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2008 Saturn Astra Features Review

June 14, 2008

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Lots of nice comfort and convenience features
Car and Driver

Tilt and telescoping steering wheel has audio controls
Road & Track

Dual-panel sunroof with power sunshade
Kelley Blue Book

The 2008 Saturn Astra costs around $20,000, but that price tag includes quite a few noteworthy features.

The 2008 Saturn Astra four-door hatchback is available in "a base XE or sportier XR trim level," according to Edmunds. They write that the "Astra XE comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, cruise control," and "a trip computer," along with "full power accessories." Edmunds adds that moving up to the more expensive and better-equipped Saturn Astra XR brings "alloy wheels, air-conditioning, steering-wheel mounted audio controls," and "an upgraded audio system." The two-door is available only in XR trim.

Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com generally praised the 2008 Saturn Astra's equipment loadout. Kelley Blue Book appreciates that "the well-equipped Astra XE four-door includes express-down power windows" as standard and a "dual-panel sunroof with power sunshade" is an option on all four-door versions of the Astra Saturn. Consumer Guide Automotive also likes the "Astra's array of standard features and safety equipment" and feels that the Saturn Astra is "a must see for compact car shoppers."

The Saturn Astra is not perfect, however, and it definitely loses points for its weak automatic transmission. Kelley Blue Book writes that "the lack of an auxiliary audio input jack" for hooking up MP3 players is a big loss. On the 2008 Astra, Saturn has overcome some drawbacks by including a few more upscale features, which Road & Track notes include "heated front seats and even ambient door lighting."

Conclusion

The 2008 Saturn Astra is very competitively equipped, even in base models, but a few key omissions keep it from scoring higher in this category.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Lots of nice comfort and convenience featuresCar and DriverTilt and telescoping steering wheel has audio controlsRoad & TrackDual-panel sunroof with power sunshadeKelley Blue Book The 2008 Saturn Astra costs around $20,000, but that price tag includes quite a few noteworthy features. The 2008 Saturn Astra four-door hatchback is available in "a base XE or sportier XR trim level," according to Edmunds. They write that the "Astra XE comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, cruise control," and "a trip computer," along with "full power accessories." Edmunds adds that moving up to the more expensive and better-equipped Saturn Astra XR brings "alloy wheels, air-conditioning, steering-wheel mounted audio controls," and "an upgraded audio system." The two-door is available only in XR trim. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com generally praised the 2008 Saturn Astra's equipment loadout. Kelley Blue Book appreciates that "the well-equipped Astra XE four-door includes express-down power windows" as standard and a "dual-panel sunroof with power sunshade" is an option on all four-door versions of the Astra Saturn. Consumer Guide Automotive also likes the "Astra's array of standard features and safety equipment" and feels that the Saturn Astra is "a must see for compact car shoppers." The Saturn Astra is not perfect, however, and it definitely loses points for its weak automatic transmission. Kelley Blue Book writes that "the lack of an auxiliary audio input jack" for hooking up MP3 players is a big loss. On the 2008 Astra, Saturn has overcome some drawbacks by including a few more upscale features, which Road & Track notes include "heated front seats and even ambient door lighting." ConclusionThe 2008 Saturn Astra is very competitively equipped, even in base models, but a few key omissions keep it from scoring higher in this category.  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.

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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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