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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  My Astra-A Great Decision - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By jaxjack92 - February 4 - 12:23 am

  Easiest handling,most comfortable, best fuel economy of the 5 Saturns I have bought or leased.

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  I love my Astra - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By ChristaC - December 2 - 10:33 pm

  This is my 4th Saturn. They just keep getting better and better. No one knows what the Astra is! I find people staring trying to figure it out! It looks great and drives/handles even better.

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  The Great Compromiser - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Ad Astra - December 1 - 2:36 pm

  When shopping for a new car, I was torn between the Mazda3, VW Rabbit, Honda Fit, and Scion xD. The Mazda3 and Rabbit were fun to drive, but didnt get great mileage. The xD and Fit were not nearly as exciting to drive, but get amazing mileage. The Astra fell in between the two categories, as it was really fun to drive, but also pretty good on gas. 28.5MPG on my first tank with 40% Very hilly City/ 60% Highway. The handling is superb, it zips around corners with ease. Ive been trying to press it to the limits, but I have yet to get so much as a squeak out of the tires in turns. Finally, a real European car!

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  Surprising results - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By tutcity - November 24 - 3:13 am

  The first Astra I saw was in London and I loved it. I always wondered why American car companies sold "better" designed cars abroad and why we didnt get a chance to own them. Finally, they are listening. When I bought my Astra, gas prices wasnt as big of a concern as it is now. I bought the car for its overall design, its handling and practical features (love hatchbacks). I used to own a Mazda3 and this really blows that car out of water. Back to mileage, it is rated 24-34, but I consistently get higher mileage on the highway. A trip from Denver to Vail and back averaged over 37 mpg. Only once did I need to shift into 4th gear. The engine has great torque.

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  North Americas Best Kept Secret. - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Erik Poirier - September 2 - 11:16 pm

  I dont know what to say. After having a bad start with a 2008 Vue Hybrid I got myself into an Astra XR with Sport package (sport suspension, 17 inch alloys, performance steering, Stabilitrak) and let me tell you that in my life of 14 vehicles I have never been happier. That is of course once I bought the Astra arm rest /cup holder ($200 installed) and installed Sirius satellite radio. Test drove Mazda3, VW, and Matrix. This was the best. If you are in the market for the automatic, you may want to look elsewhere, they are draging down the ratings of this car. If your in the market for a five speed, reguardless of what you think of GM, take my word, try it out.

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  The Oil Companies Can Kiss My Astra! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Frank Kissmyastra - June 20 - 6:00 pm

  The gas mileage has been incredible. I have been averaging 35 to 37 mpg in the foothills of the Rock Mountains! This is with the 5 speed stick. I have found that using the A/C full blast will cost you about one mile per gallon. This is a fun car to drive. It handles like a sports car. The Astra loves to corner. It exudes that glued to the road feeling. Safety features that are typically only found on luxury cars. Being a small car, I want all of the safety I can get. This car is unmatched in its class. The car is comfortable. The leather seats have a great seating position with plenty of support. This car is loaded with toys!

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  Great car overall - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Firehawk - April 23 - 6:46 am

  I have been a big fan of the Astra overseas for some time now. Much to my surprise GM finally brought it here, under the Saturn umbrella. Odd but it was here none the less. As soon as my funds allowed I went and test drove one, and drove one home the next day. Im very happy with the little 2-door XR. Its 138hp but its a small car so its got no problem getting up to go. Its very nimble and feels like youre driving a fun, sporty car. I opted out of the 18" rims as they appear too bulky in my opinion and the 17" rims are fantastic. The CD40 Opera upgraded sound package seems a little odd sounding, with a center speaker but Ill have to tweak it before Im too opinionated.

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  Perfect 10 at $4 per gallon for gas! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By George Saturino - April 20 - 10:30 am

  I have been getting 35 to 38 mpg on every tank. I have gone 2,000 miles so far mostly in mixed city / highway driving. The 5 speed stick shift has a good feel to it and I am sure it is contributing to the outstanding gas mileage. I am amazed at all of the features on the Astra. The quality is outstanding as well. I love to hear the solid thunk when I close the door. All of the controls and levers have a quality feel and appearance. I have the upgraded sound system. I have a concert on wheels everywhere I go. The sound is superb! This car handles like a sports car. You get an incredible locked to the road feel. I look forward to the twisty roads!

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  Nice Astra! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By B-Dog - January 22 - 12:50 am

  In one weeek, Ive put over 1,500 miles on my Astra XR 3-Door, and Ive enjoyed every single one of them. I traded in a 2005 Saab 9-3 Sedan, and I like this car even better (and I loved my Saab). My car had 3,500 miles on it when I purchased, and though not perfect, its very close. Its very solid, handles beautifully, feels quicker than the numbers say, and looks hot (esp. in Salsa Red)! The manual transmission and clutch work very well, the steering wheel controls are very useful and not THAT hard to figure out (they give you a book for em - read it!!), the seats are terrific on long trips, and the brakes are great! My 30 MPG combined average doesnt hurt either.

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  Better than expected - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By leftwingnut - January 5 - 11:33 am

  This quirky little car is fun to drive, and with the manual trans Ive never averaged less than 30 mpg per tank in mixed driving. For the price, its amazing to have rain sensing wipers, automatic headlights, and a trip computer. Only complaint is that it follows any grove in the road like crazy. If youre considering a Mazda3, test drive the Astra too - very compariable is every way but price.