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:

• 

  My Astra - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By christie - December 24 - 1:20 pm

  Traded in an SUV for this. Havent owned a smaller car in 15+ years. Love the gas mileage and the handling of the car. I had to get used to how loud it sounded at first compared to my other vehicles. I really enjoy the car.

• 

  new 2008 for 2010 - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By reignpua - March 1 - 7:23 pm

  I just bought an 08 2dr auto new 74 miles on it two weeks ago. I have drive 700 miles thus far and love it . i did notice some wind noise from the windows on the freeway like they dont seal well. The car is very impresive overall. Handelling is better than my celica! weird!?

• 

  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.

• 

  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

• 

  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

• 

  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.

• 

  Tight Fit - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Rob R - July 4 - 3:23 pm

  I couldnt wait for this car to come out however I am disapointed. I looked at the foor door, rides very well, handles good, plenty of pep. However Im 60 and the front seat for me doesnt go back enough, I cant extend my leg all the way on the gas pedal, I would have to drive it with a crimped foot, sorry not in Jersey traffic. If you get the car make sure its for driving up to two people, because when the front seats are all the way back they miss hitting the rear seats by inches.

• 

  1st long trip.... - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By sanjosejohn - July 23 - 4:53 am

  Ive had my saturn xr hatchback for 16 months and took it from San Jose, Calif to Jasper Natl Park in Alberta, Canada. Then down through Montana, Idaho, Wash, and Oregon for 3500mi. trip. The Car ran 10hrs a day in total comfort, with the a/c on, and 75- 80mph. Did not have a single little, tiny problem at all! Got an average of 30-32mpg the entire trip. Even hit snow at Crater Lake, Oregon, when the traction control snowflake symbol came on the info screen. What a surprise!! This car is super cool, handles like my old BMW 2002. Get this vehicle over the vw golf(rabbit)whatever, or any other compact. The warranty is 5/50k which is great. This is the most your getting for the price. Trust me

• 

  Love the car... even with flaws - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By jennx2 - February 6 - 9:33 pm

  I have had my Saturn Astra (XR, 3 door, automatic) for a week now. It is a bit hard to get use to. I went from a Hyundai Tiburon Gt to the 4 cylinder Astra. The Astra doesnt have the get up and go from a stop but it is better on gas mileage. Averaging 26 mpg is the city. The Astra sounds like it is struggling a bit to get from 1st to 2nd gear but after that the ride is quiet and smooth. It handles well and I am interested in how well the winter driving mode will more out. I read reviews about the cupholder being a problem and it is. It was way in the rear compartment. I had the center console installed and there is no improvement there excpet that I gained an arm rest.