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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  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.

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  so many issues with this car - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By unsatisfied15 - December 5 - 8:08 am

  I purchased a 2008 saturn astra for the price of $26,000 plus warranty total for $31,000 and I have never in my life regreted something so much my first week with my car It had to have a major part replaced and i have had nothing but issues yet. all dealers close shortly after purchasing my car as i had purchased extras from that dealer they were void as they has closed down.I have never had such regret in my life there are a number of these cars around and I have had others have the same issues .When trying to purchase parts for my car they are nearly always unavailble and then i have to wait for 3-4 days if lucky If i could turn back time i would not buy this car it was not worth the $

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  Great car - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Glenn - July 21 - 9:20 am

  I picked this car over a Honda Fit after Saturn came down to 15000 on a 19,000 car (1000 dealer cash back + 1000 GM credit card discount + 2000 red tag discount). Ive had it for a month now and I really enjoy it. Ive always thought that GM and Ford make excellent cars only refuse to sell them here. Well this is the exact same car as the Opel Astra and its built in Belgium. Its not Euro car thats redressed and made it fulfill what Americans want.

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  Great value, fun to drive - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Laurie - May 20 - 8:36 pm

  I have had a lot of fun driving this car on the freeway and on back roads. It looks great, inside and out, and the manual transmission is peppy and responsive.

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  A Saturn? - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By McCloud - May 13 - 4:36 am

  Initial reactions from my friends is usually "This is a Saturn?" This car really impresses with its combination of style, build quality, european flavor, standard equipment, handling, and value. It handles like a dream, sharp and secure. The steering wheel is thick and grippy and the feedback is really excellent. The interior quality excells with soft-touch materials and the seats are well-bolstered. The 5-speed shifter is precise but a bit notchy. The clutch is just about right. The engine is peppy and rev-happy but the car is not a rocket. Overall, this is a practical and economical drivers car with european driving characteristics. Give it a try!!

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  Fuel Economy - Awful - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By SM - April 14 - 6:33 am

  Fun to drive car. Awful fuel economy! I drive mainly on the highway and this car gets the worst fuel economy I have ever seen with a "economy" car. 8.6L/100KM mostly driving at 110-115 KM/HR and 50-60km/hr in city (90% of km on highway)

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  My first Saturn - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Melissa - March 27 - 8:40 am

  You cannot truly appreciate this car until you drive it. I had previously owned an 07 Pontiac Vibe and my lease was almost up. I was only going to the Saturn dealership to get ideas on what to buy next and fell in love with the Astra! My fiancee and I returned to the dealership hours later after going to look at the new Vibe for comparison, not caring for the new model year upgrades on it. This is a fun car to drive! This car hugs the road and is super quiet inside even on rougher roads. Im looking forward to warmer temperatures in Pittsburgh so I can use my oversized sunroof!

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  Truly, a Good Car - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Mark S. - February 17 - 10:46 am

  I purchased this car new as a replacement for my 2004 MINI Cooper, and I havent looked back! This car is just a blast to drive, and it behaves almost exactly like my MINI did on the road (the MINI had a bit better steering feel). It handles incredibly well, brakes are powerful, and it has decent fuel economy. Acceleration is a bit lacking, but the 138-horsepower is more than sufficient for capable cruising at highway speeds. Im a big fella (62", 300 lbs) and I am not wanting for space inside. The rear cargo area will swallow a weeks worth of groceries without needing to fold down the rear seats.

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  1,000 Mile Update - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Joseph Astra - February 14 - 3:03 am

  The good - I consistently get 35 to 36 mpg in a mix of city and highway driving. The car is as tight as a car can be. No squeaks, no rattles and a nice kerthunk when you close the doors. When you own an Astra, you are driving a very exclusive car. Not too many on the road as of yet. This car handles like a sports car. Positive comments from everyone who sees it. I like the utility the hatchback provides. The onboard computer is excellent. The rain sensing wipers are great. The leather seats are very comfortable and supportive. The upgraded stereo