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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  Love it - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By ccran - July 3 - 7:06 pm

  I traded in my Pontiac Torrent for this little gem. At first my thought was what have I done? But the same day I got the car we were hit with ice and snow (Michigan) had to drive on I75, as I watched other cars struggle, I just went along. The car handled beautifully. For me how a car handles in bad weather is so important. This one passed the test with flying colors. It doesnt hurt that its so sharp and I love the interior.

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  500 mile update - This car is great! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Joseph Astra - June 25 - 1:46 am

  I just hit 500 miles on the odometer. Here is the biggest surprise - 36.5 mpg on my second tank of gas! This was in town city driving. This car has much more pep than I expected (5 speed manual) I have yet to down-shift going up a hill. It handles beautifully. The on-board computer with the upgraded stereo has more information and controls than I have ever seen on a car. The seats are comfortable and supportive *No rattles and no buzzes. This car is solid. The upgraded stereo has concert hall sound. The turning radius is excellent (great for parking too). It is still pretty unique on the street. You feel like you have a very exclusive car.

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  Mine was 12k out the door - REBATES! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Neckbone - May 23 - 3:43 pm

  I love it, even though I have only had it four 2 days. I have to announce...with the Cash 4 Cars ($4,500), Dealer ($2,000) and manuf. ($2,500) rebates I walked out the door paying 12K for a 21K sticker! Saturn is closing out this model...RUN and get one! Much better than anything you will find at the price!

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  Fun to dive compact - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Fun to drive - May 19 - 8:46 am

  I love my Astra, compared all competiton in small hatchback class and the Astra wins by far! Great on gas, and still has room. I even fit a mountain bike in the back with the seats down. The sunroof is excellent and worth the extra $. it gives the car a convertable feeling under 20k. The shifting is smooth but would love a 6th gear. This is a well built car with a definite European feel both inside and out. Great job GM. and Saturn. The only thing I miss is the roof rack, it has the holes for but it is unavailable as of yet. I get complements on the car all the time and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a car in this class.

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  Great European cummuter car - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By TortoiseMe - March 8 - 4:13 pm

  I traded in my Ford Escape V6 for this car when gas prices spiked. I also checked out the Mazda3 sport and Hyundai Elantra, but the Astra was the most fun to drive and best built by far. I opted for the automatic - which is well matched to the engine but like all GMs it really, really should be 5 or even 6 speed like many competitors. I have commuted in it for a month now and taken it on 2 long road trips and it has been great! - Comfortable, economical, stylish, what more could you ask for?

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  Whats an Astra? - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By mikeski - February 19 - 5:36 am

  Needing to replace my sons 94 Bonnie with 190 K and two bad cylinders, the choices seemed overwhelming. I suggested a Mailbu or an Elantra, and we drove both, but my son did his research and wanted a Saturn Astra? Never heard of it! Since he couldnt drive a stick, I did the test drives and was blown away. The handling is superb, shifting easy, seating comfortable, brakes excellent, fit and finish excellent and it made me feel like I was 25 again. No wonder its the best selling car in Europe. Why is GM keeping this car a secret here? You owe it to yourself to test drive this car. It blew away the Elantra. Thanks to those who posted reviews, you helped in our decision process.

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  Rare Lost Gem - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By BBdriver - January 18 - 7:03 am

  When Saturn decided to import the Astra, the dollar/euro relationship was more favorable. Come 2008 the car couldnt be sold profitably enough, hence the lack of promotion and cancellation of the 2009 model. Generous incentives got me a great European car for the price of a smaller Hyundai! 11 years living in Europe enlightened my automotive outlook. Why couldnt Saturn have built this very car in Spring Hill? This car has a solidity on par with my Mercedes. Actual mileage exceeds EPA rating. Comfortable for my 62" 280lb body. Great handling on a just finished run up PCH to Big Sur. Enjoying my 25 mile commute so much that Im considering taking a job further from home!

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.