2008 Saturn Astra Consumer Reviews Page 3

Nice car

Written by: Smoomac on 08/22/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I like the drive and the look of the car, it is fun to drive. I have however found some concerns with the vehicle. The door locks open all at once and there is no way to make it so just the driver's door opens and the other stay locked. There is no panic button on the fob.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

There is a safety issue with the door locks all unlocking together. I had a Saturn before this one and other brands and I have always been able to unlock the drivers side only. The is a very serious safety issue for women, when you unlock the driver's side and all doors open for anyone to get in.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Great European cummuter car

Written by: TortoiseMe on 08/20/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I traded in my Ford Escape V6 for this car when gas prices spiked. I also checked out the Mazda3 sport and Hyundai Elantra, but the Astra was the most fun to drive and best built by far. I opted for the automatic - which is well matched to the engine but like all GM's it really, really should be 5 or even 6 speed like many competitors. I have commuted in it for a month now and taken it on 2 long road trips and it has been great! - Comfortable, economical, stylish, what more could you ask for?

Favorite Features

Great style, handling and suspension. Huge sunroof, OnStar with hands-free calling. Rain-sense wipers and automatic headlamps.

Suggested Improvements

An MP3 Aux-in jack would be nice, 5 or 6 speed automatic transmission (or maybe a cvt??). And yes, a centre armrest with cupholder please. A 'Red-Line' version with 200hp would be cool.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Great car overall

Written by: Firehawk on 08/18/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I have been a big fan of the Astra overseas for some time now. Much to my surprise GM finally brought it here, under the Saturn umbrella. Odd but it was here none the less. As soon as my funds allowed I went and test drove one, and drove one home the next day. I'm very happy with the little 2-door XR. It's 138hp but it's a small car so it's got no problem getting up to go. It's very nimble and feels like you're driving a fun, sporty car. I opted out of the 18" rims as they appear too 'bulky' in my opinion and the 17" rims are fantastic. The CD40 Opera upgraded sound package seems a little odd sounding, with a center speaker but I'll have to tweak it before I'm too opinionated.

Favorite Features

Euro styling, handling, performance. Bang for the buck. Great MPG. The on board computer does instant MPG on the DIC as well as it gives you your averages. I drive 40 miles each way to work on the freeway and I hover around 28-31 mpg. OnStar is a nice touch and is included for 1 year (limited).

Suggested Improvements

The stereo interface is a little more complex than most people care to deal with. It's got a ton of options and features (at least the upgraded CD40 Opera). The clock is in military 24hr time, I guess they were trying to stay with the Euro roots? Silly if you ask me.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Still in love six months later

Written by: Michael W on 08/16/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

My Astra experience really started about a year ago when I read on various blogs that the Opel Astra was being brought to the US. The car was stunning in photos, the second best selling in Europe, and has legendary reliability. So by the time a salesman from Saturn let me know it was in, I was rabid about it! Now I've owned it for six months and there is no squeaking that belies a cheap interior, the car drives solidly, and the 17 inch wheels with Hankook tires kept me really gripped on the road when I spent a week in the Colorado Rockies. The car really could use more power, but the Ecotec engine porpels the car through curves nicely and this car has totally lived up to the hype.

Favorite Features

Rain sensing wipers! Holding the unlock button rolls down the windows from the outside. The premium package leather seats, steering wheel, interior accents can't be found on any other car under 20k. Owning the Astra gives you entry to a community of drivers who value quality and great styling.

Suggested Improvements

The Astra needs a more well thought out control layout, but the dash is supurb otherwise. A standard armrest for the driver and passanger, but the aftermarket GM licensed model retails for only $180, is good-looking and sturdy. Still preferred over Civic, Mazda 3, and especially the US Ford Focus.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Fun to Drive, truly innovative vehicle.

Written by: Steve on 08/15/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I have owned this car for 3 months now and drive it daily to work with is about 1 1/2 hours each way. At first I thought smaller cars would have been uncomfortable, however, this was not the case. The Astra is not only fun to drive but it has alot of luxury features that were in my previous Saab. The lumbar seating is a big bonus for me. The steering is very tight and has a great sport suspension. Car accelarated decently, even at highway speeds. It truly gives you the feel that your driving a sports car. Interior and exterior design are innovative and different from other North American and European cars. I have got many compliments about the interior and exterior so far.

Favorite Features

Interior styling, leather seating, lumbar, 17" wheels, 2 panel sunroof, heated seats, tactial dashboard fabric, exterior design.

