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2008 Saturn Astra Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Marty Padgett's avatar Marty Padgett, Executive EditorMarty Padgett

TheCarConnection.com's editors studied road tests of the 2008 Saturn Astra to write this definitive review. TheCarConnection.com's resident car experts also drove the Saturn Astra to help you decide which reviews to trust where opinions differ, to add more impressions and details, and to provide you with the best information.

Likes:

  • Jaunty styling
  • Crisp handling
  • Smooth four-cylinder engine
  • Easy-shifting manual

Dislikes:

  • Four-speed automatic
  • Artificial electric power steering
  • Lacks auxiliary jack, satellite radio

Buying Tips:


Saturn will add a Red Line performance edition of the Astra two-door, possibly with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, for the 2009 or 2010 model year.

The 2008 Saturn Astra is a brand-new vehicle for GM's youngest brand. This time, instead of turning away buyers with the regrettable Ion compacts, Saturn has imported a two-door coupe and a four-door hatchback that have handsome designs, smart interiors, good four-cylinder engines, and high fuel economy--perfect for taking on the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and others.

The 2008 Saturn Astra four-door is the more versatile of the duo. It shares the two-door's 1.8-liter four-cylinder that churns out 138 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. The nicely muted four-cylinder has only a little exhaust boom at higher speeds. It works well with a five-speed manual that offers a clutch with light action. The optional four-speed automatic, however, is a step behind the five- and six-speed automatics that Toyota and Honda offer. The Astra's fuel economy is 24/32 mpg with the manual, 24/30 mpg with the automatic.

With a well-damped ride and adept braking, the 2008 Saturn Astra is tuned with a European compact feel. The electronic power steering is a little heavy on center and feels artificial, but otherwise, the Astra impresses with its predictable feel.

The functional cockpit of the 2008 Saturn Astra will seem familiar to anyone who's driven an Opel Astra in Germany. It's almost identical--and it's a cooler, more Spartan treatment than most Japanese and American compacts, but still attractive and made of high-quality materials. In addition, the Astra gets standard features omitted from competitors, such as steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and express-up power windows at all four outboard seats. The front seats are comfortable for longer trips, and in back there's plenty of room for shorter trips, even for adults in the four-door version, though knee room may be tight.

There's almost none of the old domestic GM in any cup holder or storage bin in the 2008 Saturn Astra. It's a smart, savvy small car with a great price tag--and it's GM's best effort in this niche yet.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2008 Saturn Astra, also consider:

Reason Why:

The class leader is the Honda Civic. It has sedan and two-door body styles, as well as a hybrid model and a compressed-natural-gas (CNG) version. The Ford Focus, newly restyled for 2008, has taken a step backward in looks but two steps forward in features with offerings such as the entertainment SYNC controller. The Mazda3 is the most like the Saturn Astra, with two- and four-door hatchbacks--and it's one of the best-looking, best-handling cars in this class.

The Bottom Line:

The 2008 Saturn Astra has the body styles, the fuel economy and the feel of a winner.

TheCarConnection.com's editors studied road tests of the 2008 Saturn Astra to write this definitive review. TheCarConnection.com's resident car experts also drove the Saturn Astra to help you decide which reviews to trust where opinions differ, to add more impressions and details, and to provide you with the best information. Likes:Jaunty stylingCrisp handlingSmooth four-cylinder engineEasy-shifting manualDislikes:Four-speed automaticArtificial electric power steeringLacks auxiliary jack, satellite radioBuying Tips: Saturn will add a Red Line performance edition of the Astra two-door, possibly with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, for the 2009 or 2010 model year. The 2008 Saturn Astra is a brand-new vehicle for GM's youngest brand. This time, instead of turning away buyers with the regrettable Ion compacts, Saturn has imported a two-door coupe and a four-door hatchback that have handsome designs, smart interiors, good four-cylinder engines, and high fuel economy--perfect for taking on the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and others. The 2008 Saturn Astra four-door is the more versatile of the duo. It shares the two-door's 1.8-liter four-cylinder that churns out 138 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. The nicely muted four-cylinder has only a little exhaust boom at higher speeds. It works well with a five-speed manual that offers a clutch with light action. The optional four-speed automatic, however, is a step behind the five- and six-speed automatics that Toyota and Honda offer. The Astra's fuel economy is 24/32 mpg with the manual, 24/30 mpg with the automatic. With a well-damped ride and adept braking, the 2008 Saturn Astra is tuned with a European compact feel. The electronic power steering is a little heavy on center and feels artificial, but otherwise, the Astra impresses with its predictable feel. The functional cockpit of the 2008 Saturn Astra will seem familiar to anyone who's driven an Opel Astra in Germany. It's almost identical--and it's a cooler, more Spartan treatment than most Japanese and American compacts, but still attractive and made of high-quality materials. In addition, the Astra gets standard features omitted from competitors, such as steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and express-up power windows at all four outboard seats. The front seats are comfortable for longer trips, and in back there's plenty of room for shorter trips, even for adults in the four-door version, though knee room may be tight. There's almost none of the old domestic GM in any cup holder or storage bin in the 2008 Saturn Astra. It's a smart, savvy small car with a great price tag--and it's GM's best effort in this niche yet. Other Choices:If you like the 2008 Saturn Astra, also consider:Honda CivicFord FocusMazda3Reason Why:The class leader is the Honda Civic. It has sedan and two-door body styles, as well as a hybrid model and a compressed-natural-gas (CNG) version. The Ford Focus, newly restyled for 2008, has taken a step backward in looks but two steps forward in features with offerings such as the entertainment SYNC controller. The Mazda3 is the most like the Saturn Astra, with two- and four-door hatchbacks--and it's one of the best-looking, best-handling cars in this class. The Bottom Line:The 2008 Saturn Astra has the body styles, the fuel economy and the feel of a winner. TheCarConnection.com's editors studied road tests of the 2008 Saturn Astra to write this definitive review. TheCarConnection.com's resident car experts also drove the Saturn Astra to help you decide which reviews to trust where opinions differ, to add more impressions and details, and to ...

