2008 Saturn Astra Consumer Reviews

Nice car to drive

Written by: kuda1 on 11/04/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn Astra XR 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Love the drive. It hugs the corners. I traded in my 2005 Vue for the Astra to save on gas mileage. I miss the Vue. The Astra averages 9.0 L/100kms with most of my driving on the highway. I have 3000 miles on it now and each tankful has been identical. I would love to get other peoples impressions. Especially tell me how many miles or kilometers you are able to get to a tankful of gas.

Favorite Features

Exterior looks.

Suggested Improvements

Cup holder location really dumb.

3 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Buy one now!

Written by: kyle on 10/25/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn Astra XR 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Needing a new, reliable family car to replace a 2000 2-door Pontiac Sunfire, my wife and I had narrowed it down to the Vibe, Matrix or Astra. We jumped on the GM employee discount and used our GM card earnings (a great way to save money, check it out) to help with the purchase of the Astra. I was blown away by the amount of standard features that come with this car. I do get a lot of looks when driving it, a lot of questions at gas stations, etc. It's an "everyman" priced vehicle with the features of a VW or higher end car. You can't beat the 100,000 mile warranty either. I feel very safe with my wife and baby girl crusing around the big city of Chicago in this car.

Favorite Features

Board computer, 6 disc changer with MP3 playback (you can fit a ton of music on an mp3 cd). Great handling, seat warmers are toasty, awesome sunroof, plenty of cargo and a stylish body design

Suggested Improvements

As with others, the aftermarket arm rest is a must. You can find them for around $200 and they have a secret hidden slide-out cup holder on the bottom. Also, the ipod jack should be standard in all new cars. We use an itrip and those kind of stink.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Saturn scores! What a great car!

Written by: Joe the Astra Owner on 10/22/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn Astra XR 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

4,000 miles and no problems. This car is solid. The Astra XR has amenities you only expect to find in a luxury car. The gas mileage has been phenomenal. I have gotten 34mpg or better on each tank of gas in mixed highway / city driving. If you are considering an Astra, go with the 5 speed stick. With the 5 speed, this car has plenty of power, and you get the additional benefit of outstanding gas mileage.

Favorite Features

I absolutely love the automatic headlights and wipers. The onboard computer with the stereo upgrade is excellent. This car sticks to the road like glue. The seats are super supportive. The telescopic steering wheel. All of the safety features.

Suggested Improvements

A six speed manual would be nice. No other changes needed. I am happy with this car as it is. The quality is outstanding!

5 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Great value, fun to drive

Written by: Laurie on 10/04/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn Astra XR 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have had a lot of fun driving this car on the freeway and on back roads. It looks great, inside and out, and the manual transmission is peppy and responsive.

Favorite Features

The sunroof is huge! The instantaneous gas consumption helps maximize fuel economy.

Suggested Improvements

The cupholder in front is not well situated, and it needs an iPod aux-in.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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First 5000 miles

Written by: Tom on 09/29/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn Astra XE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I went looking at SUVs but on a lark test drove the Astra too. I like it better. I do like the European lines and handling. I find that the interior is a little cramped. I can never find a comfortable place for my left leg. The gas tank is too small, only 10 gallons, and the window washer tank could also hold more. The 1.8 liter could use more "omph" but the mileage has been very good. Surprisingly, there are quite a few interior rattles in the dash and around the sunroof. I like that it came with many features that cost a lot more on other cars. It is fun to drive too.

Favorite Features

Trip computer, auto headlights and wipers, roomy cargo area.

Suggested Improvements

A better "dead" pedal, bigger gas and windshield washer tanks. Better interior build quality.

4 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Exceeds Expectations

Written by: Manta on 09/28/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn Astra XR 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I had researched this vehicle for about a year on American and European websites. One thing stood out--every last one remarked the handling was very good. I was looking for a fun, somewhat unique car to replace my 2003 Mini-no easy task! Nothing really quite handles like a Mini. Well, I have to say, the Astra XR with Sport suspension (17 in. wheels) comes pretty darn close, and is actually better in some ways. Obviously, there is more room for passengers and cargo.You can corner with a little more power in the lower gear bands, and the ride is smoother over broken pavement and bumps.I've been getting around 30MPG in mostly city driving. An incredible value if this car holds up over time.

Favorite Features

Smart exterior styling, interior styling is Audi-like classy, handling, supple ride, MPG, handling, huge sunroof, hatchback, quick ratio steering

Suggested Improvements

While the 138HP is adequate, and a seasoned driver can get the most out of the torque--a few extra horses wouldn't hurt. Then again- the Astra gets better fuel economy than the Rabbit, Mazda3, Impreza, A3.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Super Astra

Written by: Chuck from NY on 09/26/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn Astra XR 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

4Dr XR Auto. with traction control & stability control, heated seats. Already had an '06 Saturn Vue which we love & was looking for an economical second vehicle. really impressed with the Astra's looks.

Favorite Features

Super fuel mileage, 28 city 34-36 on road. Have 6800 miles on it & no problems at all. Great in snow & ice with traction control. Stability control is excellent in rain or quick maneuvers. Interior room is excellent & car has a very solid feel. Fit & finish is as good as you will find.

Suggested Improvements

Center armrest with cup holder, vent visors for rear doors, & mud flaps for rear tires. More interior & exterior colors.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Thanks for the reviews!

Written by: Larry_Va on 09/25/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn Astra XR 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I love my new Astra 3dr XR. I drive a delivery route and this is the perfect car for it. I am getting about 27 MPG. I do a lot of stop and go driving. This car has the pep to get me into traffic with no problems. Plenty of room for my deliveries. I like the fact that I have only seen 1 other on the road in my area. Everyone loves it's style and I love the performance. This car handles like it's on rails. I took advantage of the GM employee pricing and am happy with the price I paid for this very well equiped car. My father works for a chevrolet dealership and had nothing to offer me in comparison. My Astra has the very stylish 18" wheels and the up-graded radio. Plus I tinted the windows.

Favorite Features

The seats that hug you and keep you firmly in it, Easy to operate driver control panel, Great looks, solid feel. Awsome gas milelage, superior handling. OnStar standard is a great value and a comfort for my loved ones.

Suggested Improvements

6 speed, arm rest standard, little more horse power

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Can't believe it is a Saturn

Written by: R Louis on 09/24/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn Astra XR 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This is a good looking (in and out), nimble, smaller sized crossover. It feels very solid on corners, has decent passing power (5 speed manual), and comfortable seating for a 6 ft adult.

Favorite Features

The short throw manual shifter. Cavernous storage available with the rear seats folded down. High quality interior moldings, logically placed controls and most of all - the 31 Avg MPG! (60% hwy 40% city)

Suggested Improvements

Poorly positioned cup holder for the driver, lack of a panic button on key fob, all 4 doors that open with the unlock button, arm rest that interferes with manual shifting.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Cramping my style

Written by: peak_rush on 09/23/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn Astra XR 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

There is not enough leg room to stretch out. No excuse that it's a 'small car'. Even older GM designs, like the Saturn ION and Chevy Cobalt have enough leg room for a 6'2" tall guy to totally stretch out his legs. Maybe people overseas are vertically challenged.

Favorite Features

About the best reason to buy this is the sporty handling and the good Saturn service.

Suggested Improvements

The front seats need to slide rearward about another four inches and the steering column should telescope out another couple inches. Needs better placed cup holders. Needs MP3 stereo. Needs the price dropped about 2 grand and the gas mileage increased by 5 mpg across the board.

1 out 15 people found this review helpful

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