2008 Saturn Astra XR 1.8L
Summary:
Hot Hatchback
Faults:
Rear gate doesn't close unless given a good push.
Ignition coil needed to be replaced at 80,000 miles.
Red paint chipped very easily from the very beginning. I'm still trying to figure out how I got nicks on the top of the back bumper. The front hood is peppered with chips. It has to be something about the red paint.
General Comments:
Generally it is a nice car. I have all leather and moon roof, so it feels comfortable at least in the front seat for the driver, but when you get some larger sized passengers, they feel a bit cramped, especially in the back seat. It's perfect for a single person, but if you have to haul a few buddies or a family & baby, it's going to be tight.
The car takes a long time to heat up the passenger cabin in the winter time. It warms up faster if you actually start moving, but if you just turn it on and let it sit while you go back inside the house to keep warm, you'll be waiting a long time.
I do like the appearance of the car, especially the front lights and grille. The interior lines are clean and tight. No over-sized cheap plastic buttons.
The car feels much more refined than a Pontiac Vibe, Mazda 5 or Toyota Matrix. It has nice smooth ride and tight suspension.
I've outgrown the car since I now have to haul a baby and wife, but if I was single again, I would buy one again.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 12th June, 2015
26th Aug 2017, 16:08
The Astra shares many of the same mechanical parts as the Chevy Cruze, including the 1.8L Ecotec engine, so parts availability shouldn't be a problem.
20th Nov 2024, 15:46
EcoTec engine must be one of the most common Opel / GM engines from this time, I live in the UK and this car is the Vauxhall Astra here, most commonly it has the EcoTec engine, in 1.6 or 1.8 form. It's a pretty reliable motor if cared for.
9th Jan 2017, 22:45
How difficult was it to locate replacement parts?