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2008 Saturn Astra Full Review
Date Published: 4/29/08
Also in the 2008 Saturn Astra Review:
5.
6.
Saturn Astra Full Review
7.
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2008 Saturn Astra Review
The 2008 Saturn Astra replaces Ion as this GM division's new entry-level car. XE and top-line XR trim levels are available for 4-door models, only XR for the 2-door. Both use a 138-hp 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 5-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Among Astra's standard features are OnStar assistance, cruise control, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, heated power mirrors, and rain-sensing wipers. Available for 4-door models is a 2-panel sunroof that Saturn claims is the largest in the class. The 2008 Saturn Astra shares its basic design with the Opel Astra built by General Motors' European division. Note that the Astra has conventional steel body panels, not the dent-resistant plastic panels that were once a Saturn hallmark. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 99.4 inches or longer.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Nissan Versa, and Scion xB. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer, Saturn Astra, Scion xB, and Subaru Impreza.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Nissan Versa, and Scion xB. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer, Saturn Astra, Scion xB, and Subaru Impreza.
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2008 Saturn Astra Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Instruments/controls |
| Interior materials | Ride (coupe) |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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. Manual-transmission versions suffer from sloppy shift action.
| XE 4-door, automatic | XR 2-door, manual | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 4.9 |
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. Manual-transmission versions suffer from sloppy shift action.
Fuel Economy
No opportunity to measure. Astra uses regular-grade gas.
| XE 4-door, automatic | XR 2-door, manual | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.5 |
No opportunity to measure. Astra uses regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
Coupes have a stiff sport suspension and 18-inch wheels, which make for a rough ride on nearly all types of pavement. Potholes provoke jarring impact. Four-door versions are more composed and feel more stable due to less-aggressive suspension tuning and 16-inch wheels.
| XE 4-door, automatic | XR 2-door, manual | Class Average |
| 6 | 4 | 5.1 |
Coupes have a stiff sport suspension and 18-inch wheels, which make for a rough ride on nearly all types of pavement. Potholes provoke jarring impact. Four-door versions are more composed and feel more stable due to less-aggressive suspension tuning and 16-inch wheels.
Steering/Handling/Braking
The steering is direct, but its action is a bit stiff and heavy feeling. Moderate body lean is noticeable during cornering. Astra's tight turning radius helps in close-quarters maneuvering. In automatic-transmission versions, a light tap on the brakes activates Astra's hill descent assistance feature, which automatically down shifts to control speed when traveling steep, downhill grades. Also, at a complete stop, Astra automatically shifts into Neutral to save gas. Braking is strong and smooth.
| XE 4-door, automatic | XR 2-door, manual | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.8 |
The steering is direct, but its action is a bit stiff and heavy feeling. Moderate body lean is noticeable during cornering. Astra's tight turning radius helps in close-quarters maneuvering. In automatic-transmission versions, a light tap on the brakes activates Astra's hill descent assistance feature, which automatically down shifts to control speed when traveling steep, downhill grades. Also, at a complete stop, Astra automatically shifts into Neutral to save gas. Braking is strong and smooth.
Quietness
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.
| XE 4-door, automatic | XR 2-door, manual | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
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.
Controls
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.
| XE 4-door, automatic | XR 2-door, manual | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 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
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.
| XE 4-door, automatic | XR 2-door, manual | Class Average |
| 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)
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.
| XE 4-door, automatic | XR 2-door, manual | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
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)
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.
| XE 4-door, automatic | XR 2-door, manual | Class Average |
| 4 | 2 | 4 |
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
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.
| XE 4-door, automatic | XR 2-door, manual | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 5 |
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
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 sticker 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.
| XE 4-door, automatic | XR 2-door, manual | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 6.1 |
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 sticker 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 | Class Average |
| 57 | 52 | 58.3 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 50 | |
| Average Score | 58 | |
| High Score | 71 |
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2008 Saturn Astra Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/04/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| XE 4-door hatchback | $15,875 | $14,923 | $620 |
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| XR 4-door hatchback | $17,425 | $16,380 | $620 |
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| XR 2-door hatchback | $18,375 | $17,273 | $620 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
XE
Powertrain
1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor, front-seat active head restraints, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, rear wiper, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 205/55R16 tires, wheel covers.
