Author Topic: Saturn Astra?  (Read 1641 times)

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Offline Ultra

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Saturn Astra?
« on: May 12, 2006, 09:53:50 AM »
Saturn has applied to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to use "Astra" as a vehicle name and GM is looking for an alternative to replace the the Ion.  Automotive News had a couple of articles about this and they say that the Opel's Astra seems like a good car to replace the Ion.  I think GM's decision to sell Opel/Vauxhall under the Saturn name is a good idea. A division with European, but affordable flair is a smart move for Saturn's makeover.
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Offline Otto Puzzell

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Re: Saturn Astra?
« Reply #1 on: May 12, 2006, 12:38:09 PM »
Wasn't the last US Astra a rebadged Vega, sold by Pontiac?
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Offline Ultra

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Re: Saturn Astra?
« Reply #2 on: May 12, 2006, 02:05:02 PM »
I believe so.
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Offline Boxer2500

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Re: Saturn Astra?
« Reply #3 on: May 12, 2006, 03:37:43 PM »
Things are looking good for Saturn. Although *anything* would be an improvement over the Ion.

Offline Otto Puzzell

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Re: Saturn Astra?
« Reply #4 on: May 13, 2006, 04:03:02 AM »
My bad - it was the Pontiac Astre.  :D
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Offline MG

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Re: Saturn Astra?
« Reply #5 on: May 13, 2006, 08:44:53 PM »
Well, I am a former Saturn booster and the present line-up SUCKS big time. While driving in the British Isles several years ago in a Euro-spec Escort, I found out the cars on THAT side of the pond are designed to be DRIVEN. Still and all, the attempts by American manufacturers to sell European versions of their products in the US have been, shall we say, disappointing (Opel GT, Caddy Allante, Merkur, Caddy Cetera (an Opel, btw), and the unlamented DeTamasso by Chrysler).

So Saturn is climbing a steep hill here. I hope they make it, but the odds are long. And the Ion is perhaps the WORST product to wear the Saturn badge, although the LS series were pretty dismal as well.

We shall see, eh? ::)
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Offline Otto Puzzell

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Re: Saturn Astra?
« Reply #6 on: May 07, 2007, 02:24:53 PM »
Quote
Saturn Astra?

Yes!
You wanna be the man, you gotta Name That Car!

Offline GRAYWOLF

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Re: Saturn Astra?
« Reply #7 on: May 22, 2007, 05:01:37 PM »
Like Saturn Asstray?
"Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are ruined. The great object is that every man be armed. Everyone who is able may have a gun."-Patrick Henry

Offline GRAYWOLF

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Re: Saturn Astra?
« Reply #8 on: May 22, 2007, 05:08:35 PM »
OK, so I went and looked at it...not too bad. looks like everything else on the road.

That Opel GT sure does look familiar!!!
"Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are ruined. The great object is that every man be armed. Everyone who is able may have a gun."-Patrick Henry

Offline helen m

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Re: Saturn Astra?
« Reply #9 on: May 28, 2008, 01:50:18 AM »
i can't say i know much about the us car scene, but i thought i'd just mention for what it's worth that out here holden has been selling a car called an astra for some time and the current model and the ones that preceded it are rebadged opels (the very first holden astras were rebadged nissans - not sure when they changed, but i think it was the early 1990's).  the only difference between the holden, vauxhall and opel astras (aside from the side the steering wheel is on!) are the badges.  a friend of mine has a 2007 5 door astra and according to the build plate it was made in an opel factory in belgium.

Offline helen m

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Re: Saturn Astra?
« Reply #10 on: May 29, 2008, 10:46:16 PM »
and a little bit extra - there was an article in today's paper which said that the astra is holden's second best selling car, behind the bigger commodore.