5 Star Reviews for Saturn Astra

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.74/5 Average
133 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 51 through 60 of 133.00
  • Astra 3dr XR - 2008 Saturn Astra
    By -

    I bought this car in May 08. Traded in an 07 MX5. We needed more room. This car is a "gas". It is almost as much fun to drive as the Miata. Two weeks after purchase I made a 4500 mile road trip. Mileage beat my expectations. 40 mpg on the high side vs 32 worst case (highway). It handles like a slot car at any speed. This is an excellent low priced car. Very European. I am amazed there are not more on the road in this country.

  • Thanks for the reviews! - 2008 Saturn Astra
    By -

    I love my new Astra 3dr XR. I drive a delivery route and this is the perfect car for it. I am getting about 27 MPG. I do a lot of stop and go driving. This car has the pep to get me into traffic with no problems. Plenty of room for my deliveries. I like the fact that I have only seen 1 other on the road in my area. Everyone loves its style and I love the performance. This car handles like its on rails. I took advantage of the GM employee pricing and am happy with the price I paid for this very well equiped car. My father works for a chevrolet dealership and had nothing to offer me in comparison. My Astra has the very stylish 18" wheels and the up-graded radio. Plus I tinted the windows.

  • Fine European Car Sold as a Saturn - 2008 Saturn Astra
    By -

    I am 62", and many small cars wont work. This one does. I have all options on this car, including the sport package. The handling is excellent, and the steering is very quick. The mileage is about what the EPA estimates, although it falls off at speeds around 70 mph or higher. I am a fan of European cars, and this fills the bill without costing an arm and a leg (I have owned 3 Volvos, a Mercedes and a BMW).

  • Marrige of Luxury And Economy - 2008 Saturn Astra
    By -

    The fit and finish of this car is suburb and the materials are exceptional for a compact car. Close the door there is a thud which says quality. Every knob, and door is quality built. This car feels more like a luxury car than an economy car. The truth is that this is a small luxury car, a marriage of quality and economy. There is talk about the hard to learn radio and complicated controls. Yes it did take 1 or 2 days to become familiar with the radio. Anyone with an average IQ will learn the radio in one day or so. Overall the interior is European luxury and European quality. It is a very positive experience for a compact car.

  • Great little car - 2008 Saturn Astra
    By -

    So far I love my Astra! Its comfortable, sporty, gets great gas mileage, and all around fun to drive. I only have one minor complaint, and that is the temperature control dials are kind of hard to read on the fly, but other than that, its been the perfect car. I love the sun roof, love the heated seats, love the handling, and love the look. My family was very skeptical about me buying this car, but even they seem very pleased after seeing it in action. Its definitely a step above the Fit I tried. More bells and whistles, and much better handling. For the money I dont think it can be beat!

  • Still in love six months later - 2008 Saturn Astra
    By -

    My Astra experience really started about a year ago when I read on various blogs that the Opel Astra was being brought to the US. The car was stunning in photos, the second best selling in Europe, and has legendary reliability. So by the time a salesman from Saturn let me know it was in, I was rabid about it! Now Ive owned it for six months and there is no squeaking that belies a cheap interior, the car drives solidly, and the 17 inch wheels with Hankook tires kept me really gripped on the road when I spent a week in the Colorado Rockies. The car really could use more power, but the Ecotec engine porpels the car through curves nicely and this car has totally lived up to the hype.

  • Get used to economy/fun to drive/looks - 2008 Saturn Astra
    By -

    First, this is an economy car; its why I traded my 6cyl crossover. On my 2nd tank of gas I got 29.82 mpg, with about 75% highway driving. But I drive around the SF Bay area on freeways that move at 70 to 80 mph. With the needle just above 3000 rpm Im running about 75, and the mpg indicator is above 30 mpg. The automatic shifts to neutral when youre at a dead stop, to save gas, and I quickly got used to it--if you didnt know about it you might think theres a nano-second stumble when you apply the gas to go. After economy, the seat on the 3dr XR is comfortable for my 511/285lbs. Tilt-telescope wheel makes a big difference. Finally, a very fun to drive economy car that looks great!

  • Consider my Astra kissed. - 2008 Saturn Astra
    By -

    I went from a Cadillac CTS to the Astra. I needed a comfortable commuter car with better fuel economy. So far the Astra has been a great decision. Its not only comfortable, but the interior is nicely designed and feels very premium. Not bad for under 20K. The exterior design is awesome. Ive already gotten a ton of complements. GM did a great job on this compact car.

  • More Fun han Any Other Compact - 2008 Saturn Astra
    By -

    The last time I had this much fun was driving my 1975 Opel Manta (imported by Buick), and the Astra (another Opel) handles even better. Previously I drove a VW Golf which my Astra with sports suspension beats hands down. Its no wonder the Astra sales have been neck and neck with Golfs in Europe for 5 years. The solid fit and finish, and classy interior rival my co-workers BMW 5 series. Its quieter than any of the various midsize cars Ive rented on trips (I can actually hear the nuances of a jazz CD at 70 mph). And whats more practical than a small hatchback? Once you read the quicky instructions, the computer controls are a snap. The best small car GM has sold.

  • Love my Astra - 2008 Saturn Astra
    By -

    I sincerely wish GM would import the new 2011 Astra as a Buick. This is the best small car I have ever driven. It feels bigger than it is. Drives quiet with excellent handling precision.

Saturn Astra Reviews By Year:
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