2008 Saturn Astra Consumer Reviews Page 4

Astra 3dr XR

Written by: JK Anderson on 07/25/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I bought this car in May '08. Traded in an '07 MX5. We needed more room. This car is a "gas". It is almost as much fun to drive as the Miata. Two weeks after purchase I made a 4500 mile road trip. Mileage beat my expectations. 40 mpg on the high side vs 32 worst case (highway). It handles like a slot car at any speed. This is an excellent low priced car. Very European. I am amazed there are not more on the road in this country.

Favorite Features

The windshield wipers come on automatically when needed as do the head lights. Go figure.

Suggested Improvements

My only suggestion for improvement would be the addition of a couple of cup holders and a center arm rest.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Awesome little car.

Written by: travis on 07/23/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Just traded my 2006 Civic in for this little car. I went with the 4 door XE version, but in the 5-speed manual. I love the car. It is one of the best looking cars on the road today. The first day I had it, four people came up and asked me what it was! The car feels more solid, and is more European then most of the "European" cars being sold in the US... it was built in Belgium. I've only averaged 27 mpg so far, which is short of the 32 I got consistently in the Civic. But the build quality smashes the Civic. I was stunned with what I could get with such little money! The buying experience was amazing and so far no problems with the car at all.

Favorite Features

Exterior, headlights.

Suggested Improvements

The car really does need a more practical cup holder. Aux input jack. non-military time clock. Overall, this is one of the best kept secrets on the car market today.

6 out 7 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

The Oil Companies Can Kiss My Astra!

Written by: Frank Kissmyastra on 07/20/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

The gas mileage has been incredible. I have been averaging 35 to 37 mpg in the foothills of the Rock Mountains! This is with the 5 speed stick. I have found that using the A/C full blast will cost you about one mile per gallon. This is a fun car to drive. It handles like a sports car. The Astra loves to corner. It exudes that glued to the road feeling. Safety features that are typically only found on luxury cars. Being a small car, I want all of the safety I can get. This car is unmatched in its class. The car is comfortable. The leather seats have a great seating position with plenty of support. This car is loaded with toys!

Favorite Features

Gas mileage. Fun to drive. Safety features. Great handling. Slick 5 speed stick. Bang for the buck. Great sound system. Toys! Rain sensing windshield wipers. Outstanding trip computer. Finds and sets local radio stations on trips. OnStar navigation

Suggested Improvements

Please GM, do not change a thing with this car, except the cup holders!

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Finally, an entry level European car!

Written by: bone151 on 07/15/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I still don't understand why Ford and GM refuse to import, or even transplant, great cars that they sell in the rest of the world. If they sell them, we will buy them. If you're looking for a vehicle similar to the Ion/Cavalier/Cimarron, goes elsewhere, you won't like the Astra. Guaranteed. The Astra is an choice over a Golf/Rabbit; build quality is better; fittings and performance are similar. I decided on the Astra over another Golf due to it's manufacture location. Where else can you find an affordable, true European auto stateside?

Favorite Features

Build quality; made in Europe; sharp no-frills interior; firm seats for long drives; no tan interior option; few cup holders; safety rating; this OnStar thing... it's pretty cool. Finally, the sound of the engine makes when you ease off the pedal - only a European car can make that sound.

Suggested Improvements

6 speed manual; ipod/aux input; diesel option; sell it under the Opel name. Or at least have an option for Opel logo replacement.

4 out 8 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Solid little car

Written by: Matt on 07/14/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Only 1,000 miles driven, but so far I have been very pleased. For 16K, car feels very solid, handles surprisingly well, and gets good gas mileage. Acceleration is about what would be expected. We looked at a lot of 5-dr hatches and the Astra just looked better/sportier than a lot of others and still delivers lots of space in a small package. Back seats have a fair amount of room. With mostly highway, but some stop and go city driving we have averaged 31.4 MPG the 1st 1000 miles driven. So far it has been a great little commuter.

Favorite Features

Good MPG, solid feel, good handling.

Suggested Improvements

MP3/i-pod hook up, nicer information display. Optional larger engine.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Civic Killer

Written by: Astrabuyer on 07/11/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I finally found a car that beats out the people's favorite Honda Civic. This car is better in every way, especially handling. I also really like the cool unique features like the remote roll down windows and monster sunroof.

Favorite Features

I also found you can buy aftermarket Astra parts from the european version under the Opel brand! They have some very cool stuff over there.

Suggested Improvements

Center armrest is not standard with the car, you have to get it through the dealer parts dept.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Surprising results

Written by: tutcity on 07/05/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

The first Astra I saw was in London and I loved it. I always wondered why American car companies sold "better" designed cars abroad and why we didn't get a chance to own them. Finally, they are listening. When I bought my Astra, gas prices wasn't as big of a concern as it is now. I bought the car for it's overall design, its handling and practical features (love hatchbacks). I used to own a Mazda3 and this really blows that car out of water. Back to mileage, it is rated 24-34, but I consistently get higher mileage on the highway. A trip from Denver to Vail and back averaged over 37 mpg. Only once did I need to shift into 4th gear. The engine has great torque.

Favorite Features

Great design extends to many small features, like a rubber seal over the gas cap, instrument/dash lights the turn on and dim off when the door is opened/closed. The ride is great! Very sporty on the turns. Love the computer feature that comes with upgraded stereo--must have!

Suggested Improvements

Acceleration from the start isn't the best. Would enjoy center console for holding items. Would like more of the many options available in Europe accessible here...perhaps in time?

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

The best pocket rocket out there

Written by: Leo on 07/02/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

My silver coupe with 5 speed has about 2000 mixed miles on it so far and all I can say is "wow". Better than 30 MPG overall, outstanding handling that brings a smile with every crooked road, and a quality feel and and comfort that you can't find on any other car costing thousands more. It's brought passion back to driving! Great everyday commuter, with honest room for four. On the open highway, it's quiet and has plenty of punch for passing. On the twisty country roads it just doesn' t seem to have a limit to grip and handling. Leather seats are wonderful--firm and confortable. Great looking car! Top it all with the wonderful no hassle Saturn dealer experience, and there is no competition

Favorite Features

Handling, mileage, quality of fit and materials, supportive leather seats. And it looks great!

Suggested Improvements

6th speed on the manual trany might lower cruising revs and give even better highway mileage, otherwise don't mess with perfection!

12 out 12 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Great mileage car

Written by: macgov on 06/30/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

We just bought an '08 Astra 5 door, loaded. We love it! Great to drive, holds the road well. We took a 200 mile trip yesterday and it was comfortable and kept up with the big dogs! Gas mileage was better then expected, AC on the entire trip, got over 32 MPG!

Favorite Features

Fun to drive, gas mileage.

Suggested Improvements

Cup holders are behind you!

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Nice little car

Written by: Dave in Indiana on 06/30/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I'm 6'3" and I have plenty of leg room in this car. We have put 900 miles on so far and are averaging 30.2 mpg mixed city and highway. We test drove a bunch of small cars before the Astra. We noticed the quality of this vehicle right away. This car just feels solid.

Favorite Features

Good looks. Very peppy. Rides nice. Plenty of legroom and headroom. Nice sounding stereo

Suggested Improvements

Center console Ipod jack

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post