Saturn Astra

For 2008, Saturn imported GM’s European-market compact Opel Astra in nearly unchanged form to replace the Ion. While very popular in numerous markets worldwide, Saturn’s Astra never caught on in the States, and the company was still selling leftover 2008 models in June of 2009. Astra arrived just in time for the run up in gas prices, but also in time for a strong euro, which made the Belgian-built compact tough to price competitively on our side of the pond. The economic crisis, not to mention the uncertainty surrounding GM in general and Saturn in particular, probably didn’t help matters either.

Astra’s basic package is quite good, with tidy dimensions, hatchback versatility, solid assembly quality, and a nicely finished interior that one of my co-workers has described as looking like a “mini Audi.” The 1.8-liter engine probably wasn’t the best choice for the States, but Astra is quite fun to drive, especially with the sport suspension.

Like all cars, Astra isn’t perfect, and in its case, most of the “problems” come about through lost-in-translation moments like interior controls that are cryptically marked and confounding to operate and poorly located cup holders (don’t get me started on the cruise control switch). Still, I think the Astra is a good-looking car that was a welcome addition to the U.S. market, but I guess Saturn’s short fling with this enticing European just didn’t work out. GM recently announced that Saturn is being sold to Roger Penske, but so far there is no word if the “new” Saturn will sell the redesigned next-generation Astra that is supposed to debut in Europe this fall.