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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  9000 miles and loving it! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By TMO - February 16 - 9:20 am

  After extensive research I purchased an Astra and absolutely love it! Opel really knows how to build a great small car. The exterior design is sharp and practical. The interior materials quality/fit and finish is on par with Audi but what impresses me the most is the suspension. You get the feeling that it is over built for our roads. It feels stout, connected and very safe around corners, in traffic and at highway speeds. It soaks up bad road with that solid thump you get from premium sedans. Sure, having access to the turbo diesel or the 250 HP turbo motor would have been nice, but the 1.8 is economical (32 mpg) and has plenty zip especially around town. No regrets even with Saturn gone.

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  The hidden gem - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By G.C. - December 31 - 12:36 pm

  I have had the Astra of well over a year now and the longer I have driven it the more I love it. This car exudes quality from bumper to bumper. The handling is extraordinary and the fit and finish is superb. Every interior component is quilt with quality. This car drives like a proper German car should. I have driven the comparable Toyota and Mazda offering that sell well int his class and the Astra absolutely blows them away. This excellent vehicle will become a collectible when the public gets word of great it is and how it was only available in one vintage.

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  Exceeds Expectations - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Manta - November 19 - 11:00 am

  I had researched this vehicle for about a year on American and European websites. One thing stood out--every last one remarked the handling was very good. I was looking for a fun, somewhat unique car to replace my 2003 Mini-no easy task! Nothing really quite handles like a Mini. Well, I have to say, the Astra XR with Sport suspension (17 in. wheels) comes pretty darn close, and is actually better in some ways. Obviously, there is more room for passengers and cargo.You can corner with a little more power in the lower gear bands, and the ride is smoother over broken pavement and bumps.Ive been getting around 30MPG in mostly city driving. An incredible value if this car holds up over time.

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  Very happy Saturn owner - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By loose - November 17 - 11:53 am

  Went to Bike Week 09 dragging my bike behind my 07 stick Fit sport, really liked that car. Was not looking for a new car, but they redid the Fit for 09 and I thought about a new one. While in FL, I noticed the Saturn Astra 5 door. Had to go and check it out. The car is great. Had to stay in FL for 3 extra days waiting for my trailer hitch. Was the best ride home to Scranton I ever had.

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  Cant Wait To Drive It Next! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By jon_e_quest - November 6 - 8:40 am

  I wanted a German car and set my budget at $18K. Looked at new 2DR Rabbits, used Jettas, and used MINIs. Read lots of bad reviews on Edmunds about MINIs. The Jetta really does look like a Corolla. And the 2DR Rabbit lacked many features I wanted that only came on 4DRs. And it looks like a phonebooth compared to the Astra (Opel). Astra offers so many more standard features than the other cars in its class. And features like rain-sensing wipers, pedal release system, driver information center, & 1 year OnStar arent even available on the competition. Astra handles the curves beautifully. The VVT engine revs freely thru the gears. And its gorgeous European styling is unsurpassed.

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  Loves It! - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Sara - August 21 - 7:23 pm

  I love my Astra! I replaced my 92 Honda Civic with the Astra and I am very pleased with my decision. It is extremely fun to drive and the handling is responsive. I enjoy the speed-proportional steering; I find that it makes driving in the city effortless. The ride on the highway is smooth. The brakes are great. The acceleration is more than I expected. It really has some get up and go! This car feels very solid and well-made.

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  Nice Car - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By Wahoo - April 15 - 11:30 am

  I bought this car in late December for $14,500 out the door! Having owned a Civic EX previously, I am having some difficulty getting used to the tight suspension, stiff ride, rigid seating, and excellent acceleration. The instrument displays are a bit confusing but are really nicely arranged and detailed. The car has so many more features than new Civics for a lot less money and seems much better built. Having never owned a GM product, I am shocked by the quality of this car.

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  Cant believe it is a Saturn - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By R Louis - April 15 - 4:10 am

  This is a good looking (in and out), nimble, smaller sized crossover. It feels very solid on corners, has decent passing power (5 speed manual), and comfortable seating for a 6 ft adult.

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  Fat man little car - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By michael.fought - April 2 - 8:30 am

  I am 290 pounds and six foot tall, however, I love my Astra! I traded in my 2005 GMC Sierra pickup for my Astra and I have made the right desicion. The Astra is American owned and German made! I have plenty of room for me my wife and child. Im getting 28mpg on highway and 24 MPG in city. I really wanted something environmentally friedly, economical, and well built. I think I have made the right desicion.

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  Hidden Gem - 2008 Saturn Astra
  By San Costantino - March 27 - 5:16 pm

  There is no accounting for taste. The American public really missed out not making the Astra a huge hit. This car handles like a sports car and is built like a high end European luxury car. The car exudes quality throughout. Knock on wood for over tow years it has been trouble free. It looks better than anything it competes against. Too bad we can not get the 2011 model, I would go out and acquire one tomorrow. This is one great car that is going to be a rare classic in the future.