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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  Super Astra - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Chuck from NY - March 3 - 5:53 pm

  4Dr XR Auto. with traction control & stability control, heated seats. Already had an 06 Saturn Vue which we love & was looking for an economical second vehicle. really impressed with the Astras looks.

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  What A Hoot To Drive! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Scott Walper - December 8 - 5:33 pm

  We just stumbled across the Astra at the Saturn dealer while looking at the Vue. After driving the Astra couldnt wait to buy one! Incredibly solid, zippy around town with the 5 speed stick, gets lotsa stares. People in Hondas ask what it that? The doors dont sound like tin when you close them. The remote windows rolldown, one cool feature.

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  Steal of the year 2 - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By matt - November 13 - 4:26 pm

  Same here. Got the 3rd to last one left in MI (Just after x-mas). They were less new than a typical used one and sales tax deductable too, warranty, etc. Got the dealer to throw in a second set of wheels for $100 (for winter tires). It has not been driven much, but seems to have tight handling and rides pretty good for what it is meant to be. My wife wanted an auto, but go for the manual, the auto is a little disappointing (only a 4sp auto) and the enigine is a little rougher running than the 1.8L in my sons Vibe. Great looks and is a pretty practical car. Not worthy of the $21,000 list, but at $12,400 it sure is.

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  Astra-nomical fun! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Joe Astra - September 17 - 8:10 am

  I have owned my new Astra XR 5 speed manual coupe for about a week. I have put 200 miles on it so far. It is the best riding/handling small car I have ever driven. It also has an outstanding quality interior, and features that you typically only find on a luxury car. I could not be more impressed. I was concerned about the 138 horse power engine having enough power to climb the foothills of the Rocky Mountains where I live. This car eats up the mountains like a piece of cake.The highway I take most frequently that has the steepest grade has a 75 mph speed limit. The Astra takes this hill in 5th gear doing 80 mph, no down shift and plenty of additional power to give if needed.

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  Unknown gem - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By astracan - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for an affordable well designed, well made, sophisticated, fun-to-drive SMALL car that got over 30mpg and didnt feel like a Fisher Price toy inside. Amazing how rare that was a couple of years ago. It has mostly fulfilled that expectation. (too bad Saturn went out of business 2 months after I bought it). Every drive feels like an event. This is as much about the overall quality of the interior (design, precise assembly & materials: I have leather), well weighted controls, beautifully damped ride and refinement of response than outright power. Actually the car has plenty of power, it just lacks torque below 1500 rpm, so it feels a bit dead until you learn to drive around that.

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  Only the Best Small 5 Door on the Road - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Charleys New Astra - July 24 - 12:20 am

  Only had it now for 2-weeks, but, love it. Makes me feel like I am driving a 318i or 325i BMW. Smooth ride and great handling with great gas mileage, I am getting the first 2-weeks 28 mpg already and only have 430 miles on the odometer. I got my Astra loaded with the works, heated leather seating with adjustable lumbar fullsize moonroof 4- speed automatic. most everything else was standard on the Astra. My advice to you is go drive it. I traded my 2006 V6 Saturn Vuew in the Astra I downsized in cargo space only but what a great trade off. Works for me. Drive on yourself, buy it and write your own review on here...fuel ecomomy is better than the Potiac Vibe or Toyota Matrix.

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  Fun to drive, great mileage - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Alfetta - July 12 - 5:03 pm

  I first started looking at the Astas before all the GM incentives. I really liked the car for its nice styling, outstanding build quality, and good performance. I just thought the price was a little too high comapared the the VW Rabbit. The incentives made me take a second look, and I am glad I did. Although the HP ratings are lower, the power is spread out over the rpm range and doesnt feel slow at all. Brakes are powerful, and very stable handling on all surface types. It is evident that the car is built by Opel in Europe as the fit and finish is better than my wifes Mexican assembled Saturn Vue. In the past few years I have owned MB C 230, and Audi A3. The Astra is my favorite so far.

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  So far on par - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By MGGDTW - May 11 - 9:56 pm

  I read all the reviews and researched the Astra religiously online and I ended up buying it without even test driving anything else. All the good reviews from this site alone really provoked me. Its a very solid feeling car and built very well(in Belgium I might ad) with tight bonds all over the place. No rattles here at all. I got a 5 speed, fully loaded, every option avail including the sports, handling package with 17s and 45 series tires. I have never been in a car that handles as well as this. Period. I see maybe 1 other Astra in a week where I live and I wonder why. At the price I got it for over $6500 off MSRP. I stole it off the lot! A premium European 5 door hatch at its finest.

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  Buy one now! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By kyle - May 11 - 8:53 pm

  Needing a new, reliable family car to replace a 2000 2-door Pontiac Sunfire, my wife and I had narrowed it down to the Vibe, Matrix or Astra. We jumped on the GM employee discount and used our GM card earnings (a great way to save money, check it out) to help with the purchase of the Astra. I was blown away by the amount of standard features that come with this car. I do get a lot of looks when driving it, a lot of questions at gas stations, etc. Its an "everyman" priced vehicle with the features of a VW or higher end car. You cant beat the 100,000 mile warranty either. I feel very safe with my wife and baby girl crusing around the big city of Chicago in this car.

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  Great mileage car - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By macgov - April 17 - 3:10 pm

  We just bought an 08 Astra 5 door, loaded. We love it! Great to drive, holds the road well. We took a 200 mile trip yesterday and it was comfortable and kept up with the big dogs! Gas mileage was better then expected, AC on the entire trip, got over 32 MPG!