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2008 Hyundai Elantra Full Review
Date Published: 9/16/08
Also in the 2008 Hyundai Elantra Review:
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4.
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Hyundai Elantra Full Review
7.
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9.
2008 Hyundai Elantra Review
The 2008 Hyundai Elantra has a simplified model lineup and a few new features. This compact car comes as a 4-door sedan in GLS and SE trim. Both use a 138-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. All Elantras have remote keyless entry and power windows. Air conditioning, cruise control, and CD player are optional for GLS, standard on SE. Leather upholstery and heated front seats are optional on SE.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 99.4 inches or longer.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Nissan Versa, and Scion xB. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer, Saturn Astra, Scion xB, and Subaru Impreza.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Nissan Versa, and Scion xB. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer, Saturn Astra, Scion xB, and Subaru Impreza.
News
Elantra was new for 2007, so little change should occur in the next few years. Look for the hatchback model to return for 2009.
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2008 Hyundai Elantra Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Fuel economy | Acceleration |
| Instruments/controls | |
| Build quality | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Only SE models have been made available for testing so far. Acceleration is adequate with either transmission, but it's far from snappy. Hyundai says 0-60 mph takes 8.8 sec with manual transmission, which has a slick, precise shifter. The automatic transmission is smooth and responsive.
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
Only SE models have been made available for testing so far. Acceleration is adequate with either transmission, but it's far from snappy. Hyundai says 0-60 mph takes 8.8 sec with manual transmission, which has a slick, precise shifter. The automatic transmission is smooth and responsive.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing an SE with manual transmission averaged 26.8 mpg. Elantra uses regular-grade gas.
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
In Consumer Guide testing an SE with manual transmission averaged 26.8 mpg. Elantra uses regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
Elantra's ride is an asset vs. many class rivals, abetted by a stout structural feel. It absorbs most small bumps easily but floats some over large humps and dips at highway speed.
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.1 |
Elantra's ride is an asset vs. many class rivals, abetted by a stout structural feel. It absorbs most small bumps easily but floats some over large humps and dips at highway speed.
Steering/Handling/Braking
The suspension allows some cornering lean, but the tires furnish good dry-road grip. The electric power steering is quick, but it feels a tad light. The brakes furnish fine stopping control and pedal feel.
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.9 |
The suspension allows some cornering lean, but the tires furnish good dry-road grip. The electric power steering is quick, but it feels a tad light. The brakes furnish fine stopping control and pedal feel.
Quietness
The engine is a bit noisy at high rpm but is never unpleasant. Some wind rush is evident around the exterior mirrors. Road and tire noise are impressively low for the class.
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4.5 |
The engine is a bit noisy at high rpm but is never unpleasant. Some wind rush is evident around the exterior mirrors. Road and tire noise are impressively low for the class.
Controls
Large, clear gauges. Climate and audio controls are simple and handy.
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Large, clear gauges. Climate and audio controls are simple and handy.
Details
Plush cloth upholstery, attractive plastics, and many soft-touch surfaces belie Elantra's pricing. So does the classy blue dashboard lighting.
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Plush cloth upholstery, attractive plastics, and many soft-touch surfaces belie Elantra's pricing. So does the classy blue dashboard lighting.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Adequate headroom and legroom, though taller occupants may want more room. Wide ranging seat and steering wheel adjustments enhance driver comfort; SE includes a telescopic steering wheel. Visibility is slightly hampered aft and to right rear.
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.7 |
Adequate headroom and legroom, though taller occupants may want more room. Wide ranging seat and steering wheel adjustments enhance driver comfort; SE includes a telescopic steering wheel. Visibility is slightly hampered aft and to right rear.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Adult-size room. Entry and exit are slightly tight for larger adults. Height-adjustable head restraints and a fold-down center armrest aid comfort.
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Adult-size room. Entry and exit are slightly tight for larger adults. Height-adjustable head restraints and a fold-down center armrest aid comfort.
Cargo Room
More trunk space than many cars in this class, but the slim opening and sickle-type trunklid hinges compromise utility. A 60/40 split folding rear seat is standard, but the backrests don't lay flat. When folded, the trunk's pass-though is small. Generous small-item storage via numerous bins, slots, and cubbies.
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 4.9 |
More trunk space than many cars in this class, but the slim opening and sickle-type trunklid hinges compromise utility. A 60/40 split folding rear seat is standard, but the backrests don't lay flat. When folded, the trunk's pass-though is small. Generous small-item storage via numerous bins, slots, and cubbies.
Value within Class
Elantra matches any class rival for refinement, space, and comfort. And it beats most for safety with standard front side airbags, curtain side airbags, and ABS. A robust feel, attractive prices, and Hyundai's strong warranty also make Elantra a Recommended pick.
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 6.2 |
Elantra matches any class rival for refinement, space, and comfort. And it beats most for safety with standard front side airbags, curtain side airbags, and ABS. A robust feel, attractive prices, and Hyundai's strong warranty also make Elantra a Recommended pick.
Total Score
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Class Average |
| 61 | 61 | 58.8 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 50 | |
| Average Score | 58 | |
| High Score | 71 |
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2008 Hyundai Elantra Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/27/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| GLS 4-door sedan, manual | $13,625 | $13,262 | $620 |
|
|
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| GLS 4-door sedan, automatic | $14,625 | $14,217 | $620 |
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| SE 4-door sedan, manual | $16,325 | $15,677 | $620 |
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| SE 4-door sedan, automatic | $17,325 | $15,622 | $620 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
GLS
Powertrain
2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor, front-seat active head restraints.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 195/65HR15 tires, wheel covers.
SE adds to GLS:
Powertrain
Traction control.
Safety
Brake assist, antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, satellite radio, trip computer, illuminated visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, 205/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Popular Equipment Pkg.
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||
|
GLS
|
$1,750
|
$1,594
|
|
Air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, satellite radio, illuminated visor mirrors, fog lights.
|
||
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Popular Equipment and Moonroof Pkg.
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||
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GLS
|
$2,650
|
$2,413
|
|
Popular Equipment Pkg. plus power sunroof.
|
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Premium Pkg.
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SE
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$1,150
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$1,047
|
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Power sunroof, heated front seats.
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Premium and Leather Pkg.
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||
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SE
|
$1,950
|
$1,775
|
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Leather upholstery, heated front seats, power sunroof.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Wireless cell phone link
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GLS, SE
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$325
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$292
|
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Cargo tray
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GLS, SE
|
$70
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$57
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Floormats
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GLS, SE
|
$85
|
$68
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
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Mud guards
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GLS, SE
|
$85
|
$68
|
|
|
||
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Hyundai Elantra Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Hyundai Elantra 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 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.0 /121 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 138 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 136 @ 4600 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed manual | 24/33 |
| 4-speed automatic | 25/33 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Hyundai Elantra 4-door sedan |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 4 |
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%. Side-impact
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 10/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 7/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
South Korea
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Hyundai Elantra Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Hyundai Elantra Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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