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2008 Saturn Astra Review

June 14, 2008

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Exudes an aura that is definitely not of this continent
Road & Track

Looks substantial from all sides
Kelley Blue Book

Upscale interior design
Edmunds

Anyone who has spent time in Europe knows that European roads are filled with small, sporty, fuel-efficient cars. For the 2008 Saturn Astra, Saturn has basically hijacked the Opel Astra from Europe and rebadged it for sale in America. Accordingly with the Astra, Saturn has left intact the smart European small-car styling.

The 2008 Saturn Astra is available as either a two- or four-door hatchback. Both versions are very small cars, with Motor Trend saying that the "Astra is a true subcompact" at "167.3 inches long for the five-door." For those who love European styling, Car and Driver brings good news, saying that "the only differences between the Astra built by GM's German subsidiary for sale in Europe and this new Saturn edition are its badges [and] minor exterior trim" changes.

That distinctly European exterior styling on the 2008 Saturn Astra is generally well received in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com. Kelley Blue Book feels that it will be hard to get lost in the crowd in the Saturn Astra because "the car looks substantial from all sides, bolstered by big wheels and tires." Taking that sentiment one step further is Mother Proof, whose reviewer feels that the 2008 Saturn Astra is "sportier, sleeker and just plain cooler than you ever thought." However, not all reviews were positive, as Cars.com notes that "the four-door looks a bit awkward." Overall, though, reviewers generally agree that the aggressive body styling on the four-door Saturn Astra will allow it to "match up well to top models like the Mazda 3, Honda Civic, and Volkswagen Rabbit," according to Edmunds.

Revamped styling for the brand doesn't stop on the outside of the Astra; Saturn’s interior sports a fine design that Road & Track claims "exudes an aura that is definitely not of this continent." Edmunds raves about the interior, claiming that "the cabin is the Astra's strongest point" and noting that "Opel clearly had Volkswagen in its sights when it designed the Astra's interior." ConsumerGuide takes a more middle-of-the-road approach, adding, "While Astra's interior does nothing to impress in terms of style and design, it's pleasant overall, if a bit bland." Coming down harder on the Saturn Astra is Kelley Blue Book, which feels that "noticeable shortcomings, such as the sole front seat cup holder awkwardly positioned behind the parking brake...don't mesh with the segment leaders." Other gripes about the interior include Automobile's feeling that "the Astra is a bit too foreign" in terms of the "marking and operation of its switchgear."

Conclusion

Strong exterior styling and European inspired throughout, the 2008 Saturn Astra is one chic vehicle.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Exudes an aura that is definitely not of this continentRoad & TrackLooks substantial from all sidesKelley Blue BookUpscale interior designEdmunds Anyone who has spent time in Europe knows that European roads are filled with small, sporty, fuel-efficient cars. For the 2008 Saturn Astra, Saturn has basically hijacked the Opel Astra from Europe and rebadged it for sale in America. Accordingly with the Astra, Saturn has left intact the smart European small-car styling. The 2008 Saturn Astra is available as either a two- or four-door hatchback. Both versions are very small cars, with Motor Trend saying that the "Astra is a true subcompact" at "167.3 inches long for the five-door." For those who love European styling, Car and Driver brings good news, saying that "the only differences between the Astra built by GM's German subsidiary for sale in Europe and this new Saturn edition are its badges [and] minor exterior trim" changes. That distinctly European exterior styling on the 2008 Saturn Astra is generally well received in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com. Kelley Blue Book feels that it will be hard to get lost in the crowd in the Saturn Astra because "the car looks substantial from all sides, bolstered by big wheels and tires." Taking that sentiment one step further is Mother Proof, whose reviewer feels that the 2008 Saturn Astra is "sportier, sleeker and just plain cooler than you ever thought." However, not all reviews were positive, as Cars.com notes that "the four-door looks a bit awkward." Overall, though, reviewers generally agree that the aggressive body styling on the four-door Saturn Astra will allow it to "match up well to top models like the Mazda 3, Honda Civic, and Volkswagen Rabbit," according to Edmunds. Revamped styling for the brand doesn't stop on the outside of the Astra; Saturn’s interior sports a fine design that Road & Track claims "exudes an aura that is definitely not of this continent." Edmunds raves about the interior, claiming that "the cabin is the Astra's strongest point" and noting that "Opel clearly had Volkswagen in its sights when it designed the Astra's interior." ConsumerGuide takes a more middle-of-the-road approach, adding, "While Astra's interior does nothing to impress in terms of style and design, it's pleasant overall, if a bit bland." Coming down harder on the Saturn Astra is Kelley Blue Book, which feels that "noticeable shortcomings, such as the sole front seat cup holder awkwardly positioned behind the parking brake...don't mesh with the segment leaders." Other gripes about the interior include Automobile's feeling that "the Astra is a bit too foreign" in terms of the "marking and operation of its switchgear." ConclusionStrong exterior styling and European inspired throughout, the 2008 Saturn Astra is one chic vehicle.  2008 SATURN ASTRA STYLING | [8 out of 10] Road & Track: "Exudes an aura that is definitely not of this continent" Kelley Blue Book: "Looks substantial from all sides" Edmunds: "Upscale interior design" Anyone who has spent time in Europe knows that European roads are filled with ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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:

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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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