2008 Saturn Astra Overview

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

Bottom Line

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 ...

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Full Review

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...

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Select a Trim:

Trim MSRP / Invoice Fuel Econ
2008 Saturn Astra: 5dr HB XE $15,875 / $14,843 City: 24
Hwy: 32
2008 Saturn Astra: 5dr HB XR $17,425 / $16,292 City: 24
Hwy: 32
2008 Saturn Astra: 3dr HB XR $18,375 / $17,180 City: 24
Hwy: 32

2008 Saturn Astra Related News

See More 2008 Saturn Astra Related News

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

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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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