Still not as easy as a Miata...but then again a Miata doesn't look nearly as clean as our cars with the top down. Putting it up I may be able to get it to where you only need to do the buttresses but you can raise the top from within the car. Lastly, don't sit there and say how the car doesn't have a lot of power then complain it has no traction control. __________________ V.A.L. Midnight Blue MagnaFlow dual outlet, quad tip exhaust test car GMPP CAI 16.540 @ 82.096 MPH Sold Other car 97 Grand Prix GTP. 12.07 @ 113.4 MPH As seen on Pinks All Out Las Vegas!

07-20-2006, 12:51 PM	#16 (permalink)
seal9 First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Ft. Walton Beach, Fl Posts: 749 My Photos: (0)	Ernest you have it right, we all know that the Sky has some faults all cars do. But this is a very special car...people love it...I love it...some of the forum member can own any car they want..some have the Vipers, Vetts, A/H, and so on ..but they also have a SKY and feel lucky to have it. I agree I will also have my sky till my grandson can drive, and I will pass it on to him..and other Sky's will be in my future, but this first year Sky is the start of a legend that I will be part of.....SEAL9 __________________ Chili Pepper Red leather/LSD, Wheels Focuz Long tubes/Free Flow Cat Thermal Research Dual Exhaust DDM Supercharger Stage II KONI Adj Shocks Stage III (P) DDM Brakes/Pro Beam PLX Wideband AFR /Boost DashDyno/Dashhawk

07-20-2006, 02:25 PM	#20 (permalink)
fireman First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 52 My Photos: (0)	As far as handling, the test drive I took on the Sky was such an improvement over my last sportscar (yup a 1980 MGB) that if i wasnt sold on the looks and price prior to driving it, the test drive sealed my opinion of it being a great car. Yes i have drove a 2002 Vet, and several other cars. Its about being able to feel how the car drives. I drive a motorcycle as everyday vehicle for over 15 yrs now, and going from that (and it is a very positive feedback vehicle) to the Sky, I had no reservations in buying it. Now, I am just waiting to see when it gets here... __________________ Silver with Black/Red Sky XM - Spoiler - Chrome wheels First Saw on TV 3/06 First Saw in person 6/06 First test drove on 7/06 and.. Here, Now... 10/18/06 VIN #12904