Overview & Reviews

The 2008 Saturn Astra is an all-new model. It replaces the Ion in Saturn's small-car lineup.

• No sedan version available, missing some increasingly common upscale convenience features.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 133.00

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  An Opel Gem Penske Should Keep! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Opel Fan - December 30 - 12:30 am

  I grew up with Opels, and I have owned a Cadillac Catera (nee Opel Omega). My Saturn (nee Opel) Astra XR 5 door is unique, understated and an awesome "German hot hatch". From the wonderful smell of the cloth interior, to the way the CDC40 Opera audio and board computer work, to the sound of the turn signals - this is pure Opel. I have the sport handling package with 18" wheels, and the handling is Mini Cooper-like with incredible poise at 80 mph on the highway. The Astra is no fireball, but I like the balance between excellent shift quality of the 4 speed automatic, fuel economy and acceleration. A future collectible since the Astra will only be imported in 2008 and is discontinued.

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  Impressed with this car - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By mmmaxheadroom - November 17 - 1:30 am

  Was looking for a new vehicle for my wife and found this gem. Only problem so far is giving up the keys to the wife, I wanna drive it waaahhh! This car has put the fun back into the small car GM lineup, that the ION, Cobalt, etc. took away from all of us. When I was looking at replacing our 02 Pontiac, the Vibe and Mazda3 were on the short list. I am 66" tall so I wont even discuss the Hondas, either Fit or Civic because at 66" those things are impossible. I wont say the Astra fits me perfect but it is relatively comfortable for me. After driving the Astra I can honestly say Fun car, with sharp handling and good fuel mileage to boot. This car is truly a euro car here in the USofA.

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  Great little car - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By PaFromFL - November 16 - 1:50 pm

  Im really enjoying my Astra. For its size, it provides a surprising amount of room and comfort. The driver gets generous legroom, plenty of clearance from the tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and a wide range of seat adjustments. The engine seems happy lugging along at 1500 rpm, and I have yet to stall it even though I hadnt driven a manual in many years. It handles very well in spite of the torsion rear axle (as opposed to fully independent). The Astra can be more fun to drive around town than my BMW 330i and Chrysler 300C because I can push its limits without instantly violating traffic laws.

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  The Saturn Astra Rocks - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Ryan K. - November 13 - 12:53 am

  When I was selected to "ride & drive" the Astra back in early October I was a little sceptical about how this car would be next to the lackluster Ion I was blown away. This car has all the looks and amenities of a car costing many thousands more, the handling is also phenomonal compared to the Ion. I think Saturn has built a real winner and that they will be a serious contender in the small hatchback segment.

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  At least check it out - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Stan - November 8 - 2:23 pm

  We were looking for cheap transportation. I went to Edmunds.com to look for Sedans under $15K and the Saturn Astra was no where on the radar. Visited Hyundai/Kia and test drove an Accent. We were on the way to the Nissan/Toyota dealerships. Just for kicks I stopped at Saturn when I had to make a U-Turn. We were blown away by the Astra. With the current discounts and very little haggling we were down to my price range. The quality feel of this vehicle is outstanding. It was like night and day from the Japanese imports. If I could have bought two I would have. After the test drive I was hooked. I really like the european feel of this car. Its at least worth a look for new car shoppers.

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  Saturn scores! What a great car! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Joe the Astra Owner - November 1 - 9:13 pm

  4,000 miles and no problems. This car is solid. The Astra XR has amenities you only expect to find in a luxury car. The gas mileage has been phenomenal. I have gotten 34mpg or better on each tank of gas in mixed highway / city driving. If you are considering an Astra, go with the 5 speed stick. With the 5 speed, this car has plenty of power, and you get the additional benefit of outstanding gas mileage.

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  Update at 5k miles - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By MGGDTW - October 9 - 7:50 pm

  Astra owners, check to make sure your lights, exterior and dash lights are not flickering when using your intermittent wipers feature. I also noticed a relay clicking when this happens. It has been addressed at my local dealer and after 2 weeks in the shop now its been determined that its a faulty part called the VEC module. Other than this small bug the car has still been on par and very fun to drive. Just a faulty suppliers part that has nothing to do with build quality. Im still 100% happy with my Astra!

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  Best small car on the road in the US! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Joey Astranomical - August 18 - 12:30 pm

  This car looks like it is a generation ahead of any other car on the road. I get a lot of positive comments about the styling. The second question you get after "what is it?" is "what does it get for gas mileage?" I have the 5 speed stick and I consistently get mid 30s mpg.

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  Awesome little car. - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By travis - August 14 - 5:13 pm

  Just traded my 2006 Civic in for this little car. I went with the 4 door XE version, but in the 5-speed manual. I love the car. It is one of the best looking cars on the road today. The first day I had it, four people came up and asked me what it was! The car feels more solid, and is more European then most of the "European" cars being sold in the US... it was built in Belgium. Ive only averaged 27 mpg so far, which is short of the 32 I got consistently in the Civic. But the build quality smashes the Civic. I was stunned with what I could get with such little money! The buying experience was amazing and so far no problems with the car at all.

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  Fun to drive - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By pm1975 - July 10 - 7:23 pm

  Purchased a Salsa Red Astra XR w/ auto and stabilitrak and am loving it. The handling is sharp but not uncomfortable over broken pavement on my commute to work. The Saturn car buying experience also made it so easy to purchase. The interior is extremely pleasing with the data information center and high quality materials throughout. I considered buying a Mazda 3 as well but I felt the Astras interior beat it while being just as fun to drive. The main improvements I would suggest would be a little more power and more storage inside. I would have never considered a Saturn before the Astra but Im glad I gave it a chance.