Overview & Reviews

Before meeting its maker during the General Motors bankruptcy drama in 2009, Saturn had been trying to inject some European flavor into its model lineup. One step in this process was the arrival of the compact Saturn Astra hatchback for the 2008 model year. Though the Astra nameplate was new for most Americans, it had been (and continues to be) produced in Europe under GM's Opel and Vauxhall brands.

The Astra's crisp handling, interior sophistication and sharp styling helped it stand out from other economy cars. However, its powertrain was subpar, there was no sedan body style and its price was a bit dear for American tastes. As a result, it sold poorly and was only produced for a single year. If you're shopping for a sporty small car, though, a used Astra is a distinctive and likely affordable option. Just keep in mind that maintenance could be a hassle due to the Astra's scarcity and European sourcing.

Most Recent Saturn Astra

The Saturn Astra was limited to a single year of production -- 2008. It was available as either a two-door or four-door hatchback. The four-door came in base-level XE trim or sportier XR trim, while the two-door came in XR trim only. Both bodies featured a 60/40-split fold-down rear seat, giving the four-door almost 45 cubic feet of cargo space. The two-door model sacrificed some of that space to its sloping rear quarters and more aggressive profile.

The Astra came fairly well-equipped in base XE guise, including six airbags, stability control, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, rain-sensing windshield wipers and a CD player. Jumping up to the XR trim level added quicker steering and a sport-tuned suspension (two-door only), air-conditioning, alloy wheels and an upgraded audio system. Most of the XR features were available as options on the XE, and a large sunroof was available on both four-door trim levels. Satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack were not offered, however.

All Astras were equipped with a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine that produced 138 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. Transmission choices were a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic.

In reviews, we remarked on the Astra's well-designed, high-quality interior, which was full of soft plastics and tasteful accents. Chrome-ringed dials and piano-black finishes created a more upscale atmosphere than the typical economy car interior, despite the sometimes unfamiliar European controls. On the road, we noted that the Astra's European suspension tuning and quick, weighty steering made it fun to drive. The powertrain was a lowlight, however acceleration was tepid and cacophonous, and each transmission could have used another gear.

User Reviews:

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  Will GM get the Astra message? - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Mark B - October 13 - 3:53 pm

  The Astra is the second best selling car in Europe. Owner reviews on Edmunds and Yahoo are 95% favorable and gushing with favorable comments on this little gem. Yet, GM and Saturn hardly advertise it. Makes you wonder why our USA-based automotive companies have a problem selling cars. This car will blow Corolla, Civic and other imports out of the market if GM handles it right. Tweak it to get better mileage (28/36), add some engine options, add overdrive, add a auxiliary audio input port, etc. and it will sell (Build it and they will come....remember that GM?). I am from Detroit and want our Detroit-based auto companies to succeed big time. Listen to the consumer and build the Astra!

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  2008 Black Astra XR 4dr - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Astra-Proud-2008 - July 22 - 8:03 pm

  I have been driving the Astra for almost a week. I did my first fill-up today and found that I got 30.59 mpg. I do 64 miles round trip from home to work about 16 miles highway and rest stop and go. Very happy with the results. I have had a lot of positive comments on the looks of the Astra since its purchase from co-workers and others. The handling of this car is just remarkable, very quiet inside and love the extra large sunroof.

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  Tight Fit - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Rob R - July 4 - 3:23 pm

  I couldnt wait for this car to come out however I am disapointed. I looked at the foor door, rides very well, handles good, plenty of pep. However Im 60 and the front seat for me doesnt go back enough, I cant extend my leg all the way on the gas pedal, I would have to drive it with a crimped foot, sorry not in Jersey traffic. If you get the car make sure its for driving up to two people, because when the front seats are all the way back they miss hitting the rear seats by inches.

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  A lot of car for the money - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Dick - July 4 - 2:06 am

  I have been driving for 64 years and most of my cars have been manuals. I wanted a manual but the shifters were stiffer and less accurate than my previous manuals cars so I decided on an automatic and I havent been disappointed. Another car that I still drive has a turbo which is very quick but my Astra gives me more than enough pickup for urban traffic.

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  Good enough to pass on to son - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By bjie - May 11 - 10:00 am

  This Opel reminds me of the VWs I have driven. Small but feels bigger on the road. Not a comfy couch to put you asleep on the road, specially on not- too-straight roads. (I believe the .84 g specs reported.) If gas prices spike up again, the 30mph average (90+% hwy) should soften the blow to my wallet. Had a turn signal relay replaced on warranty but no other issues. I am confident my son will keep this car when I hand it over to him in a couple of years.

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  Great Car! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Suz - May 6 - 10:16 am

  I bought this in April 2008 to replace my 1998 SW2 which had 120K+ (I gave the old one to a friend, still running strong!). My Astra is a delight - still wish it had a center armrest. My MPG has improved to well over 32 MPG hwy. I LOVE my Astra, and wish I had a chance to drive it more (but, since I only live a mile from work, Im not complaining). Have made a couple of trips from NW Chgo suburbs to a friend in rural Winamac IN, and the Astra is a champ. I NEVER get tired of driving it! Oh, and did I mention: I *love* my Astra!! Rock On!

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  The best pocket rocket out there - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Leo - March 21 - 4:16 pm

  My silver coupe with 5 speed has about 2000 mixed miles on it so far and all I can say is "wow". Better than 30 MPG overall, outstanding handling that brings a smile with every crooked road, and a quality feel and and comfort that you cant find on any other car costing thousands more. Its brought passion back to driving! Great everyday commuter, with honest room for four. On the open highway, its quiet and has plenty of punch for passing. On the twisty country roads it just doesn t seem to have a limit to grip and handling. Leather seats are wonderful--firm and confortable. Great looking car! Top it all with the wonderful no hassle Saturn dealer experience, and there is no competition

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  Nice car - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Smoomac - March 6 - 11:26 pm

  I like the drive and the look of the car, it is fun to drive. I have however found some concerns with the vehicle. The door locks open all at once and there is no way to make it so just the drivers door opens and the other stay locked. There is no panic button on the fob.

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  My loaded Astra 2dr with 18" wheels - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Suns_PSD - March 5 - 6:40 am

  Fantastic car. Compared to the other competitors in this range this car whoops the others. Employee pricing put mine only 2K higher than a Scion XD but its 2x the car. My first tank has me over 30 mpg with lots of in town driving and that is w/ the 18" rims. (18s get less mpg than smaller rims in my experience) The only downside is that this is not a fat persons car. At 6, 180# I am 100% comfortable but if I was any larger it could be a problem. It has 138hp which is more than many some competitors but if it had 160hp it would be a full on sports car. The tranny ratios are weird. They work very well at 70-80 mph on the highway but really its geared to tall for its hp.

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  The best car ever - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Steven - March 2 - 4:13 am

  We looked at all the competitors in its class and the Astra by far was #1 in all the areas we looked at. Once I got in it and drove it, I was totally hooked. The feel of the interior is like sitting in a Volvo. High quality in and out. Just close the doors and hear the solid "thud". The shift of the 5 speed is solid and smooth! We have already put 3000 miles, over the mountains in Phoenix and love the way it handles! The sun roof is a big plus! Dont get one without it.