XR 4-door adds to XE:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, steering wheel radio controls.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, alloy wheels.
XR 2-door adds to XR 4-door
Powertrain
Traction control.
Safety
Antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Driver-seat lumbar adjustment.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, 225/45R17 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Premium Trim Pkg.
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XR 4-door
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$995
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$915
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XR 2-door
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$945
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$869
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Leather upholstery, heated front seats, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, leather-wrapped steering wheel, ambient interior lighting.
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Sport Handling Pkg.
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XR 4-door
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$695
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$639
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Antiskid system, sport suspension, 225/45R17 tires.
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Advanced Audio Pkg.
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XR
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$595
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$547
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, upgraded sound system, driver's information center.
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Powertrain |
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4-speed automatic transmission
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XE, XR 2-door, XR 4-door
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$1,325
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$1,219
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Safety |
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Antiskid system
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XE, XR 4-door
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$495
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$455
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Includes traction control.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Air conditioning
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XE
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$960
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$883
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Includes interior air filter.
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Power sunroof
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XE, XR 4-door
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$1,200
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$1,104
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XE requires air conditioning.
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Heated front seats
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XE, XR 2-door, XR 4-door
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$250
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$230
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Alloy wheels
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XE
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$350
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$322
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215/45R18 tires
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XR 2-door
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$495
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$455
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Saturn Astra Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Saturn Astra 2-door hatchback | Saturn Astra 4-door hatchback |
| Wheelbase, in. | 102.9 | 102.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 170.5 | 170.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.0 | 69.0 |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.8 | 55.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2833 | 2921 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 44.7 | 37.8 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 11.9 | 11.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.8 | 38.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.3 | 42.0 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 35.0 | 38.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.0 | 35.3 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 1.8 /110 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 138 @ 6300 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 125 @ 3800 |
| Availability | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 24/32 |
| 4-speed automatic | 24/30 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Saturn Astra 2-door hatchback | Saturn Astra 4-door hatchback |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | --/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Belgium
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Advanced Audio Package (AM/FM, 6-Disc CD Player w/MP3, 7-Speakers), Sport Handling Package (Stabilitrak Antiskid System, Traction Control, Sport Suspension, 17-inch Wheels), Premium Trim Package (Leather Seating Surfaces, Driver and Front Passenger Heated Seats, Leather Wrap Steering Wheel, Manual Lumbar Driver's Seat), 4-Speed Automatic Transmission, Power Sunroof w/Skylight. Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 27 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Damon Bell I credit GM with making more-astute use of its international resources to bring the Astra to America, but I fault it for not doing more to make this European-bred compact more palatable to U.S. shoppers. American buyers will likely have plenty of "lost in translation" moments when attempting to acclimate to the Astra's peculiar, Euro-think control layout. Those that can will find a reasonably likeable compact that offers good build quality and nimble handling (at least with the optional sport package). However, this tester's sticker price of almost $22,000 doesn't strike me as a bargain, especially in the highly-competitive compact-car class. Don Sikora Saturn imports the very popular Opel Astra in nearly unchanged form and if you're shopping compacts there is a lot to like. It's a sporty, practical 4-door hatchback that promises decent performance, good gas mileage, and a dash of European style as a daily driver. All is not perfect though because a few details are lost in translation. Ideally, Astra would have been schooled on a few local customs by its made-in-Ohio cousin the Chevy Cobalt. Some of the controls--especially the cruise control--are confusing to operate or cryptically marked, and the cup holders won't please very many Americans. Our loaded test car stickered for nearly $22,000 which hurts the value proposition as well. Ed Piotrowski Astra is a rather infuriating car because for every one thing I like about it, I can find at least one or two others that I don't. This is a sporty, practical hatchback that's pretty fun to drive and has a handsomely appointed interior. Love the seats, too. On the other hand, the panoramic sunroof is a gimmick, the ride is too stiff (with the sport suspension), and the control scheme makes me pine for iDrive. Finally, it's simply too expensive, however, you can't fault the car for that as much as the weak US dollar and strong Euro in these troubled economic times. Astra strikes me as a hasty cash-in GM had to throw together to give Saturn a small car. Is it better than Ion? Immeasurably. Class leading? Not really. |
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Saturn Astra Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Saturn Astra Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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