2008 Saturn Models

The Saturn Astra replaces the Ion compact sedan and coupe, which didn't enjoy nearly the success of the earlier small models on which the "different kind of car company" is based. The Astra is an experiment of sorts — an unapologetic rebadging of a car sold overseas, the Opel Astra. By using the same model name, GM is celebrating rather than hiding the origin of this car, which is well-regarded in Europe. It sold close to 500,000 units there last year. 

With power players like the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the compact SUV segment is a competitive place to sell cars. Saturn's Vue SUV is the automaker's second-best-selling model, but it hasn't had the high-volume sales of its key competitors. Now in its second generation, the SUV has been completely redesigned and appears better equipped to challenge the established category leaders. 

Introduced for 2007, Saturn's Aura midsize sedan gains a new base engine for 2008 — a 2.4-liter four-cylinder — that joins the two V-6s from last year. Electronic stability control is now standard on all V-6 models, and the entire lineup gains standard XM Satellite Radio. Aura competitors include the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. 

The five-seat Aura Green Line features GM's Hybrid System, which consists of an electric motor/generator teamed with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. This system is not as advanced as the company's two-mode hybrid system, which is offered in the automaker's full-size SUVs and will be offered later in the Vue, but Saturn says the GM Hybrid System achieves 25 percent better fuel economy than the V-6-powered Aura XE; the Aura Green Line gets a combined 30 mpg city/highway. Competitors include the Nissan Altima Hybrid and Toyota Prius. XM Satellite Radio is standard for 2008. 

Saturn's large Outlook crossover, introduced for 2007, can seat seven or eight. Available in two trim level designations — XE and XR with front- or all-wheel drive — the Outlook competes against the Ford Freestyle, Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Saturn made a number of additions for 2008, including a rear backup camera, Panic Brake Assist and a new all-wheel-drive system. 

Saturn decided to reach out to sports car enthusiasts last year when it released the Sky roadster. For 2008, Saturn has already updated the Sky, adding standard StabiliTrack electronic stability control, interior tweaks and XM Satellite Radio, among other additions. The Sky competes in the same market segment as the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Honda S2000. 

The 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line features basically the same hybrid system that's in the current Vue, relocated to the redesigned Vue that was introduced last November at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Saturn has promised a "two-mode" hybrid version of the Vue for 2009 that will offer equivalent gas mileage as the Green Line with better acceleration and electric-only cruising at low speeds.