2008 Hyundai Elantra

2008 Hyundai Elantra 2008 Hyundai Elantra
Review

Introduction

Redesigned for 2007, the 2008 Hyundai Elantra compact sedan enters its second year of production with few changes. Slightly larger and far more refined than the previous-generation Elantra, the current Elantra is a value-laden sedan that plays in a hotly contested segment. Built on a front-drive unibody platform shared with the sportier Kia Spectra, the Elantra is more interested in ride comfort than its Kia sibling.

There is only one engine available in the Elantra, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Its 138 horsepower are reduced to 132 if you live in an area where a PZEV-rated Elantra is offered. The engine’s horsepower is class-competitive, but its lack of refinement might turn off some shoppers. Interior appointments are good and rear-seat space generous for the class. A five-speed manual is standard on the Elantra; a four-speed automatic is available as an option.

Helping the Elantra stand out in a crowded segment are its attractive pricing, a handsome and well-appointed interior, a supple ride, a fairly refined driving experience, and an impressive cadre of standard safety equipment. Furthermore, the Elantra comes with a five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Added for the 2009 model year and on sale soon is a five-door Elantra Touring model.

Major competitors to the Hyundai Elantra include the Chevrolet Cobalt, Dodge Caliber, Ford Focus, Kia Spectra, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Nissan Sentra, Pontiac Vibe, Saturn Astra, Scion xD, Suzuki SX4, Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, Volkswagen Jetta, and Volkswagen Rabbit.

Verdict

The Hyundai Elantra is a competitive, if slightly forgettable, entry in a very competitive segment of the market. A supple ride, a big back seat, Hyundai’s impressive warranty, and a load of standard safety equipment are the Elantra’s strong points.

Click here to read our full review of the Hyundai Elantra.

Click here to read our latest comparison test involving the Hyundai Elantra.

What’s New for 2008

For 2008, Hyundai is dropping the Limited trim level from the Elantra’s order books. In its place is the SE Premium option package that adds the equipment that used to come on the Limited model. Other changes for 2008 include standard stability control and brake assist on uplevel SE models. All ’08 Elantras get standard tire-pressure monitoring.