2008 Saturn Astra: Tester's Comments
2008 Saturn Astra ▼
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- MSRP: $15,875 - $18,375
- Invoice: $14,923 - $17,273
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Find out what the Consumer Guide Automotive testers had to say about the 2008 Saturn Astra. See if the 2008 Saturn Astra is right for you.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2008 Saturn Astra |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | XR 4-door |
| Arrival Date: | 03/31/2008 |
| Engine: | dohc I4 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door hatchback |
| Transmission: | 4-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 16,925 |
| Price as Tested: | 21,955 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 1315 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 1642 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 327 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 12.11 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 27 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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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.
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.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2008 Saturn Astra |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | XR 2-door |
| Arrival Date: | 07/02/2008 |
| Engine: | dohc I4 |
| Bodystyle | 2-door hatchback |
| Transmission: | 4-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 17,875 |
| Price as Tested: | 21,160 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 8042 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 8348 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 306 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 10.95 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 27.95 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Advanced Audio Package (AM/FM Stereo 6-Disc CD Player w/MP3 Format (Replaces Std/Opt Radio), Audio System 7-Speaker Premium Sound), Premium Trim Package (Leather Seating Surfaces, Driver and Front Passenger Heated Seats, Leather Wrap Steering Wheel), 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
From the Back Seat
Damon Bell
An Astra 2-door is a nimble, fun-to-drive car, even though I often wished for peppier throttle response. I also give it high marks for its assembly quality and overall solid feel. Astra's Achilles heel is its many "Euro-quirk" interior traits, such as the confounding stereo controls, weird turn signal lever, and lack of the expected cupholders, storage compartments, and driver armrest. I hope GM sees fit to "Americanize" this interior at some point.
Don Sikora
Our red Astra XR 2-door test car had the sporty look down pat, and the assembly and material quality comes across as first rate. On the road, Astra is fun to drive, handles surprisingly well, and even seems to make the most of the 138 horsepower that the 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine provides. Like the four-door we tested earlier, most of the gripes stem from the Astra's confusing controls and the lack of good cupholders for front seat occupants. The controls come with an illustrated instruction book that is separate from the owner's manual, and their functions will likely become more familiar over time, but for many Americans the cupholder issue could be a deal breaker. It's a shame that such a nice small car misses so badly on small, but critical, details that its cousin the Chevy Cobalt aces.
Tom Appel
A little weak, and laden with the single-worst audio and climate control system available in a new vehicle, Astra is still a pretty nice piece. Handling is sporty, the design is cool, and there's a nice sense of quality about this car. Skip the automatic transmission; this car is too slow saddled with the slushbox.
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