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So does anyone have any thoughts on the saturn astra. Most people are saying they are getting around 30 mpg but I dont think they are applying any hypermile techniques. I have been leaning toward the honda civic with the 1.8 but if the astra were to get simmular milage I would probably be more inclined

They are a very nice car on paper, and I saw them at a car show, but I'm sad to say I have yet to see one on the road.

Reviews I have seen seem to indicate it's a fun car with a hint of a Euro feel, but the engine and fuel economy are only average. If Saturn would bring over some of the engines from the European Opel version, they could have a great car on their hands.

I agree, I love the styling of the car but am disappointed with its fuel economy.

Reviews I have seen seem to indicate it's a fun car with a hint of a Euro feel, but the engine and fuel economy are only average. If Saturn would bring over some of the engines from the European Opel version, they could have a great car on their hands.

The engine they brought was the only one that in Europe is available with an automatic transmission. Not having an automatic would be the kiss of death in the US marketplace, so rather than reiventing the wheel they just brought what works.

The Astra is due for redesign, so the current model is really just a stopgap. I would guess the model range will be more diverse in the future.

I test drove a 2 door XR (handling pkg, bigger rims) with all the bells and whistles and it was a load of fun, handled great, very comfortable, quality euro-style interior, nice computer-like display for heat/ac, radio, shows MPG, etc...
BUT, the engine didn't feel as peppy as I would like (manual tranny). That being said, the mileage won't compete with the likes of a Civic. The GM Ecotec motor is too un-refined (and sounds it).

Definitely my top pick for a US auto maker's car, though.

The 5dr looks beautiful, and isn't it only 2 mpg less than a Fit and way bigger?!

Nice-looking car. Back to the future, with GM importing Opels.

Test drove one at a dealer carshow. First thing I noticed was the feel of the door. Simply opening and closing the door gives you the feeling this little car is built like a tank. It's really solid. That would account for it's mpg numbers. It handles like a dream even in it's 5 door model.

Just bought one last night.

Took it home and resolved not to hypermile while I was learning the car and got 31.5 mpg over a 50/50 highway rural route.

There's a lot more mileage in there.

Congrats on being the first member to have one! Please keep us posted with your results and thoughts about the Astra.

How is it compared to your Accord?

The car really compares well when it comes to ride and handling and surprisingly enough, I would say it's a little quieter on the highway than the Accord was.



I gave up leather, nav, and a bunch of storage space, but honestly I don't miss them.


The instantaneous mileage readout is more useful than the Accord's was too. Let's me know when I'm in DFCO almost immediately and is not limited to 50 mpg.


I'll post more when I get to know the car a bit better.

Leather aside (who needs that?) how are the seats and overall ergonomics? Does it feel like a decent quality automobile?

The seats are comfortable so far, I haven't had the chance to take a trip longer than an hour or so yet. I have the base model so I can't comment on the "better" seats in the XR.

The ergonomics are not necessarily bad, but there are some things that will take getting used to. The turn signals operate in a way that had me scratching my head at first. The stalk does not stay up or down when you move it. You simply bump it up or down to turn the blinkers on and then the signals cancel electronically without the stalk moving again.

Cool once I got used to it, but it's just one of a few things that make up the subtle differences between a European and American market cars.


It definitely feels like a quality automobile....very heavy and solid like a Volvo or Mercedes.

Went to the gas station this morning to air the tires up and found out that the dealer had already pumped them up to sidewall max.


Way to go, Saturn!