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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  A great all-around car - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By hiker - April 17 - 12:56 pm

  Great handling, great mpg (30-32 in everyday driving). Good enough go, but get the manual transmission. Perfect for 2 people, 3 dogs, a week of luggage, and 2 bikes (hitch mount). The only cars that I considered in the same class were the Audi A3 and the VW GTI. The Astra (with the sport suspension) has it all except for the horsepower - all else is perfect, and at a great price! A good compromise of performance, fun, functionality, and economy.

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  Great vehicle (XR3 Manual) - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Hector - April 8 - 12:03 am

  Every car has its cons and pros which is why it took me three months to decide between the Astra, Mazda3, and a Civic. Im glad I chose this vehicle. Its a great, stiff drive that grips to the ground. Standard safety features give one less thing to worry about. The interior has nice qualities and the sound of the door closing is nicer (by a lot) than most. Its not perfect, an aux jack would be nice, and a six gear would be cool, but theyre not necessary. The one cup holder for the driver pushes me from not drinking while I drive. Theres no armrest which I thought would bother me, but having both hands on the wheel instead makes up for it.

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  Civic Killer - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Astrabuyer - March 5 - 6:50 am

  I finally found a car that beats out the peoples favorite Honda Civic. This car is better in every way, especially handling. I also really like the cool unique features like the remote roll down windows and monster sunroof.

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  Love my Astra - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By rmittel - February 6 - 8:51 am

  After 2.5 years I still really love this car. Too bad they are no longer available here in the US. If Saturn had sold more cars like this they would still be around. Get comments from people asking what car that is, they love styling. Very firm fun car to drive. I live in Colorado and is great in snow. Have had no problems what so ever with vehicle. Dashboard controls a little hard to figure out as they are European based but not an major issue. A lot of car for the money I think.

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  Great Product! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Astra Dome - December 25 - 2:53 am

  Ive been in the compact car market for the past several years. During that time, I was driving a GMC Crew Sierra. Every time the gas price rose I would go out and test the small cars, Pontiac Vibe, Ford Focus, Toyota Prius and so on. I grew a real fondness for the Vibe. It was fun to drive and felt solid and reactive. The Astra is better. First time I drove one, I knew this was the one. The price point and features..to me was a no brainer. I look for any reason to take the car out for a drive. The main complaint that most people seem to have is the lack of cup holders and storage. Maybe we need to learn some things from our European friends about "conservatism". Fit/Finish A+

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  Great for the money - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Kathy - October 31 - 7:20 am

  We love this car! Well built -- great performance -- good gas mileage -- lots of perks for the money. Have gotten several positive comments on it from coworkers. Were very happy we chose it over some other vehicles we were looking at.

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  Astra XR is the Best - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Matt - October 8 - 10:43 am

  I have been watching the Astra on the internet for months, just waiting for it to arrive in the US. Two weeks ago I test drove the 2 door w/5 speed. It rocks! Exactly a week later I bought my black/black XR 2 door with 17" tires, heated seats (a must in Pittsburgh) and the premium sound system. After 10 years of driving SUVs I wanted a fun to drive coupe that still had some cargo capacity inside. This is the car. When living in Portugal 10 years ago, I had a Citroen AX, 2 door, 5 speed. This is like a modern version of that car. The fuel economy is great, avg 28mpg in the one week that I have owned it. I love that it is a totally new model, people stop and stare or ask what it is.

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  Nice little car - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Dave in Indiana - August 22 - 11:50 pm

  Im 63" and I have plenty of leg room in this car. We have put 900 miles on so far and are averaging 30.2 mpg mixed city and highway. We test drove a bunch of small cars before the Astra. We noticed the quality of this vehicle right away. This car just feels solid.

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  Steal of the year - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Hoagie - August 11 - 11:36 am

  I just picked up a brand new 2008 white XR 2 door. I believe it was the last 5 speed manual in Michigan. I had driven the same exact car in black in May of 2008, but wasnt ready to pay almost sticker for it. With the $8k off, I couldnt say no this time. I love the leather heated seats in the Michigan winter. I dont love the summer wheel package and bought some Goodyear F1 A/S the minute I left the dealership. With the price I paid, I can overlook the small issues, like the cupholder, and the 5 speed makes the engine tolerable. I find no fault with the ride or comfort. It is a beautiful car, and 2 guys at work told me so the first day. so far I am very pleased.

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  Solid little car - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Matt - July 28 - 6:43 am

  Only 1,000 miles driven, but so far I have been very pleased. For 16K, car feels very solid, handles surprisingly well, and gets good gas mileage. Acceleration is about what would be expected. We looked at a lot of 5-dr hatches and the Astra just looked better/sportier than a lot of others and still delivers lots of space in a small package. Back seats have a fair amount of room. With mostly highway, but some stop and go city driving we have averaged 31.4 MPG the 1st 1000 miles driven. So far it has been a great little commuter.