2008 Saturn Astra Consumer Reviews

new 2008 for 2010

Written by: reignpua on 11/01/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I just bought an 08 2dr auto new 74 miles on it two weeks ago. I have drive 700 miles thus far and love it . i did notice some wind noise from the windows on the freeway like they dont seal well. The car is very impresive overall. Handelling is better than my celica! weird!?

Favorite Features

the back of the car is a thing of beauty.

Suggested Improvements

super charger

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Update at 5k miles

Written by: MGGDTW on 10/15/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

Astra owners, check to make sure your lights, exterior and dash lights are not flickering when using your intermittent wipers feature. I also noticed a relay clicking when this happens. It has been addressed at my local dealer and after 2 weeks in the shop now its been determined that its a faulty part called the VEC module. Other than this small bug the car has still been on par and very fun to drive. Just a faulty suppliers part that has nothing to do with build quality. I'm still 100% happy with my Astra!

Favorite Features

solid handling, dual panel moon roof, nice leather, smooth power band

Suggested Improvements

Too many buttons and functions on the steering wheel and radio controls. Could be a lot simpler with less buttons. Maybe uptune it for 10-15 more horsepower.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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quality + luxury meets practicality

Written by: chris on 09/25/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

A pleasant surprise i have an automatic XR handles better ont he corners that my 2003 mitsubishi eclipse gt --- what? i know i could not beleive it either

Favorite Features

EVERYTHING

Suggested Improvements

rear windshield visibilty is beyond weak, im shocked no one else pointed this out, and the antana is akwardly feminine, besides that absolutely nothing nothing

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Stylish and Practical

Written by: salsa xr3 on 09/05/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

My Saturn Astra has been a surprising treat for me. It has all I need in transportation at this point in my life. Stylish and economical (34mpg on the road) 27 around town with the 4 speed automatic on regular gas. I have the leather interior option and the CD40 Opera cd/radio with on board computer that makes keeping track of that fuel mileage a breeze. It is solid to drive, brakes are fantastic, firm and sure. Holds four easily and comfortably. Another surprise very little wind noise, even with the windows down. I chose the 3 door because of the length of the doors. I am 6'4" and have plenty of leg and head room. A/c is standard and effective. I look forward to many happy miles.

Favorite Features

The styling, build quality, performance, and economy; also the dealer experience is very comforting. I feel like a friend when I show up there.

Suggested Improvements

I hope Penske can carry on with Saturn. I know I have a orphan here. One of the best cars GM Opel have built. I Have had four previous used Opels and was really glad to be able to buy a new one with the latest technology and a warranty. The 2010 Astra is just out in Europe. Can't wait to see it.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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The hidden gem

Written by: G.C. on 08/12/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I have had the Astra of well over a year now and the longer I have driven it the more I love it. This car exudes quality from bumper to bumper. The handling is extraordinary and the fit and finish is superb. Every interior component is quilt with quality. This car drives like a proper German car should. I have driven the comparable Toyota and Mazda offering that sell well int his class and the Astra absolutely blows them away. This excellent vehicle will become a collectible when the public gets word of great it is and how it was only available in one vintage.

Favorite Features

Handling and fit and finish.

Suggested Improvements

Love the car the way it is

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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The best unknown vehicle out there...

Written by: RN on 08/05/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

This car still amazes me on the build quality, handling, style, and gas mileage. This is by far the best unknown car in the market, it boggles my mind how GM didn’t market this car. For any of the few people that have complaints they are either haters or just will complain about everything. For the price I paid: $19,980 - $5000 dealer incentive, $4500 clunker trade, $1000 supplier discount, I bought this car for $10,950 out the door. I have the 3 door XR 5 speed with leather, tinted windows, tuned sport suspension, stabiltrac, heated seats and mirrors, moisture sensing wipers, onstar for a year, dual lighted vanity mirrors, onboard computer, tire pressure readout, and the list keeps going.

Favorite Features

everything

Suggested Improvements

XM and Bluetooth would make this a perfect car

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Over 2 Months and Honeymoon's not Over

Written by: jbta on 08/03/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I got a silver well-equipped coupe a few months ago and I love it. Still look back at it adoringly when I leave it in a parking lot. I drive sensibly and have averaged 30.8 mpg so far. The interior is very comfortable for me, and I like the unusual radio/temp controls (and you CAN make the display backlight stay black - under Settings and Day/Night). Not the most powerful car I've driven but unless I'm going up a mountain with the AC on I don't notice sluggishness. Wish I could plug in my iPod and I have yet to see how it handles in winter weather, but overall I'm very, very pleased. Any car I'd enjoy more would have left me broke.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Mine was 12k out the door - REBATES!

Written by: Neckbone on 08/02/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I love it, even though I have only had it four 2 days. I have to announce...with the Cash 4 Cars ($4,500), Dealer ($2,000) and manuf. ($2,500) rebates I walked out the door paying 12K for a 21K sticker! Saturn is closing out this model...RUN and get one! Much better than anything you will find at the price!

Favorite Features

Love the standard! ABS..Onstar...telescope/tilt wheel. Handling and front seat comfort is GREAT!

Suggested Improvements

Poor views out of the rear hatch and rear side windows....if you get carsick easily..don't ride in the back.

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1st long trip....

Written by: sanjosejohn on 07/24/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I've had my saturn xr hatchback for 16 months and took it from San Jose, Calif to Jasper Nat'l Park in Alberta, Canada. Then down through Montana, Idaho, Wash, and Oregon for 3500mi. trip. The Car ran 10hrs a day in total comfort, with the a/c on, and 75- 80mph. Did not have a single little, tiny problem at all! Got an average of 30-32mpg the entire trip. Even hit snow at Crater Lake, Oregon, when the traction control snowflake symbol came on the info screen. What a surprise!! This car is super cool, handles like my old BMW 2002. Get this vehicle over the vw golf(rabbit)whatever, or any other compact. The warranty is 5/50k which is great. This is the most your getting for the price. Trust me

Favorite Features

Sunroof is approx. 4ft. long, with a cool power shade underneath it so your not broiling on hot days.

Suggested Improvements

Stereo system is a little confusing at first, so you do have to read the manual i'm afraid. But then its all good.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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So far on par

Written by: MGGDTW on 07/11/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I read all the reviews and researched the Astra religiously online and I ended up buying it without even test driving anything else. All the good reviews from this site alone really provoked me. Its a very solid feeling car and built very well(in Belgium I might ad) with tight bonds all over the place. No rattles here at all. I got a 5 speed, fully loaded, every option avail including the sports, handling package with 17's and 45 series tires. I have never been in a car that handles as well as this. Period. I see maybe 1 other Astra in a week where I live and I wonder why. At the price I got it for over $6500 off MSRP. I stole it off the lot! A premium European 5 door hatch at its finest.

Favorite Features

I simply love the tight and solid handling in this car. It rides on rails on every turn and am not afraid to push it. The leather is perfect and the dual panel moonroof is also a nice touch.

Suggested Improvements

Too many functions with the radio and steering wheel controls. Could be alot more simple with less buttons! More power from the 1.8L Its adequet at best.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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