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:

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  Best Small Car Hands Down - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By redbaron08 - July 5 - 12:46 pm

  I absolutely love this car. I test drove and researched a lot of cars in this class, but kept coming back to the Astra. Top selling point for me were the way the doors closed. The car is so well built it feels like a Mercedes or BMW. I took it on a 2000 mile road trip after leaving the dealership and fell more in love with it as each mile passed. Every time I drive it is a joy. The gas mileage has been 29 mpg combined with well over 30 on the highways. I love the fact that I dont feel like I am driving a small car. When I was shopping the Mazda 3 came in second place in my list of cars, and though the Astra was a little more expensive, it had a better warranty and more safety features.

• 

  Nothing else compares - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By dzajic - June 5 - 2:10 am

  A great car for an amazing price. The competition (Honda Fit, Mazda 3, VW Rabbit) dont come close. Look what the Fit (closest competitor) is missing: seat height adj, sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, integrated roof rack mounting points, stability/traction control (without navigation), 17" wheels (225 vs 185 wide tires), high quality interior, rear map lights, vanity lights, heated mirrors, express down windows (all doors), 4-wheel disc brakes, OnStar system, 5 years Roadside Assist. rigid rear cargo cover, 6 disc changer, dual trip/fuel economy meters, pedal release system, 4% heavier but 18% more hp/torque, max torque at lower rpm (3800 vs 4800)

• 

  Wonderful little car - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By happyAstra08 - June 3 - 5:43 pm

  I have had my Astra for 2 years now. It has always been a pleasure to drive. In SF it fits in all the small spaces, yet holds a ton of stuff. If GM can build cars like these in the states I will definitely look at them when I am choosing my next car ( I have had hondas and mazdas for the last 20 years) so good job on the Astra! A few minor quirks that were repaired at the dealer when I got the car was the only reason it did not get a 10 on reliability.

• 

  Making Great Even Better - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Liz In Louisiana - May 20 - 2:00 pm

  Discovering this car was a "what is it?" process. I had driven the Mini & a number of other smaller cars; all disappointments. One day the hubster & I saw the Astra and were immediately taken w/its European good looks & sporty flair. The test drive was remarkably fun; this little vehicle handles like a rally car around tight corners. I purchased the 5-speed to up the fun factor even higher & got every option it comes with (everything under the sun + car for $20,300) and Im glad I did. The opera audio system sounds expensive, the 17-alloy wheels really improve the looks and the steering wheel audio controls are nicenicenice. The Astra is an example of GM doing something right!

• 

  Shifting made fun - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By liles65 - April 26 - 11:16 pm

  Saturn has made shifting fun again with the Astra and despite the small 1.8L engine this car has a surprising amount of pep. I got the basic XE model with 5 speed manual because I went for price versus luxury items. The base model comes with standard equipment like cruise control which you would have to pay extra on other brands. The seats are very comfortable and there is plenty of torque to push you back into your seat. All your controls are literally at your fingertips and there is very limited outside noise. The stock Goodyear Eagles grip the road and provide a surprisingly smooth and quiet ride. Plenty of room for the average driver and good views all around.

• 

  36,000 Miles In - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Tom - April 18 - 5:53 am

  This is my second review. Ive had the car for 2 yrs and 36,000 miles. While I still like it, Im looking to get rid of it now. Still have the same interior rattles plus some new ones. Had to have the drivers seat cover replaced, never had one of those wear out before. AC is now "pulsing" but after my lousy experience with the local Chevy dealer as an "Authorized Saturn Service Center" Im afraid to bring it in for service. My mileage has gone down, I think its because there is ethanol in the fuel, but 25 mpg on the highway, I might as well drive an SUV.

• 

  Finally, an entry level European car! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By bone151 - March 14 - 2:30 pm

  I still dont understand why Ford and GM refuse to import, or even transplant, great cars that they sell in the rest of the world. If they sell them, we will buy them. If youre looking for a vehicle similar to the Ion/Cavalier/Cimarron, goes elsewhere, you wont like the Astra. Guaranteed. The Astra is an choice over a Golf/Rabbit; build quality is better; fittings and performance are similar. I decided on the Astra over another Golf due to its manufacture location. Where else can you find an affordable, true European auto stateside?