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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  100K mile test Astra XE 5-door AT 2008 - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By rook119 - November 25 - 11:40 am

  Price new: $13,500 - bought winter 08 when the economony blew up and GM was giving cars away. The car was made in Belgium, with German parts and an Aisin (Japanese) transmission. So unlike other Saturn/Opels the car thankfully wasnt Americanized with things like overly spongy suspensions. So the car is manuverable and a blast to toss around. I think its still arguably the best looking subcompact on the market. Its really the best affordable European car on the market still today. Really if you can get this car at about 75K miles and about $6-7K I would highly recommend it.

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  Cramping my style - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By peak_rush - October 17 - 12:46 pm

  There is not enough leg room to stretch out. No excuse that its a small car. Even older GM designs, like the Saturn ION and Chevy Cobalt have enough leg room for a 62" tall guy to totally stretch out his legs. Maybe people overseas are vertically challenged.

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  Is on Opel feel and drive superb! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Claudio Guadagno - August 31 - 1:20 am

  I just got a 2008 Saturn Astra XR trading down from a 2006 Chevy TrailBlazer. Gas prices and fuel consumption were factors in getting this car. I am from Venezuela where Opels are sold so I know about the built quality. This car is sweet. It is not very fast 0-60 but once it hits 60 it all changes. It handles like a 318ti my friend has. Sweet.

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  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.

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  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.

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  Overall good car - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Wayne - November 1 - 10:00 am

  There are definitely some pros and cons to this car. On the plus side, Ive never had mechanical problems, it has a great sunroof and very responsive steering. Its a reasonably comfortable ride although you might find it a little cramped. On the downside, lack of engine power. I dont think this thing could outrun a slushie truck going up a hill. The cupholders where you have to dislocate your arm to get your drink, the very tiny side mirrors, and the paint job wore off after only a few months. Now of course we also have to deal with lack of service, as there are only 2 dealers in my city who are authorized to work on Saturns.

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  Great idea, hope it is here to stay - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By vksandsek - August 20 - 6:10 am

  The car is a domesticated version of the Opel Astra, made in Belgium. The amenities are too many to list and most are found exclusively on much more expensive autos. I dont know of any other vehicle that you can get with every option in the book at MSRP of 21965, including leather seats, giant sunroof, 6-disc changer, 6 airbags, 4-wheel disk brakes with ABS, sport suspension, stabilitrak, traction control, alloy wheels, computer, remote locks, windows and mirrors, steering wheel controls, cargo cover, theft deterrent system, fog lamps and so many more. I hope Saturn perseveres with this car because it is the only vehicle by GM that has the potential to become a Honda and Toyota slayer.

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  Love my Astra! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By John - April 27 - 6:13 am

  "Thats a Saturn?" I have heard that ten times in the 1 week since I brought the car home. People look at it. It feels solid. It takes an adjustment to get used to at first, sure, but once you do it is a daily joy. I love this car, black sapphire with the leather and 18" wheels. It has its quirks, and my gas mileage seems to be locked at only 22mpg but still better than the 15 I was getting in my SUV. When all is said and done, I am glad that I bought it, totally on a whim I might add.

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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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  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.