2008 Saturn Astra Consumer Reviews

Truly, a Good Car

Written by: Mark S. on 08/10/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn Astra XR 4dr 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.

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.

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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

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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.

3 out 4 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!

11 out 11 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.

6 out 7 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.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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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.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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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

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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!

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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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.

3 out 6 people found this review helpful

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