Other Choices:

The class leader is the Honda Civic. It has sedan and two-door body styles, as well as a hybrid model and a compressed-natural-gas (CNG) version. The Ford Focus, newly restyled for 2008, has taken a step backward in looks but two steps forward in features with offerings such as the entertainment SYNC controller. The Mazda3 is the most like the Saturn Astra, with two- and four-door hatchbacks--and it's one of the best-looking, best-handling cars in this class.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Saturn Astra

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 Saturn Astra

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 Saturn Astra near you

See the Saturn Astra in Other Years:

2009 | 2008

Comments (5 total)

  1. By redbaron08 #1, Posted: 7/30/2008

    Love This Car!!!

    I recently purchased anAstra after 2 months of research and test drives of the Mazda3, VW Rabbit, Suzuki SX4, Honda Civic, and the Mini Cooper. I was looking for a good gas mileage, fun to drive, quality car at a good price. On a whim, my wife and I went to a Saturn dealer to see GM's euro import. My wife said ont the way that there was no way we would ever buy a Saturn. Boy were we suprised to find this car with Saturn badges on it. This car is the most fun to drive in its class at this price. The warranty and saftey features were better then the Mazda. The overall feel inside the car was better then all the rest. When you close the door, you feel like you are closing the door of a much bigger and more expensive Mercedes. We picked up the car 3 days later and left on our summer vacation the same day. Every passing mile was pure bliss. I drove 800 miles on interstates, and never felt like I was in a small car. The car is outstanding for long trip comfort, and never feels uneasy even in heavy rain or when passing semis. I strongly rccommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a small quality hatchback. Don't miss this car!!!

  2. By Heather #2, Posted: 8/2/2008

    Just bought an Astra

    Today I bought an Astra today. A bit skeptical going into the dealership. I'm a bit of a car snob - My last car was a Volkswagon Jetta, a 5-speed that I loved driving. Test drove the manual five door Astra, had the same thrill of my old car. The interior is modern, with a sunroof covers the front and back seat, and the interior was surprisingly spacious. The price can't be beat.

  3. By DanielTse #3, Posted: 9/5/2008

    Saturn Got This One Right!!!

    Recently bought my first Saturn. For the money, this is a surprising little car. Very nicely equiped, excellent build quality, lots of safety features, superb handling, and excellent european ergonomics. I have the 5 speed manual so power is pretty good and the shift mechanism is precise and enjoyable. I am enjoying up to 30 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Come on fellow Americans, give Saturn a try!! You won't be disappointed given the cars price point.

  4. By Gregory Calabrese #4, Posted: 12/26/2008

    Hidden Gem

    The Astra is a great little car. The cockpit in the Astra XR model is very upscale for a car of this size. This car is quality from the thud of the doors closing to the high quality steering wheel control stauks. The Astra handles like a luxury European car like BMW or Mercedes it is an outstanding vehicle to drive. There are not that many on the road but the Astra is truly a hidden gem.

  5. By Joey B #5, Posted: 3/20/2009

    Best GM Compact Out There

    I recently traded out the base Chevy Cobalt for the the 3 door Astra. No competition- the Astra reigns supreme. To get the road feel of the Astra you'd have to lay down a few K extra for the turbo Cobalt. This is an entry level price tag coupled with a truly spirited drive, wrapped in a handsomely aggressive package. Fantastic paint options, wonderful suspension setup, tones of style, all with a big trunk (boot. for Brits looking for a Vauxhall).

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