DecodedCars2008 Saturn Astra
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- Xe/Xr 5dr Hatch, Xr 3dr Hatch
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 24 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 170.5 in
- Curb weight
- 2,833–2,921 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 27 MPG combined — 23% better than the average 2008 compact car (21.9 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Saturn Astra is a compact car offered with a 1.8L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 171 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,921 lb (Xe/Xr 5dr Hatch).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (24 city / 32 highway), 23% better than the 2008 compact car average of 21.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,500 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 134 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xe/Xr 5dr Hatch | 170.5 in | 68.9 in | 57.5 in | 102.8 in | 58.3 / 57.9 in | 2,921 lb | 61/39 |
| Xr 3dr Hatch | 170.5 in | 68.9 in | 55.9 in | 102.8 in | 58.3 / 58.3 in | 2,833 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astra 2DR Hatchback | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 30 / 27 | +23% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Astra 2DR Hatchback | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +23% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Astra 4DR Hatchback | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 30 / 27 | +23% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Astra 4DR Hatchback | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +23% | $2,500 | 329 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Saturn Astra under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Saturn Astra (this car) | 27 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Toyota Corolla | 31 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2008 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2008 Toyota Prius | 46 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Feb 3, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V063000 · 113,716 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Saab 9-3 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2002, to February 15, 2011, 2006-2009 Saab 9-5 vehicles manufactured June 7, 2005, to May 28, 2009, and 2008-2009 Saturn Astra vehicles manufactured April 11, 2007, to July 24, 2008. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator on Saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles and will replace the driver's frontal airbag module on Saturn Astra vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on March 1, 2017. Owners may contact Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007 or Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 28810.
Not every 2008 Saturn Astra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Saturn Astra buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 91 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electrical System — 14 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 13 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 69,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Saturn Astra. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Astra years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Astra | 27 | 170.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 2 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Saturn. How we calculate this →