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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  The best unknown vehicle out there... - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By RN - May 25 - 11:20 pm

  This car still amazes me on the build quality, handling, style, and gas mileage. This is by far the best unknown car in the market, it boggles my mind how GM didn’t market this car. For any of the few people that have complaints they are either haters or just will complain about everything. For the price I paid: $19,980 - $5000 dealer incentive, $4500 clunker trade, $1000 supplier discount, I bought this car for $10,950 out the door. I have the 3 door XR 5 speed with leather, tinted windows, tuned sport suspension, stabiltrac, heated seats and mirrors, moisture sensing wipers, onstar for a year, dual lighted vanity mirrors, onboard computer, tire pressure readout, and the list keeps going.

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  Great Vehicle if youre tall - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Bryan - April 24 - 2:23 am

  I love this car! Im 65" tall and the leg room and head room are by far the best Ive seen in a vehicle! I actually have to stretch out my foot to shift! usually my knees are up under the steering wheel or straddling it and have to push in the clutch by pushing with my knee. The telescoping wheel helps too I can drive much more comfortably not having to lay the seat back(so my head doesnt bounce against the roof) this requires me to stretch my arms out to reach the wheel. But the headroom and telescoping wheel definitely gives me a more relaxing ride.

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  Review2 - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Hoagie - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I originally reviewed this car in Jan., a week after purchase. With now over 16k miles on it, I am very pleased with my purchase. I get 30 mpg (city/hwy mix) consistently. I never really get fatigued in the drivers seat. The tight handling has saved my rear end more than once around crazy city drivers. I only wish it had another gear and another 20-30 horsepower. I have had a few minor issues that the dealer has fixed under warranty, but no deal breakers.

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  5000 miles - GREAT BUY !! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By ACruz - March 30 - 6:50 am

  Just bought a great piece of art ! Astra XR Cpe. Well put together interior, fit and finish with high quality materials, very solid and firm ride & handling, on the exterior, I love the headlamps along with the chrome pieces on the upper and lower grilles and needless to say rear quarter & dlid outstanding style, plus 32 mpg...

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  Great bang for your buck! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By ex VW owner - March 18 - 7:06 pm

  I traded in a 2000 VW Golf TDI for the Astra and havent looked back. It handles even better than my Golf and when you account for the differences between a diesel and gasoline engine the performance is comparable. My husband is 64 and this is the only car of this category that an adult (mind you not one that is also 64) can sit comfortably in the back seat behind him. The sunroof is amazing- a definite must have. Before I bought this I test drove all the comparable cars on the market and the Astra absolutely blew them out of the water on comfort and performance, not to mention price.

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  Great Value - Heated Leather Seats!!! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Sweeps - January 26 - 4:06 am

  As an engineer, I travel for my work, and I have been in many rental cars. The Astra is a notch above. A great value, quality build, fun driver, and attracts lots of inquiries. Given my wife has a SUV, I sold my 1/2 ton 4X4 pick-up (15 MPG), purchased the Astra (great mileage) and a trailer for hauling. When gas is $4.00 a gallon - Ill be ready this time. The Saturn dealer was great to work with. And the heated leather seats are great!!. I have been to Germany and they know smaller, fuel efficient, and fun to drive cars. Recommend you get one before GM does something stupid and no longer supplies them via Saturn.

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  Best car ever - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Chris - November 10 - 12:20 pm

  Ill start with the buying experience, it was lets just say amazing. From the moment I saw my 5 door Astra I was absoluetly impressed. I mean this is one beautiful vehicle. And the drive is some of the best Ive ever driven. This vehicle not only exceeds the price tag, it demolishes it and the competition.

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  Fun to Drive, truly innovative vehicle. - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Steve - November 10 - 2:03 am

  I have owned this car for 3 months now and drive it daily to work with is about 1 1/2 hours each way. At first I thought smaller cars would have been uncomfortable, however, this was not the case. The Astra is not only fun to drive but it has alot of luxury features that were in my previous Saab. The lumbar seating is a big bonus for me. The steering is very tight and has a great sport suspension. Car accelarated decently, even at highway speeds. It truly gives you the feel that your driving a sports car. Interior and exterior design are innovative and different from other North American and European cars. I have got many compliments about the interior and exterior so far.

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  2008 Saturn Astra - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By blakeschneider - November 9 - 4:03 pm

  I purchased a Saturn Astra in July 2008 because it was 0% financing and we needed a small car for commuting. The sunroof and heated seats were an unexpected bonus for the price. We had the car 1 month when the transmission created a problem and needed to be replaced. I told the dealer that this was unacceptable and I wanted a new car. Without arguement they said ok. I said my wife hated the red and would like a blue one. They said ok. In all my life I have never had a more positive consumer experience. We have had this car for 6 years and never had any mechanical issues. It has 150,000 kilometers and we have not even replaced the brake pads or mufflers. Great car.

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  Fun to drive - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Sandyfeet - October 29 - 8:43 pm

  Ive owned the car for two years and it is a lot of fun to drive. Very good handling, solid feel, good acceleration and very good fuel economy. My street bicycle fits in the back so it wont get stolen like it could with a bike rack. My remote control model airplanes fit in the back as well (even with the bike). Nice car.