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:

• 

  Great Car for the Money - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Fun Car - January 3 - 5:33 pm

  This is a fun car to drive and easy on the gas. Since this is made in Europe the build quality and materials used is top notch. If you are looking for a great gas saver this is the car. Tall people need not to worry about head room, Im 61" and have plenty of room. All around this car is a winner in the sport hatchback group.

• 

  Dont pass one up if you get the chance - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By dolorean36 - January 3 - 2:00 am

  My Astra XR 5dr has been great. So much fun to drive through the twisties. Fits all kinds of stuff, with or without kids. I drive it constantly for work and the A/C never quits, I consistantly get 30 mpg city and highway, drives well in snow and ice, and is very comfortably over vast distances. Its incredibly easy to change the oil and to change the spark plugs. The big sunroof works effortlessly.

• 

  Why arent more of these on the road? - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Kiyo - December 27 - 6:46 pm

  The lease on my Toyota Corolla was coming up in a few months and I started test driving Eco / Compact cars in the $14k to 22k price range. I drove the following; Honda Fit / Civic, Toyota Matrix / Yaris, VW Rabbit, Mazda 3 and Scion xD before coming across this little gem. I was leery at first because of the GM label but after a test drive this car beat out all the others I had driven in its class and quickly shot to the number one on my list. Its gas economy and surprising fit and feel are only out done by its amazingly fun sporty drive and sexy European look. I honestly have no idea why there arent way more of these on the road than the hand full Ive seen.

• 

  First 5000 miles - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Tom - November 19 - 7:40 am

  I went looking at SUVs but on a lark test drove the Astra too. I like it better. I do like the European lines and handling. I find that the interior is a little cramped. I can never find a comfortable place for my left leg. The gas tank is too small, only 10 gallons, and the window washer tank could also hold more. The 1.8 liter could use more "omph" but the mileage has been very good. Surprisingly, there are quite a few interior rattles in the dash and around the sunroof. I like that it came with many features that cost a lot more on other cars. It is fun to drive too.

• 

  Astra 3dr XR - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By JK Anderson - November 6 - 1:23 am

  I bought this car in May 08. Traded in an 07 MX5. We needed more room. This car is a "gas". It is almost as much fun to drive as the Miata. Two weeks after purchase I made a 4500 mile road trip. Mileage beat my expectations. 40 mpg on the high side vs 32 worst case (highway). It handles like a slot car at any speed. This is an excellent low priced car. Very European. I am amazed there are not more on the road in this country.

• 

  Thanks for the reviews! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Larry_Va - September 22 - 6:50 am

  I love my new Astra 3dr XR. I drive a delivery route and this is the perfect car for it. I am getting about 27 MPG. I do a lot of stop and go driving. This car has the pep to get me into traffic with no problems. Plenty of room for my deliveries. I like the fact that I have only seen 1 other on the road in my area. Everyone loves its style and I love the performance. This car handles like its on rails. I took advantage of the GM employee pricing and am happy with the price I paid for this very well equiped car. My father works for a chevrolet dealership and had nothing to offer me in comparison. My Astra has the very stylish 18" wheels and the up-graded radio. Plus I tinted the windows.

• 

  Fine European Car Sold as a Saturn - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Jim - September 14 - 12:16 am

  I am 62", and many small cars wont work. This one does. I have all options on this car, including the sport package. The handling is excellent, and the steering is very quick. The mileage is about what the EPA estimates, although it falls off at speeds around 70 mph or higher. I am a fan of European cars, and this fills the bill without costing an arm and a leg (I have owned 3 Volvos, a Mercedes and a BMW).

• 

  Marrige of Luxury And Economy - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Samyn - August 22 - 4:36 am

  The fit and finish of this car is suburb and the materials are exceptional for a compact car. Close the door there is a thud which says quality. Every knob, and door is quality built. This car feels more like a luxury car than an economy car. The truth is that this is a small luxury car, a marriage of quality and economy. There is talk about the hard to learn radio and complicated controls. Yes it did take 1 or 2 days to become familiar with the radio. Anyone with an average IQ will learn the radio in one day or so. Overall the interior is European luxury and European quality. It is a very positive experience for a compact car.

• 

  Should have been yellow not red - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Bonnie - August 22 - 3:13 am

  I bought my car brand new, drove it off the lot, the next the low tire pressure light came, they reset it, then the engine light came on, they reset it, the dash rattled they put some packing in it, the windows leak, they said it was the way it was, the engine light came on, they reset it over and over and over, put in a new sensor it came back on, the battery went dead, they replaced the sensor, the abs and traction control light came on, the low tire pressure light came on, the doors lock themselves and the engine surges and dies - they reset it. Anybody want a lemon???

• 

  Great little car - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Virginia - August 6 - 6:00 pm

  So far I love my Astra! Its comfortable, sporty, gets great gas mileage, and all around fun to drive. I only have one minor complaint, and that is the temperature control dials are kind of hard to read on the fly, but other than that, its been the perfect car. I love the sun roof, love the heated seats, love the handling, and love the look. My family was very skeptical about me buying this car, but even they seem very pleased after seeing it in action. Its definitely a step above the Fit I tried. More bells and whistles, and much better handling. For the money I dont think it can be beat!