Used Saturn Astra for Sale near Madison, WI
Saturn Astra Overview
GM continues to hunt for a successful global car. For 2008, it will make another attempt by rebadging Opel's Astra as the Saturn Astra. Widely acclaimed on its 2004 European release, the Opel version has been the top-selling hatchback in Europe. It will reach our shores as GM's Christmas present for this year.
Two basic models will be offered, a three-door hatchback (XR Coupe) and a five-door hatchback (XE and XR). The basic 1.8-liter DOHC Ecotec four-cylinder iron-block engine, which includes variable valve timing and produces 140 hp at 6,300 rpm on regular gas, powers both models. Two transmissions are available, a five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic. Yet, in this same class, the VW Rabbit packs a 2.5-liter, 170-hp four cylinder backed by a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic. There are no performance figures for the Saturn Astra yet. Fuel economy is projected to be 21-23 mpg city and 30-32 mpg highway.
Reviewers who've driven the Astra report good handling, body control, high-speed stability, and steering precision, in spite of a basic torsion-beam rear suspension. The electro-hydraulic steering unit is nicely weighted and quick, although in a European test drive, reviewers felt the car could use a sixth gear because it was geared "too short." 80 mph equals 4,000 rpm, at which point the engine's noise saturates the passenger compartment.
The Astra interiors are nicely done up in sleek black and faux-aluminum finish, with "old fashioned" large stereo and temperature control knobs and easy-to-read large gauges. Leather is available on the XR trim, which includes lumbar support and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. All models have 60/40 split-folding rear seats, but cargo volume is less than expected, with the five-door offering a rear-seats-folded maximum of 44.7 cubic feet (the smaller Nissan Versa offers 50 cubic feet) and the coupe offering 37.8 cubic feet.
The standard safety equipment list is an impressive result of Opel's emphasis on safety: stability and traction control, OnStar, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, dual-stage front airbags, seat-mounted front side-impact airbags, head curtain side airbags, a breakaway pedal-release system, front-seat active head restraints, a tire pressure monitoring system, and daytime running lamps.
4.4 Overall rating
(29 reviews)Customers say
The Saturn Astra has generally received a warm reception from drivers, who love its sporty handling, stylish design, and impressive fuel efficiency, making it well-suited for daily use. However, some have pointed out the engine's lack of power and difficulties with rear seat access, especially concerning car seat installation. Overall, it’s appreciated as a reliable choice with great build quality, although it does come with a few noted drawbacks.
AI generated from the text of customer reviews.
What people say
I like what I can see of the size and condition of this car. It appears to be clean inside and well cared for. The price range seems doable for my budget right now and the mileage wasnt too high.
The acceleration is decent for a economic car. The brakes are very smooth. The handling is amazing, I love taking turns very fast. Overall for the build quality it's been great, i've had it for only 6 months but so far I haven't had any problems. Both the exterior and interior are amazing. The exterior is a unique style that isn't seen very often and my favorite part about it is the panoramic sunroof. The interior is very interesting, its a Black cloth interior with and light grey pillars and roof. The gas milage is awesome 28/32 mpg. Out of every car I have driven, this one is my favorite. I have driven 1995 Dodge Neon, 2006 Nissan Maxima, 2010 Nissan Altima and a 2001 Chevy Tahoe and none of them compare to this car.
Top Speed: 225 km/h Acceleration 0-100 12 sec Handling very good in corners Build Quality: it doesnt need repairs no squeaks or rattles wat so ever Appearance: interior 4/5 exterior 5/5 cost of ownership: Millage 9700 km Maintenance perfect Fun Factor: click on the sport button and enjoy life in fast forward mode. I would recommend it to a friend obviously (if he/she will treat it right)
The Astra is a relatively unknown model in the US, engineered in Germany and built in the mid-2000s by Opel in Belgium. While it lacks the acceleration of the VW GTI from the same model years, the Astra combines superior handling, excellent brakes and a body style that has weathered well over the years. Astras have a good reputation for longevity when reasonably maintained. The body structure is stiff and durable, and if kept reasonably clean, does not generally show signs of rust. The Astra was subject to the drivers airbag recall from several years back, and any car being considered should be checked for the update. Due to the relative obscurity of this model in the US, however, some replacement parts are beginning to become challenging to find., although those that are available are generally reasonably-priced. The Astra is a stylish, reliable alternative for someone looking for a unique, fun-to-drive car at a moderate price.
I owned this car for 5 1/2 years. My daughter drove it for two years in the middle. It was not fully safety rated when I bought it, but it had side curtain airbags front and rear and I wanted a car that would protect my daughter / her passengers / my younger son - whoever was in back. Front crash safety is rated better than the back, but back is better than 99% of 2008 cars sold in US. Son of Mr. Goodwrench teacher, I bought the car due to discounts and that I wanted to buy a GM - if it was reliable. In Europe, these are sold as OPEL / VAUXHALL in droves, and compete with Civics and Corollas and VW well. It delivered in spades - we had ONE maintenance issue which took awhile to fix with a fuel sending unit - the second attempt was bungled and it took several tries for Saturn around the world to figure that out. NO other issues. Relatives had a stick coupe and it was more fun than the automatic for sure. This is a solid car with a definite European feel to it. Heated outside mirrors, good sound insulation, tough interior. NOT a throw away car. Mileage with automatic was around 27 mpg with a short commute and lots of highway over 63000 miles. Highest mpg ever on a trip? I remember one was 38, 500 miles with mostly highway, per the trip info center, not just me guessing. Handling and grip were very good from the start - I live in moderate snow winter mid Ohio. There is a winter start setting on the automatic which helps you get started in 3rd i think, which I rarely remembered to use - didn't need it. Stock Eagle LS2 tires are poorly rated compared to many on market but did last almost 50,000 miles. Replaced mine with General Altimax RT 43's which have been excellent and were highly recommended on Tire Rack. Cornering is a breeze, I never felt this car say to me I'm going too fast and that curve is too tight. And I do like to push limits... The radio / info system / maintenance indicator. (I have the lower level radio of the two which are very similar.) OMG. If you are just turning on the radio and saving stations or playing the CD, good to go. Adjusting the time is a pain. Resetting the maintenance miles (mostly an oil change thing) is insanely difficult, mechanics at Saturn had trouble doing it. It does have several nice features, trip odo's, mileage RIGHT NOW, mileage this trip, miles in tank at this rate (very helpful), temp, etc. Overall you hope to get it where you want it and to be able to leave it alone! I was able to load almost anything in this car, including things that I did not want to put in my wife's nicer / spotless vehicles (Santa Fe and XC60) - or could not get in them. Regularly loaded 20 2x4s and whatever else I wanted from hardware stores. Drop seat half, push front seat forward, take head rest off front, throw blanket over seat, load it up. Rarely used both seats down, but that adds some space as well. I took several long trips, and seats always outperformed my 2006 Honda Civic. Interior is dark, which makes finding dark things you've dropped on the floor interesting at night. Overall, if I knew then what I know now, I would have bought three of these and given one to both kids and kept one for me!
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