2008 Saturn Astra: Road Test
2008 Saturn Astra ▼
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- MSRP: $15,875 - $18,375
- Invoice: $14,923 - $17,273
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Our road test for the 2008 Saturn Astra includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Saturn Astra from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Saturn Astra, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Saturn Astra help you decide if a 2008 Saturn Astra is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| XE 4-door, automatic | XR 2-door, manual | XR 4-door w/ Handling Pkg. automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 4 | 4.8 |
No ball of fire, but Astra never feels sluggish. Both manual and automatic versions have more than adequate power around town. The automatic's timely downshifts furnish more power when needed. A fuel-saving feature has the automatic transmission shifting into neutral at stops. The feature works as advertised and without driver intervention, but causes vehicle to shudder perceptibly when moving away from a stop. Manual-transmission versions suffer from sloppy shift action.
FUEL ECONOMY
| XE 4-door, automatic | XR 2-door, manual | XR 4-door w/ Handling Pkg. automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
In Consumer Guide testing an automatic-transmission Astra averaged 27.0 mpg. Astra uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| XE 4-door, automatic | XR 2-door, manual | XR 4-door w/ Handling Pkg. automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 4 | 4 | 5.2 |
Coupes have a stiff sport suspension, which makes for a rough ride on nearly all types of pavement. The same suspension is optional for XR 4-doors. Potholes provoke jarring impact. Base-suspension versions are more composed and feel more stable.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| XE 4-door, automatic | XR 2-door, manual | XR 4-door w/ Handling Pkg. automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 5.9 |
Base-suspension models offer better than average overall control. Steering on all models is direct and nicely weighted. Sport-suspension models are more responsive, with less lean in corners. Braking is strong and smooth.
QUIETNESS
| XE 4-door, automatic | XR 2-door, manual | XR 4-door w/ Handling Pkg. automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
The engine is nearly silent at idle, but it roars during brisk acceleration and hill climbs. Astra's cabin is not very well isolated from road and tire noise, which are intrusive at higher speeds. Wind noise from around the mirrors is also noticeable. Astra's two-panel sunroof produces a conversation-hampering wind rush when open.
CONTROLS
| XE 4-door, automatic | XR 2-door, manual | XR 4-door w/ Handling Pkg. automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 5.7 |
Climate controls are large, well laid out, and easy to use. Non-traditional GM radio and vehicle information interface is plucked straight out of the European-market Opel Astra. It's confusing and not very intuitive. Many radio functions are controlled and viewed through Astra's on-board computer and center information screen. The dashboard-mounted screen is controlled with large, cryptically labeled buttons and a large center dial for scrolling. Other oddities include a tricky cruise control switch, a power door lock switch near the information screen, rather than on the doors, and a remote entry keyfob that uses hash marks instead of traditional lock/unlock icons. Astra lacks a cabin or keyfob hatch release button and an auxiliary audio input jack.
DETAILS
| XE 4-door, automatic | XR 2-door, manual | XR 4-door w/ Handling Pkg. automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
While Astra's interior does nothing to impress in terms of style and design, it's pleasant overall, if a bit bland. The clean looking cabin is built with a blend of soft touch surfaces and hard plastic. Metallic-looking trim breaks up the otherwise lackluster black-on-black color scheme. Optional leather seats are accented by detail stitching that imparts a high-quality ambiance. The cloth seats feature a subtle, sporty-looking pattern.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| XE 4-door, automatic | XR 2-door, manual | XR 4-door w/ Handling Pkg. automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Astra's standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel is a convenient feature not often found at this price level. Good headroom in both body styles for average-sized adults, even in versions equipped with the dual sunroof. The seats are comfortable, supportive, and well bolstered. Larger occupants might wish for wider seats. Good rear visibility is helped by large rear and side windows. Astra's front occupants will have to flip a coin for rights to its one front cup holder. It's awkwardly located behind the emergency brake. However, front door pockets have space to accommodate small beverages.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| XE 4-door, automatic | XR 2-door, manual | XR 4-door w/ Handling Pkg. automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 2 | 4 | 4.1 |
Good headroom in 2-door and 4-door versions for average-sized adults. Four-door versions have adult-adequate leg space. Two-door's legroom is tight for anyone but small children. The front seats move back easily for access to the coupe's back seat, but twist and shuffle movement is the only way in. Small, narrowish rear doors somewhat hinder entry and exit to the 4-door's rear seat.
CARGO ROOM
| XE 4-door, automatic | XR 2-door, manual | XR 4-door w/ Handling Pkg. automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 6 | 4.9 |
Decent-sized rear cargo area comes standard with a removable cover. Rear 60/40 split seats fold with ease, but not quite flat. The rear cupholders are awkwardly placed and jut out of the bottom of the back seat's center cushion. Aside from its wide, deep glovebox, Astra lacks any other significant small item storage space. There is no center console, door pockets are small, and areas that look like they should hold sunglasses, change, or a garage door opener go unused.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| XE 4-door, automatic | XR 2-door, manual | XR 4-door w/ Handling Pkg. automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 6.2 |
Like Dodge Caliber for its utility and low base price but want more style and interior refinement? Astra's array of standard features and safety equipment, affordable base price, and fresh exterior styling make it a must see for compact car shoppers. If you can get past quirks like a confounding audio system interface and a sometimes noisy, stiff ride, Astra has the potential to impress those looking for a European-flavored take on compact utility; especially the 4-door model.
Total Score
| XE 4-door, automatic | XR 2-door, manual | XR 4-door w/ Handling Pkg. automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | 55 | 56 | 58.8 |
Total Score: 56
Scores for all Compact Cars
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