2007-2008 Hyundai Elantra: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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2007-2008 Hyundai Elantra ▼
- Price Range: $10,200 - $14,400
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Pros
- Fuel economy
- Quietness
- Ride
Cons
- Handling/roadholding (floatiness on bumps and dips)
- Cargo room
Vehicle Highlights
Hyundai redesigned its best-selling car for 2007, giving it fresh looks, added size, and more standard safety features. Elantra now came only as a four-door sedan; the former hatchback was dropped. Compared to the 2001-06 generation, the still-compact 2007 version was about 2 inches wider and taller, on a 1.6-inch longer wheelbase. Interior dimensions were little changed, as was vehicle weight. Models ascended from base GLS, to midrange SE and upscale Limited. Each used a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic. Antilock braking was standard rather than optional, as before. On the other hand, traction control was no longer offered. Curtain side airbags, previously unavailable, joined front side airbags as another new standard feature. All Elantras had a height-adjustable driver's seat, power windows, remote keyless entry, satellite radio, and MP3 player connection. Air conditioning, cruise control, and a CD player were optional for the lower-priced GLS, but included on other models. Standard leather upholstery and heated front seats were Limited exclusives. Competitors to the front-wheel-drive Elantra included the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Toyota Corolla.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Elantra SE w/manual or auto. Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 8 | |
| Total Score: | 55 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 2007-2008 Hyundai Elantra includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2007-2008 Hyundai Elantra and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2007-2008 Hyundai Elantra is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Elantras match any class rival for refinement, space, and comfort. Hyundai's compact sedan also beats most of them for safety with standard front side airbags, curtain side airbags, and ABS. A robust feel and Hyundai's strong warranty also make Elantra well worth considering. New-car prices have been reasonable, and resale value falls well short of major rivals, so Elantras may be attractively priced on the used-car market.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Elantra SE w/manual or auto. Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 8 | |
| Total Score: | 55 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $940 |
| Alternator | $610 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $2,400 |
| Brakes | $360 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $2,400 |
| Exhaust System | $590 |
| Radiator | $660 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $2,290 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $1,000 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 2008 | |||
| Elantra GLS | $13,000-14,500 | $11,800-13,200 | $7,500-8,400 |
| Elantra SE | $14,200-15,800 | $12,900-14,400 | $8,700-9,600 |
| 2007 | |||
| Elantra GLS, SE | $11,300-12,500 | $10,200-11,300 | $6,200-6,900 |
| Elantra Limited | $12,500-14,000 | $11,300-12,600 | $7,100-8,000 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 104.3 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 177.4 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.9 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 58.3 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2723 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.2 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 14.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.0 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.5 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.6 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.0 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I41 | 2.0 / 121 | 138 | 136 | 5-speed manual: 21/33 4-speed automatic: 25/33 |
5-speed manual: 26.8 4-speed automatic: -- |
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1. EPA Note: Figures shown are for 2008 models. The Environmental Protection Agency changed its procedure for 2008 to yield more realistic estimates. Therefore, estimated mileage is lower than for prior years. Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2007 Elantra |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
NHTSA Recall History
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