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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  Still in love six months later - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Michael W - July 25 - 8:46 am

  My Astra experience really started about a year ago when I read on various blogs that the Opel Astra was being brought to the US. The car was stunning in photos, the second best selling in Europe, and has legendary reliability. So by the time a salesman from Saturn let me know it was in, I was rabid about it! Now Ive owned it for six months and there is no squeaking that belies a cheap interior, the car drives solidly, and the 17 inch wheels with Hankook tires kept me really gripped on the road when I spent a week in the Colorado Rockies. The car really could use more power, but the Ecotec engine porpels the car through curves nicely and this car has totally lived up to the hype.

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  Nice car to drive - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By kuda1 - April 26 - 10:36 pm

  Love the drive. It hugs the corners. I traded in my 2005 Vue for the Astra to save on gas mileage. I miss the Vue. The Astra averages 9.0 L/100kms with most of my driving on the highway. I have 3000 miles on it now and each tankful has been identical. I would love to get other peoples impressions. Especially tell me how many miles or kilometers you are able to get to a tankful of gas.

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  Get used to economy/fun to drive/looks - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By DelBizo - March 14 - 11:46 am

  First, this is an economy car; its why I traded my 6cyl crossover. On my 2nd tank of gas I got 29.82 mpg, with about 75% highway driving. But I drive around the SF Bay area on freeways that move at 70 to 80 mph. With the needle just above 3000 rpm Im running about 75, and the mpg indicator is above 30 mpg. The automatic shifts to neutral when youre at a dead stop, to save gas, and I quickly got used to it--if you didnt know about it you might think theres a nano-second stumble when you apply the gas to go. After economy, the seat on the 3dr XR is comfortable for my 511/285lbs. Tilt-telescope wheel makes a big difference. Finally, a very fun to drive economy car that looks great!

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  Consider my Astra kissed. - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Jason - February 18 - 8:23 am

  I went from a Cadillac CTS to the Astra. I needed a comfortable commuter car with better fuel economy. So far the Astra has been a great decision. Its not only comfortable, but the interior is nicely designed and feels very premium. Not bad for under 20K. The exterior design is awesome. Ive already gotten a ton of complements. GM did a great job on this compact car.

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  More Fun han Any Other Compact - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Don - October 25 - 1:16 am

  The last time I had this much fun was driving my 1975 Opel Manta (imported by Buick), and the Astra (another Opel) handles even better. Previously I drove a VW Golf which my Astra with sports suspension beats hands down. Its no wonder the Astra sales have been neck and neck with Golfs in Europe for 5 years. The solid fit and finish, and classy interior rival my co-workers BMW 5 series. Its quieter than any of the various midsize cars Ive rented on trips (I can actually hear the nuances of a jazz CD at 70 mph). And whats more practical than a small hatchback? Once you read the quicky instructions, the computer controls are a snap. The best small car GM has sold.

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  Great but slightly lost in translation - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By avionsvoisin - September 1 - 8:30 pm

  Great car! Well balanced. Tons of great features. Gorgeous & exclusive

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  Love my Astra - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Cybergal - August 27 - 1:53 pm

  I sincerely wish GM would import the new 2011 Astra as a Buick. This is the best small car I have ever driven. It feels bigger than it is. Drives quiet with excellent handling precision.

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  quality + luxury meets practicality - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By chris - August 21 - 8:56 am

  A pleasant surprise i have an automatic XR handles better ont he corners that my 2003 mitsubishi eclipse gt --- what? i know i could not beleive it either

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  Best car I ever owned - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By frank - August 16 - 2:23 pm

  I have had my car for over three months now. I live in NJ and drive to upstate NY alot so I drive a lot. This car handles like a dream. It looks amazing inside and out. It is great on gas. I have people every day asking me about my car. I havent seen anyone else driving this car so I feel like a king who has something no one else has.

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  My First Car - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Patrice - August 10 - 10:16 am

  My Saturn Astra is my first car and Im extremely happy with it. I like the European look and that the 3 door model isnt as popular as other cars in its class yet. I got an amazing deal on it because the dealership was cleaning out all the 08s. I saved about $7000 and got my windows tinted for half price. Other cars I was considering were Pontiac G5, Mazda 3, Honda Civic, Hyundai Accent and Ford Focus.