• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability

Saturn Astra - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Saturn Astra ranks 26 out of 36 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 39 published reviews and test drives of the Saturn Astra, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Astra is competitively stylish both inside and out, but its four-cylinder engine is hardly peppy on the road and its cabin is hampered by an inconvenient layout. 

Based on the European Opel Astra, the Saturn Astra came over to the States still wearing the chic styling and ritzy cabin design that appeals to many international drivers, only to land in a class of cars where standard air conditioning and power windows are far from the norm, but cheap materials and an ugly box-like design is. As such, reviewers are willing to overlook some of the Saturn Astra's low points and concentrate on its winning qualities.

However, if you don't like the Astra's meager cargo room, the Honda Fit makes a great alternative. The Fit's top selling point is its second-row magic seat, which folds to accomodate tall or long cargo. Like the Astra, the Fit also offers standard features that other small cars package as extras.

If you're sold on the Astra's Euro-chic, now might be one of the best times to scoop one up. General Motors plans to close the Saturn brand by the end of 2009, which could mean major discounts on all Astras. Even after the phase out, Saturn warranties will be honored at other GM dealerships.

The Astra was first introduced in the U.S. in 2008. No major changes were planned for the 2009 model, and Saturn continues to sell its 2008 models. General Motors recently announced plans to sell the Saturn brand to the Penske Automotive Group, and for the foreseeable future, business should continue as usual for Saturn buyers and owners. GM will even supply the cars to Penske for the next few years.

The Astra is a front-engine, front-wheel drive hatchback that's offered in three trims: the five-door XE, the five-door XR and the three-door XR.

• "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
• "The Astra also offers a forgiving ride, smooth and reasonably quiet cruising, firm seats and a businesslike cabin with good-quality plastics." -- AutoWeek
• "A replacement for the unloved and now-defunct Ion, the Astra shares its mechanicals with the Euro-market Opel Astra. It's a spacious and fun-to-drive hatchback, although it doesn't top the segment in terms of either performance or fuel economy." -- Car and Driver
• "Some of the competition might offer marginally better fuel efficiency at the cost of some cargo space, or more space at the cost of some efficiency, but the Astra strikes a good balance." -- Motor Authority
• "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 - 7.7 (Good)

The Saturn Astra has one of the smaller engines of the class, but test drivers don't spend much time comparing the car's performance to other ranked cars. Instead, they seem to consider the car's capabilities a triumph for American compacts and General Motors. The Los Angeles Times writes, "Yes, it's got torque steer. Absolutely, it's got a front-wheel-drive push to it. But it's all so delightfully unrefined. In terms of corner-shooting dynamics, I'd put this car up against the class of the field, which is the Mazda3, and that's high praise." Read More

Astra Exterior - 8.5 (Very Good)

Critics love the Astra's cosmopolitan styling. The San Francisco Chronicle says both trims "present themselves in a bold but contemporary way, with styling cues that help to differentiate them from their European Opel counterparts." Most writers are especially partial to the three-door Astra's sharp hatchback looks. Read More

Astra Interior - 7.5 (Good)

As Kelley Blue Book summarizes, the Astras' interior "is a mixed bag." Reviewers are full of praise for the cabin design and quality, and give the expansive front row seating an honorable mention. But those same reviewers notice a glaring deficiency in cupholders and other interior storage slots; they miss having a center console armrest in the Astra's front row; and they gripe about the sometimes hard to read instrument panel thanks to the car's try-to-be-cool design. Read More

Astra Safety - NA

The Saturn Astra has never been crash tested by the federal government or insurance industry, but most writers are impressed with the array of safety equipment offered with every Astra. Read More

Astra Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 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). The Astra has a three-year or 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, and a five-year or 100,000-mile transferable powertrain warranty. Read More