2008 Hyundai Elantra Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.59/5 Average
195 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Last year's top-of-the-line Limited trim level has been dropped, but much of its equipment can still be had via an optional package for the midgrade Elantra SE trim. Stability control and brake assist have also been added as standard equipment to the SE.

Pros:
  • Smooth and secure ride, attractive cabin design, roomy interior with adult-friendly backseat, solid construction, responsive handling, low price, long warranty.
Cons:
  • Unrefined engine is noisy at mid-to-high rpm, likable interior is otherwise let down by a few low-grade interior plastics.

User Reviews:

Showing 31 through 40 of 195.00
  • Happy with this car - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
    By -

    Still new, I am really enjoying this car. It feels more expensive than it is. We were looking to stay small and cheap so we looked at Accent, Yaris, Rio etc. and then found out this car was not much more in price but much better for the money.

  • Nice car, but has flaws - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
    By -

    When I bought this car, I found very few flaws in it to start out with. I enjoyed the great MPG that the car had, as well as the good design and comfort. However, as time went on, I soon found myself to be an enemy with one thing: the trunk. If you do make the decision to buy this car, NEVER open it on a rainy day, at the risk of waterlogging everything inside your trunk. The design of the trunk pushes all the water on top of the trunk straight down into your carpeted trunk, making it incredibly difficult to deal with. Not only that, but it frequently unlatches itself, making it a safety hazard if you leave valuables in your trunk. Overall Id say good buy, just be weary of the risks.

  • 2008 Hyundai Elantra SE - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
    By -

    I bought a silver on black elantra se pzev w/ moonroof and heated seats. This car is great, I would tell anyone to go and buy this car. It has all the safety and convenience features at thousands less! The styling is very classy and looks better than civic and corolla. Hyundai has come along way and this is the best elantra yet. Go test drive one. You will not be disapointed!

  • Dont buy - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
    By -

    First week of ownership 240 mi odo week stranded in 100 dregree heat as fuel pump went. Gas mileage citi/hw 20-24mpg - very poor and I drive conservatively. Fog lights and back-up lights provide no added vision - too small. Lots of manufacturing defects, needs alignment, lights pointed down, steering column rubs and makes noise. Too bad as I would have bought 2 more and my neighbors also but not now after this disappointing experience. I recommend you buy Toyota or Honda - both of which Ive owned w/o ever seeing the dealer in the warrant period - and the Toyota was the first year model (Tracel 1990) Now have 800 miles on vehicle and still not improvement in gas mileage.

  • Solid, Quality Car - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
    By -

    I bought the Elantra after my Chrysler Sebring coupe was flooded and died. This is my first new car and I love it. Ive only had one problem involving a slow leak in a tire caused by a nail, which the dealership replaced for free (even though it was not their problem). I drive about 32 miles round-trip for my daily commute in Boston traffic, and my gas mileage still averages 30-34 mpg. It took a while to get used to the V4 engine, but it really moves great once you get up to speed. Unlike my Sebring, I can now have people sit in my backseat of my Elantra. As with any major purchase, research the seller and the product before you buy and there should be no issues.

  • Not aging gracefully - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
    By -

    I bought this Elantra due to excellent reviews and perceived quality. You certainly get a lot of car for the money. Unfortunately my post purchase experience has been somewhat disappointing. Interior materials are cheap and are showing premature wear. Upholstery is especially poor. One recall on fuel pump. LR window track fell off, oil leak. Engine is very noisy when pushed and has a very dated design...still has a timing belt to be replaced. Decent drive but you do indeed get what you pay for...

  • Been a good car - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
    By -

    I bought it about a year ago. Its been good since then. The gas mileage started low, but its between 31 and 32 now for about a 12 mile commute weekdays. Theres plenty of room inside and lots of places to put bottles of liquid (it gets hot and dry here). I find the car quiet, which is different from others - I have no explanation why, I just do. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly and the car holds the road well at speed (65-70 mph). Some people dont like the serpentine shift pattern, but it took me less than a week to get used to it.

  • Leaky car - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
    By -

    This car has had a water leak since new and has been to the dealership 7 times for it. After going to a body shop, it was determined that the seam sealer was falling out all over the bottom of the car. Hyundai refuses to replace the now mold smelling, rusting in the trunk, car and closed my case knowing that I will loose too much money if I lemon Law and probably not pursue this.I will never buy another Hyundai and will discourage as many as possible, as I have never in 20 years of new cars seen such poor customer service , and shoddy practices by a manufacturer and a dealership. Buyer beware.

  • Best Car For The Buck - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
    By -

    Great car. Best bang for the buck in its class. Has more safety features than its competitors. Excellent gas mileage. First new car Ive owned and worth every penny.

  • Love our elantra! - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
    By -

    Bought our 2008 Elantra GLS sedan in early March 2009. I was a little disappointed with the high 20s MPG at first, but by the time the odometer reached 1000 miles, we were routinely getting 33mpg in 70/30 highway/city driving. 31-33 is what we routinely get in mixed driving recently. Overall, we really like this car. It has a good feel and is fun and easy to drive. We are closing in on 6,000 miles with no problems yet.

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