Overview & Reviews

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.

• Smooth and secure ride, attractive cabin design, roomy interior with adult-friendly backseat, solid construction, responsive handling, low price, long warranty.

• 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 1 through 10 of 195.00

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  bad product design - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By jlemon1 - January 24 - 8:46 pm

  Three things that bother me enough to write a review about them: 1. The doors only prop open at these widths w/o slamming closed on you: open so far it would slam into the car parked next to you, and open just enough that you could slide a piece of paper through- good luck trying to get you bags of groceries out of the car w/o the door repeatedly slamming into you 2. Extremely poor visibility out of the back angled windows- I just have to back up, and change lanes really slowly and pray no one crashes in to me 3. When the steering wheel locks, you dont just give it a little jiggle until it comes loose- you have to jerk it violently until you break your ribcage and it still wont budge.

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  Dont spill your drinks! - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By sls78 - August 31 - 12:19 pm

  Im sure most of us have been there, accidents happen. So I had a drink of soda spill in my center console where you place your cups. This ended up being a very expensive accident, $1200 and some change. The liquid from my drink went through the cup holder and fried the main "nerve" of the electrical system according to the service department. So needless to say since I spilled the soda the bumper to bumper warranty didnt cover it. At this time Im not going to have it fixed trading it in and Hyundai has lost a customer. Why would they put the electrical under the cup holders especially if the holder wont prevent liquid from damaging the wiring.

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  Danger - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By John D. - August 17 - 7:08 pm

  Be careful if You own one. My daughter drove 50 mph. into a guardrail head on and the airbags did not deploy. Thank God She wasnt hurt badly. Hyundai was not concerned with the problem. I will never buy another.

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  Not aging gracefully - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By ecodrive - December 3 - 2:40 pm

  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...

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  Leaky car - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Tim - October 27 - 10:04 am

  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.

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  front crash - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By mike - January 26 - 8:30 pm

  I recently just crashed my car into a tree head on. This cars air bags did not deploy. The insurance adjuster could not believe it. I was lucky that I was not hurt. This car has a huge crumple zone which is good I guess. I loved my car and I serviced this car every 3000 miles. Good car but I dont think the security of having 6 airs bags should make you feel safe. If I could include pics I would you would not believe the damage this car suffered in a 30 mph crash.

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  10K Update - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By hutch7 - January 12 - 5:19 pm

  After 10K miles I am really trying to like this car but my first years ownership experience has been mediocre. One recall (fuel pump), two check engine lights (loose hoses), RR window track fell off and had to be repaired, Upholstery seems to be wearing poorly and its light color shows dirt, dealership botched the first oil change (admittedly not Hyundais fault) forgetting to replace the crush washer resulting in 3 qts of oil on my garage floor, interior door panels are cheap hard plastic and tend to scratch easily as well as rattle quite a bit. Otherwise car handles well is very ergonomic. My biggest disappointment are the latest iihs side impact test results...POOR/MARGINAL! Bummer...

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  Uncomfortable - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Toni - August 5 - 10:22 pm

  We bought this car based on all of the great reviews. It wasnt bad when we did the test drive. But we live 50 miles away, and by the time we got home our low backs were really hurting. Tried driving it a couple of more times, but it is uncomfortable in about 10 minutes. Then met someone else that commented on how uncomfortable the seats are. Now have it parked and trying to sell it. I hate this car!

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  falling apart quickly - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Sherri - June 7 - 12:43 am

  At 814 miles, 17th day of ownership, the fuel pump went out and left me stranded. Hyundais roadside said they would tow me to closest dealership and leave me there even though it was closed and would be for the next 2 days. On 21st day of ownership the drivers rear window wouldnt work and had to be repaired. The car didnt even have tags yet and is already falling apart. This particular car is a lemon and neither the manufacturer or dealership wants the responsibility for it, so as of now Im stuck with an unreliable poor quality vehicle still searching for some help.