2008 Saturn Astra Consumer Reviews Page 2

What A Hoot To Drive!

Written by: Scott Walper on 09/22/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn Astra XR 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

We just stumbled across the Astra at the Saturn dealer while looking at the Vue. After driving the Astra couldnt wait to buy one! Incredibly solid, zippy around town with the 5 speed stick, gets lotsa stares. People in Hondas ask what it that? The doors don't sound like tin when you close them. The remote windows rolldown, one cool feature.

Favorite Features

The ride is incredible for a small car, and the handling, and the incredible brakes. The remote window rolldown thats so cool!

Suggested Improvements

A little more horsepower, and a center armrest.

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North America's Best Kept Secret.

Written by: Erik Poirier on 09/20/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn Astra XR 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I dont know what to say. After having a bad start with a 2008 Vue Hybrid I got myself into an Astra XR with Sport package (sport suspension, 17 inch alloys, performance steering, Stabilitrak) and let me tell you that in my life of 14 vehicles I have never been happier. That is of course once I bought the Astra arm rest /cup holder ($200 installed) and installed Sirius satellite radio. Test drove Mazda3, VW, and Matrix. This was the best. If you are in the market for the automatic, you may want to look elsewhere, they are draging down the ratings of this car. If your in the market for a five speed, reguardless of what you think of GM, take my word, try it out.

Favorite Features

Sport package (a must), cornering, acceleration, fuel economy, 5 head rests (front responsive), collapsable pedals, arm rest, interior space

Suggested Improvements

Standard armrest/cup holder. Fold "flater" back seats. Plastic lined trunk/seat backs

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great little car

Written by: PaFromFL on 09/19/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn Astra XE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I'm really enjoying my Astra. For its size, it provides a surprising amount of room and comfort. The driver gets generous legroom, plenty of clearance from the tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and a wide range of seat adjustments. The engine seems happy lugging along at 1500 rpm, and I have yet to stall it even though I hadn't driven a manual in many years. It handles very well in spite of the torsion rear axle (as opposed to fully independent). The Astra can be more fun to drive around town than my BMW 330i and Chrysler 300C because I can push its limits without instantly violating traffic laws.

Favorite Features

Great handling, good visibility, rain-sensing wipers, rear reading lights, solid thunk when doors shut, hydraulic strut for hood, remote window opening feature

Suggested Improvements

Offer a free armrest with every purchase, mark rpm’s in thousands rather than hundreds to avoid confusion with speedometer, lengthen 4th and 5th gear ratios

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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A Saturn?

Written by: McCloud on 09/12/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn Astra XR 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Initial reactions from my friends is usually "This is a Saturn?" This car really impresses with its combination of style, build quality, european flavor, standard equipment, handling, and value. It handles like a dream, sharp and secure. The steering wheel is thick and grippy and the feedback is really excellent. The interior quality excells with soft-touch materials and the seats are well-bolstered. The 5-speed shifter is precise but a bit notchy. The clutch is just about right. The engine is peppy and rev-happy but the car is not a rocket. Overall, this is a practical and economical driver's car with european driving characteristics. Give it a try!!

Favorite Features

Ride and handling and driver involvement are its best features. The doors close with a solid "thud". Safety features abound for this price range. You will feel very secure inside. Road noise is generally well sequestered. OnStar, rain-sensing wipers, auto-headlights are unexpected pluses.

Suggested Improvements

A slightly larger 2 liter engine and a 6 speed manual would be welcomed. Or maybe a turbocharged 2 liter from the Sky or Chevy Cobalt SS might transform it into a real hot-hatch/pocket-rocket. More intuitive center stack and controls and higher quality speakers would be nice.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Best small car on the road in the US!

Written by: Joey Astranomical on 09/08/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn Astra XR 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This car looks like it is a generation ahead of any other car on the road. I get a lot of positive comments about the styling. The second question you get after "what is it?" is "what does it get for gas mileage?" I have the 5 speed stick and I consistently get mid 30's mpg.

Favorite Features

This car has plenty of pep with the 5 speed. The shifting is smooth and confident. I never miss a gear. The optional stereo is outstanding. The gas mileage is phenomenal! Mid 30's every tank in mixed city and highway driving. I like all of the safety features. The automatic lights and wipers.

Suggested Improvements

How about a 6th gear?

7 out 8 people found this review helpful

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What's an Astra?

