4 Star Reviews for 2008 Hyundai Elantra

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 11 through 20 of 195.00
  • Outstanding Small Car - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
    By -

    Purchased for $12,000 used with 12,000 miles on it, and I love this car. Well worth every penny its quiet, stable, and solid. Handling is neutral and predictable, steering is effortless, and the brakes are very strong. I looked at a few of the "top" cars in this class before pulling the trigger on this car, and none could match it. The ride is good, interior comfortable and pleasing to the eye, and it handles better then expected. Good stereo, excellent ergonomics, classy looking exterior. Its an impressive small car in its class. Ive shown it to friends and family and they all think "wow nice little car!" Especially from those who expect junk from Hyundai. This car is far from junk.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • GREAT DEAL - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
    By -

    Ive been through alot with this car, it took its bumps and bruises. It stood STRONG! Aside from plastics on the cheaper side, you get so much for what you pay for. Plus, i got a STEAL on it, dont overlook the Elantra! BEAST CAR!

  • Windows not tempered enough - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
    By -

    The windows on my Elantra are not tinted enough and the care get extrememly hot - enough to heat a meal if left on dashboard and I have a wheel cover on the steering wheel so I can touch it. I live in the south and it gets very hot. On long trips I have to keep something over my knees if it is in the summer and I have on short pants. The AC is somewhat inadequate unless run on high. Contacted Hyuandi America and they claim it is a problem for the dealership. So much for customer satisfaction. Will not purchase another one

  • Great Value for the Money - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
    By -

    I have always bought new vehicles and driven them between 250-300,000 miles. After exhaustive research which included talking to other Elantra owners I purchased one. I got a tremendous deal out the door including financing for about 15k(on an SE not GLS). On the last trip at 75 mph with the air on, a full load of passengers and full trunk I got 34 mpg. This wasnt based on the trip computer, it was the old fashioned way of calculating.Mixed driving 29 mpg. After 20,000 miles I am thoroughly convinced that this is the best deal out there. I test drove all the other cars in the class and sure some are peppier or handle better but if you are looking for best bang for you buck, here it is.

  • Great car for those on a budget - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
    By -

    I was looking for a car to drive back and forth to school going to college and all. I was really satisfied with the interior design of the Elantra, except for some of the cheap plastics. The car is a nice smooth ride, and is reliable, but it gets boring driving it after a while and it could use a little more power.

  • Whole lotta car for the money - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
    By -

    I LOVE THIS CAR!!! This is my first "foreign" car but absolutely love it. You get a lot of car for the money, and I feel so safe with all the airbags that almost surround you.

  • After 6 Mo/ Comparing with wifes Civic - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
    By -

    After having the Elantra for 6 months, Im a very happy Elantra owner. I have not found one defect inside or out. This car delivers up to 41 mpg on the freeway and as low as 27 city which is a huge range but with the AC off on short trips in a rural area I average 31mph. We also purchased a new Civic Ex about the same time for my wife.I have to say that the Elantra has a much smoother and more quiet ride than the Civic EX that my wife drives. The Elantra has a slower responsive steering set up but not sure if that is bad since Im not racing the Indy 500. The interior could be nicer but for the money, this car is hard to beat.

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