Suggested Improvements

Ipod connection, satelitte radio option, turbo charged engine.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Love the car... even with flaws

Written by: jennx2 on 08/07/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I have had my Saturn Astra (XR, 3 door, automatic) for a week now. It is a bit hard to get use to. I went from a Hyundai Tiburon Gt to the 4 cylinder Astra. The Astra doesn't have the get up and go from a stop but it is better on gas mileage. Averaging 26 mpg is the city. The Astra sounds like it is struggling a bit to get from 1st to 2nd gear but after that the ride is quiet and smooth. It handles well and I am interested in how well the winter driving mode will more out. I read reviews about the cupholder being a problem and it is. It was way in the rear compartment. I had the center console installed and there is no improvement there excpet that I gained an arm rest.

Favorite Features

OnStar, exterior design, good handling

Suggested Improvements

Improve front cupholder and make a center console/arm rest standard. Engine with more get up and go. Get rid of military clock, add a trunk lock and fuel cap lock

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Consider my Astra kissed.

Written by: Jason on 08/05/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I went from a Cadillac CTS to the Astra. I needed a comfortable commuter car with better fuel economy. So far the Astra has been a great decision. It's not only comfortable, but the interior is nicely designed and feels very premium. Not bad for under 20K. The exterior design is awesome. I've already gotten a ton of complements. GM did a great job on this compact car.

Favorite Features

18 inch rims. Leather interior. Sporty exterior design. Great quality for the money.

Suggested Improvements

I agree with adding a 5th gear. You'd get even better fuel economy at high speeds. I added the aftermarket armrest. It doesn't look like an add-on, and it comes with a cup holder.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Best Small Car Hands Down

Written by: redbaron08 on 07/30/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I absolutely love this car. I test drove and researched a lot of cars in this class, but kept coming back to the Astra. Top selling point for me were the way the doors closed. The car is so well built it feels like a Mercedes or BMW. I took it on a 2000 mile road trip after leaving the dealership and fell more in love with it as each mile passed. Every time I drive it is a joy. The gas mileage has been 29 mpg combined with well over 30 on the highways. I love the fact that I don't feel like I am driving a small car. When I was shopping the Mazda 3 came in second place in my list of cars, and though the Astra was a little more expensive, it had a better warranty and more safety features.

Favorite Features

Driving this car is so much fun. I actually want an excuse to drive it. I owned a 2000 Honda Prelude before this and didn't enjoy driving it as much as this. Though there are other cars with more horsepower out there, none can handle like the Astra. The engine is smooth, quiet and powerful enough.

Suggested Improvements

My only improvement was the lack of an armrest, but I ordered one through my dealer, so problem solved!

13 out 13 people found this review helpful

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Making Great Even Better

Written by: Liz In Louisiana on 07/30/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Discovering this car was a "what is it?" process. I had driven the Mini & a number of other smaller cars; all disappointments. One day the hubster & I saw the Astra and were immediately taken w/its European good looks & sporty flair. The test drive was remarkably fun; this little vehicle handles like a rally car around tight corners. I purchased the 5-speed to up the fun factor even higher & got every option it comes with (everything under the sun + car for $20,300) and I'm glad I did. The 'opera' audio system sounds expensive, the 17-alloy wheels really improve the looks and the steering wheel audio controls are nicenicenice. The Astra is an example of GM doing something right!

Favorite Features

"Opera" sound system, on-board computer gives me oodles of buttons to play with, no rattles, bangs or unidentified noises that annoy. It handles like a hungry weasel running down a porkchop (esp. around corners) and looks pretty spiffy doing it. It does not embarass me like a Matrix or Yaris would.

Suggested Improvements

GM/Saturn gets kudos for bringing the Astra to the U.S., but come on, give U.S. consumers a little credit for sense by offering versions with bigger engines, convertible top, etc. The Astra desperately needs more 'oomph' when accelerating from low speeds and a 6th gear should just be mandatory.

8 out 9 people found this review helpful

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At least check it out

Written by: Stan on 07/27/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

We were looking for cheap transportation. I went to Edmunds.com to look for Sedans under $15K and the Saturn Astra was no where on the radar. Visited Hyundai/Kia and test drove an Accent. We were on the way to the Nissan/Toyota dealerships. Just for kicks I stopped at Saturn when I had to make a U-Turn. We were blown away by the Astra. With the current discounts and very little haggling we were down to my price range. The quality feel of this vehicle is outstanding. It was like night and day from the Japanese imports. If I could have bought two I would have. After the test drive I was hooked. I really like the european feel of this car. It's at least worth a look for new car shoppers.

Favorite Features

Solid door slams. OnStar for my peace of mind when the wife and daughters drive the car. European look and feel. On board computer display. The many standard options like CD, AC, ABS, airbags. Hidden roof top luggage rack connector. Overall the solid quality feel of the car totally won me over.

Suggested Improvements

Ipod Aux port. GM should sell more European designed cars in the US.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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