Written by: mikeski on 09/03/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn Astra XR 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Needing to replace my son's 94 Bonnie with 190 K and two bad cylinders, the choices seemed overwhelming. I suggested a Mailbu or an Elantra, and we drove both, but my son did his research and wanted a Saturn Astra? Never heard of it! Since he couldn't drive a stick, I did the test drives and was blown away. The handling is superb, shifting easy, seating comfortable, brakes excellent, fit and finish excellent and it made me feel like I was 25 again. No wonder it's the best selling car in Europe. Why is GM keeping this car a secret here? You owe it to yourself to test drive this car. It blew away the Elantra. Thanks to those who posted reviews, you helped in our decision process.

Favorite Features

Sporty design, superb handling, suspension, brakes and mpg. Comfortable heated cloth seats, and interior, 17" wheels and overall solid build. It's so much fun to drive that I'm stealing it from my son every chance I get. Feels like a more expensive sports car. May need to get one for myself.

Suggested Improvements

More hp and a 6 speed manual trans. While the lack of a well placed cup holder is an issue, you do not buy a car for a cup holder. The lumbar adjustment knob on the driver's seat is in an awkward position unless you are double jointed. Forget the minor nuances its a great vehicle.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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My new ride!

Written by: Kevboy on 09/01/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn Astra XR 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have been waiting to purchase this car for about 6 months to see what other peoples reactions were. Everyone has overwhelmingly recommended it, so I just bought one. So far I love it! Black paint is stunning, leather interior beautifully stitched, performs incredibly. I am very satisfied!

Favorite Features

Sunroof, manual trans, leather.

Suggested Improvements

Armrest needs to be standard, sat/ipod upgrade(same complaints as everyone else!)

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Fun to dive compact

Written by: Fun to drive on 08/27/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn Astra XR 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I love my Astra, compared all competiton in small hatchback class and the Astra wins by far! Great on gas, and still has room. I even fit a mountain bike in the back with the seats down. The sunroof is excellent and worth the extra $. it gives the car a convertable feeling under 20k. The shifting is smooth but would love a 6th gear. This is a well built car with a definite European feel both inside and out. Great job GM. and Saturn. The only thing I miss is the roof rack, it has the holes for but it is unavailable as of yet. I get complements on the car all the time and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a car in this class.

Favorite Features

Sunroof, interior quality, handleing with stability track.

Suggested Improvements

Roof rack, rear mud flaps needed

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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My loaded Astra 2dr with 18" wheels

Written by: Suns_PSD on 08/26/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn Astra XR 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Fantastic car. Compared to the other competitors in this range this car whoops the others. Employee pricing put mine only 2K higher than a Scion XD but it's 2x the car. My first tank has me over 30 mpg with lots of in town driving and that is w/ the 18" rims. (18's get less mpg than smaller rims in my experience) The only downside is that this is not a fat person's car. At 6', 180# I am 100% comfortable but if I was any larger it could be a problem. It has 138hp which is more than many some competitors but if it had 160hp it would be a full on sports car. The tranny ratios are weird. They work very well at 70-80 mph on the highway but really it's geared to tall for it's hp.

Favorite Features

Black leather interior with lots of features. Handling is superb! High quality feel. Inexpensive car that looks a bit exclusive (in the 3 door anyways) as there are so few of them and it looks so sharp.

Suggested Improvements

Slightly more hp. Slightly more leg room and wider leather seats. The leather seats are firmer and smaller than the cloth. Passenger seat needs to slide farther back for more room.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Truly, a Good Car

Written by: Mark S. on 08/25/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn Astra XR 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I purchased this car new as a replacement for my 2004 MINI Cooper, and I haven't looked back! This car is just a blast to drive, and it behaves almost exactly like my MINI did on the road (the MINI had a bit better steering feel). It handles incredibly well, brakes are powerful, and it has decent fuel economy. Acceleration is a bit lacking, but the 138-horsepower is more than sufficient for capable cruising at highway speeds. I'm a big fella (6'2", 300 lbs) and I am not wanting for space inside. The rear cargo area will swallow a weeks' worth of groceries without needing to fold down the rear seats.

Favorite Features

I love the looks, the handling, the tilt/telescoping steering column, the abundance of airbags (this car could probably float on all those airbags!), the on-board trip computer, the fuel economy (best tank of 34.1 MPG), and the seats hold you in tight. Average Rating: 9.4

Suggested Improvements

The automatic transmission could use a 5th gear, the car could use a boost up in standard 138 horsepower (or a turbocharged Redline version), better-sounding stock speakers, the trip computer could be a little more intuitive to use, and the price of the 3-door could drop a little.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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