2008 Saturn Astra
Based on analysis of 29 Astra reviews and test drives.
Saturn Astra - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Saturn Astra ranks 26 out of 35 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 29 published reviews and test drives of the Saturn Astra, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The brand-new 2008 Saturn Astra is a class-competitive cruiser with superior style and a classy interior, but speed junkies might find its performance lacking compared to other small cars or hatchbacks.
New for the 2008 model year, the Saturn Astra gets reviewers' attention with its chic exterior, and keeps them interested with its swank cabin. Called the Opel in Europe, the 2008 Astra has been introduced in the U.S. market to replace the unpopular Ion in Saturn's lineup, and most experts report its style and adequate performance is enough to shift some people's lowering opinion of the Saturn brand. Other reviews favorably compare the Astra to the Mazda 3, Honda Civic and Volkswagen Rabbit.
The Astra is a front-engine, front-wheel drive hatchback that will be available in three trims: the five-door XE, the five-door XR and the three-door XR. If you're in the market for an affordable small car, you should also consider the highly-ranked Honda Civic or Honda Fit.
- "Brewed correctly, the Saturn Astra has the potential to be the best American-branded small car on the market. Otherwise, it'll be another close-but-no-Cohiba attempt to knock the Civic off its mantle." -- Motor Trend
- "A budget-minded European car? Especially a car that handles well, has good build quality, style and usability? Of course they exist in Europe, but now we in the States get one too." -- Road and Track
- "Ultimately, the Astra is a bit of a tweener: a high-end compact in styling, appointments and engineering, but not a hot hatch as the high-performance cars in the class are called." -- New York Times
- "The Astra also offers a forgiving ride, smooth and reasonably quiet cruising, firm seats and a businesslike cabin with good-quality plastics." -- AutoWeek
- "Not only does Saturn need the Astra, but North American buyers need it too. This is a market that could use more well-engineered, well-built vehicles that don't swill fuel yet are economically viable at the onset of purchase and enjoyable to drive every day from that time forth." -- Automobile.com
Astra Performance - 7.3 (Good)
The Saturn Astra's performance score is good, but not good enough to be considered on of the best of either the small car or hatchback classes. In fact, several reviewers have mixed impressions of the hatchback on test drives. The New York Times reports, "The Astra's mixed-bag performance is topped by steering that is notably quick and accurate and a beer-stein solidity expected of a German compact. … The Astra also delivers peace and quiet when cruising the Interstate." But the Astra does offer competitive fuel economy in the presence of $4 gas. Continue with our full Performance Review to read reviewer's discussion of the Astras' performance. continue
Astra Exterior - 8.4 (Very Good)
Reviewers rate the 2008 Astra's physique as one of its top attributes. Motor Trend says "the Astra three-door's arching window line and glistening jewelry really draw looks." Check out the Saturn Astra Photo Gallery to see the Euro-styled hatch, or continue with our full Exterior Review to find out how the 2008 Saturn Astra's design compares to the now extinct Saturn Ion. continue
Astra Interior - 6.9 (Mediocre)
The Saturn Astra's cabin is described as comfortable, but the real standout is its high-quality features. Road and Track explains, the Astra's cabin "exudes and aura that is definitely not of this continent." Check out the Saturn Astra Photo Gallery to judge the quality of the Astra's instrument panel or gear shift trim, or continue with our full Interior Review to read how prospective buyers in need of excess cargo space will do better to consider the Astra's five-door model. continue
Astra Safety - NA
New this year, the 2008 Saturn Astra has not yet been crash tested by the federal government or insurance industry. However, reviewers are impressed with the array of safety equipment offered with every Astra. Continue with our full Safety Review for a listing of the Astra's standard and optional safety features. continue
Astra Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Saturn Astra reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). All Saturn vehicles come with a three-year or 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review for more information on the Astra's warranty. continue
