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Saturn Astra

97 messages,  Last post on Jul 13, 2009 at 9:58 PM

You are in the Saturn Astra Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer

What is this discussion about? Saturn Astra, Hatchback, Sedan


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#54 of 97
Astra Not Catching On by moparbad
May 23, 2008 (5:05 pm)
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Astra Not Catching On
#55 of 97
Re: Astra Not Catching On [moparbad] by creakid1
May 24, 2008 (11:48 am)
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Replying to: moparbad (May 23, 2008 5:05 pm)

How many car buyers in America know that the Saturn Astra is an European car? It's cheaper than a Mini Cooper, hello...
#56 of 97
Re: Astra Not Catching On [creakid1] by no_one
May 24, 2008 (9:13 pm)
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Replying to: creakid1 (May 24, 2008 11:48 am)

How many car buyers in America know that the Saturn Astra is an European car? It's cheaper than a Mini Cooper, hello...
 
When my parents first heard I was considering a Saturn Astra, the first thing they asked was "You do know Saturns have plastic panels, right?" I seriously doubt most people are aware of Saturn's transformation from dirt cheap plastic cars to semi-upscale European pedigree vehicles.
 
To be fair, saying it's cheaper than a Mini Cooper is a poor choice for comparison, as the Mini forms kind of it's own category way off in left field. The VW Rabbit is a much more similar car in terms of both features and pricing to compare to....
#57 of 97
Re: Astra Not Catching On [no_one] by robbieg
Jun 02, 2008 (8:14 am)
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Replying to: no_one (May 24, 2008 9:13 pm)

Agreed. I don't think too many people are cross shopping an Astra and Mini Cooper. Not sure if I agree that Saturn is semi-upscale. Clearly, more upscale than a Chevy or Ford but not in the same league as VW, which I feel is the only example of semi-upscale brand.
#58 of 97
Re: Astra Not Catching On [robbieg] by no_one
Jun 02, 2008 (2:08 pm)
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Replying to: robbieg (Jun 02, 2008 8:14 am)

Perhaps saturn as a whole is not a semi-upscale brand, as I have limited knowledge of their higher offerings.
 
However, the Astra is definitely in the same league as the Rabbit in terms of interior quality, handling, and available features. I was originally planning on getting a Rabbit when I first started looking at cars about a year ago, but then the Astra came out and VW shelved its plans for a Rabbit TDI. VW makes nice cars, but for the Astra vs. Rabbit, the interior quality is comparable.
#59 of 97
Demo Saturn by lonestar98
Jun 02, 2008 (6:05 pm)
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Hey folks, GM dropped off a demo Astra 3-door (5 speed) and I'll have her for a week. If you have any ?'s or things you'd like me to check out, just let me know.
#60 of 97
Re: Astra Not Catching On [robbieg] by creakid1
Jun 02, 2008 (7:03 pm)
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Replying to: robbieg (Jun 02, 2008 8:14 am)

"Agreed. I don't think too many people are cross shopping an Astra and Mini Cooper. Not sure if I agree that Saturn is semi-upscale. Clearly, more upscale than a Chevy or Ford but not in the same league as VW, which I feel is the only example of semi-upscale brand."
 
How upscale is the Mini Cooper anyway? Its ride comfort is pretty disastrous, not unlike the Astra w/ torsion-beam rear suspension. Only the Rabbit w/ the Control Blade multi-link rear suspension has an upscale smooth ride.
 
My sis cross shopped b/t the Mini & the Beetle only b/c they're both cute-&-innocent looking. Of course she ended up w/ the Beetle due to Mini's unacceptable ride comfort.
 
The Mini is expensive b/c, handling wise, it can out sport Bimmers.
#61 of 97
Re: Demo Saturn [lonestar98] by mark19
Jun 03, 2008 (7:41 pm)
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Replying to: lonestar98 (Jun 02, 2008 6:05 pm)

sure I have questions
 
1- How's the engine? lack of power? noisy? vibration?
2- How is the 5-speed manual? notchy? smooth? clutch feel?
3- Any squeaks/rattles?
4- How is the radio sound quality? not loud enough? bass? treble?
5- The seats, cloth or leather? How supportive are they?
6- Any lag in the gas pedal?
7- How are the brakes? brake feel? stopping distance?
8- How's the handling? Compared to a mazda3?
 
9- and most of all, let us know what your fuel economy is!!
 
thanks!
#62 of 97
Re: Astra Not Catching On [creakid1] by robbieg
Jun 04, 2008 (7:08 am)
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Replying to: creakid1 (Jun 02, 2008 7:03 pm)

The Mini is considered upscale regardless of its ride or creature comforts. Mini is just an upscale brand.
 
As far as the Astra, I am curious about the size of the back seat, but that is more of a question about a four door Astra.
#63 of 97
Re: Demo Saturn [mark19] by no_one
Jun 04, 2008 (7:59 am)
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Replying to: mark19 (Jun 03, 2008 7:41 pm)

9- and most of all, let us know what your fuel economy is!!
 
I've owned one for about 2.5 months, and I feel I can give a more complete answer to this question than a reviewer who will only have it for a week. I have the XE trim with manual.
 
With 50% city and 50% highway miles, average MPG over the first 2000 miles was about 30 MPG.
 
Best tank was 36.2 MPG (mostly highway).
 
Worst tank was 23.8 (all stop and go in a hilly city)
 
Most recent tanks have been about 33 MPG.

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