Article Comments - 2008 Saturn Astra First Drive and Full Test

15 messages, Last post on Feb 26, 2008 at 9:43 AM

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

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

First Drive: 2008 Saturn Astra - Flat-out on the autobahn just west of Frankfurt, the Saturn's speedometer needle is creeping past 110 mph. Jon J. Lauckner, GM's vice president of global program management, told us we would be impressed with the Astra's high-speed stability, and we are. The road is smoother than I-70 just outside Frankfort, but the Astra is undeniably locked in. (more)

Full Test: 2008 Saturn Astra XR Three-Door - The '08 Saturn Astra doesn't change the game; instead, it just plays it very, very well. (more)

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#6 of 15 Not the worst American car ever... not even close by rustyshepherd Sep 30, 2007 (5:10 pm)
So you think the Saturn Ion is the worst American car ever? Boy, have you guys been leading a sheltered life! Until you can get out more, here's a list: Chevrolet Vega and Pontiac Astre whose linerless aluminum engines self-destructed about the same time as the bodies rusted out. Ford Pinto,Chevrolet Corvair, Plymouth Volare/Dodge Aspen,Plymouth Reliant K/Dodge Aries K, any 1980's GM car with the diesel V-8, any 1980's Cadillac with the HT4100 aluminum engine and plastic-filled 200 series transmission. The Ion, while far from the best American car ever made was nowhere near the worst and had most of its initial shorcomings fixed a couple of years into production. The Ion was a big improvement over the awful, buzzy first generation Saturns that every automotive writer knew were not nearly as good as the dealerships that sold them.
#7 of 15 Don't wanna wait for Redline by usmcva98 Nov 01, 2007 (5:30 am)
As soon as this Astra comes out I'm getting it but I wanna know how do I go about get the European parts for the car because I am not waiting another year for the Redline to come out in the U.S. No way. Help.
#8 of 15 That Saturn-ized grill looks ugly by creakid1 Nov 05, 2007 (11:16 pm)
compare to the original styling. Even the Opel zig-zag emblem looks cool! http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/2007_chicago/0612_2008_saturn_astra/phot- - - - - - - - - - o_04.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Opel_Astra_H.jpg http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicles/1series/1series/2004/introduction.html You might as well have a body shop changing it to the BMW 1-series front end & pretend to be the only 5-dr BMW 1-series in America http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:BMW_E87_facelift_rear.JPG http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Opel_astra_H_Frankfurt.jpg http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/2007_chicago/0612_2008_saturn_astra/phot- - - - - - - - - - o_02.html & how many people in America can tell the difference b/t them?
#9 of 15 Not good enough by iamz Dec 05, 2007 (9:36 am)
30 mpg highway? Sorry GM, you'll have to do better than that. What a shame. Nice looking car.
#10 of 15 Full Test Available! by KarenS HOST Jan 11, 2008 (8:30 am)
Full Test: 2008 Saturn Astra XR Three-Door
#11 of 15 Does anyone by kreuzer Jan 23, 2008 (8:23 am)
know if the 4 door Astra has a flat loading floor in the back? Thanks. Replies to this message: duncan36 (Feb 05, 2008 9:43 pm) irismg (Feb 07, 2008 9:47 am)
#12 of 15 Re: Does anyone [kreuzer] by duncan36 Feb 05, 2008 (9:43 pm)
Replying to: kreuzer (Jan 23, 2008 8:23 am) I'm sorry you cant compare this car to say a Corolla, look at the quality of the sheetmetal and the overall quality of the car. Its way ahead of the bargain basement corolla. Even the Mazda 3 doesnt look as high quality inside or out. This car is being underestimated. Replies to this message: irismg (Feb 07, 2008 9:47 am)
#13 of 15 Re: Does anyone [duncan36] by irismg Feb 07, 2008 (9:47 am)
Replying to: duncan36 (Feb 05, 2008 9:43 pm) They weren't doing that, they were simply asking a question.
#14 of 15 Has anyone even seen these yet? by irismg Feb 07, 2008 (9:48 am)
I'm doing a feature on this car for my paper, but I've yet to see it at the Saturn dealer in Oklahoma City. What's the release date on this car?
#15 of 15 Towing ability lacking in this vehicle segment. by sailboatman Feb 26, 2008 (9:43 am)
I believe the Astra is not recommended for towing. I almost bought a Madza 3 hatch but ended up with a Vibe. Certainly the Madza is superior in all ways... BUT the Vibe can tow my small sailboat. The vibe is pre-drilled for easy trailer installation as well. I wish there were more small, fuel efficient hatches that could (manufacturer approved) tow something. If you look at this vehicle segment (hatchbacks) towing ability is sorely missing. Yes Subarus can tow, but their fuel economy is much lower. Also, why some small sedans can tow while the hatches can not is a mystery to me. Pontiac/Toyota (Matrix) do not advertise the true versitility of the Vibe/Matrix (including its towing ability.) Does anyone know of other small hatches on the market for whom towing is approved? I am interested in others thoughts on the fuel efficient tow vehicle dilemma.