Auto Guide
2008 Saturn Astra
Used

Review and specifications

2008 Saturn Astra

The Astra is designed and built in Europe. It has agile handling, limited body lean and quick and direct steering. The 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine is not very powerful, but it is relatively refined. Overall fuel economy of 25 mpg is not stellar. The ride is supple and controlled, making the Astra feel as solid as more expensive sports sedans. Interior fit and finish is impressive, but many of the controls are ill-placed, cryptic and difficult to use. The front seats are comfortable but the rear bench seat is too low. Electronic stability control is standard on the two-door models but optional on the four-door versions. 2008 was the only model year for the Astra.

Market value
$2,775
Fuel
Conventional
Transmission
Manual
Seats
5
View listings Find dealers
Model year 2008
Owner rating Not rated
Reliability Not rated
Data updated December 4, 2025

At a glance

Model data

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
2-door hatchback
Drive type
FWD
Transmission
Manual, 5-speed
Category
Small sedans/hatchbacks
Generation began
2008

Pricing

Current retail median
$2,775
Retail value range
$2,775 - $2,775
Original MSRP range
$15,875 - $18,375
Trade-in range
$545 - $555

Ratings

Road test score
64/100

Fuel economy

EPA city
24 MPG
EPA highway
30 MPG
EPA combined
26 MPG
Tested city
17 MPG
Tested highway
34 MPG
Tested overall
25 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$1,565
Cruising range
295 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
3.8 sec
0-60 mph
11 sec
60-0 mph braking
134 ft
Avoidance speed
54.5 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
171 in
Width
69 in
Height
55 in
Wheelbase
103 in
Weight
2,910 lb
Maximum load
1,170 lb
Towing capacity
0 lb

Interior

Seating
5 people
Front head room
3 in
Front leg room
41 in
Rear head room
2.5 in
Rear leg room
27 in
Cargo volume
19.5 cu ft
Luggage
2+2+0

Brand context

About Saturn

Started in the 1980s as “a new kind of car company,” General Motors’ Saturn division took a fresh approach to manufacturing and selling automobiles. Initially, the brand launched with “no haggle” dealership pricing and a small lineup of vehicles distinguished by dent-resistant plastic door panels. Over time, the cars and SUVs became more conventional, sharing parts and basic designs with other GM models. The last Saturn vehicles, the Aura sedan and Astra hatchback, were based on designs from the European brand Opel, which was then a part of GM. Ultimately, Saturn was shuttered during GM’s bankruptcy in 2010, along with Hummer, Pontiac, and Saab. Saturn vehicles still on the road today are over a decade old and lag behind other used options when it comes to safety and convenience features.

Vehicle ID: 2382 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: December 4, 2025

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

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