Collectors Edition: 2008 Saturn Astra Hatchback XR Manual

This is a 2008 Saturn Astra XR Hatchback. The late 2000s was a strange time for Saturn. Having nearly given up producing their own vehicles, Saturn’s strategy of reselling re-badged Opel vehicles before going out of business was a controversial one. Many critics argued that Saturn should have focused on developing its own unique vehicles, rather than relying on imported models that were not designed specifically for the American market.

However, others argue that Saturn’s partnership with Opel allowed the company to offer high-quality vehicles that were well-suited to American tastes and preferences, and that this strategy helped to keep the brand competitive in a crowded and increasingly challenging market.

The facts are:

The 2008 Saturn Astra Hatchback XR with Manual transmission is a great compact car that offers a sporty driving experience with excellent fuel efficiency. This car is a rebadged version of the Opel Astra, a popular European hatchback that was modified for the American market. It comes with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque, which is paired with a five-speed manual transmission

The exterior of the 2008 Saturn Astra Hatchback XR is sleek, with a distinctive grille, bold lines, and sculpted sides. It comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, and a rear spoiler that adds to the car’s sporty appearance. The interior hasn’t aged well and looks very awkward. That center screen screams cheap car. The plastics are basically beer cooler-plastic quality and feel. and I just hate the way the buttons and dials are arranged in the console. The different tiny sizes and empty space is just bad design.  But it was a moment in time. Take this one and enjoy the odd looks at Cars and Coffee.

This one is asking for $3,450 in Vallejo, CA