Best economy car, hatchback 2011 Honda Fit *Est. $15100
Best economy car, sedan 2011 Hyundai Elantra *Est. $14830
Best sporty compact car 2011 Volkswagen GTI *Est. $23695
Best nonhybrid fuel economy 2011 Volkswagen Golf TDI *Est. $23225
Best cheap compact car 2011 Nissan Versa *Est. $9990

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2008 Hyundai Elantra

*Est. $13,625 to $17,325

Pros

Spacious, attractive cabin
Generous standard features
Good crash-test ratings
Excellent warranty

Cons

Engine noise at high speeds
Not sporty
Acceleration is just adequate

Our Analysis

We found the most comprehensive and up-to-date review for the 2008 Hyundai Elantra in Consumer Reports magazine, where editors perform extensive road evaluations and combine those results with owner-reported data to estimate qualities such as safety, long-term reliability, and owner satisfaction. ConsumerGuide.com engages in similar road testing of the 2008 Elantra, although its results are reported in a different form. Useful single-vehicle reviews can be found at Edmunds.com and CarCritic.com. Car and Driver and Motor Trend magazines provide results of head-to-head testing involving the Hyundai Elantra and several of its closest rivals; both of these comparisons utilized 2007 models, however. The Car Family, a branch of the National Motorists Association, publishes an article evaluating the Elantra and other inexpensive compact cars on their family functionality.

The Hyundai Elantra was redesigned and enlarged for the 2007 model year -- so enlarged, in fact, that most reviewers say it's now more of a midsized sedan than a compact car. Both GLS and SE trims are powered by a 138-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. A PZEV variant will be sold in California-emissions states. Reviewers claim that the Hyundai Elantra boasts improved handling, fuel economy and comfort, and that it carries a full complement of standard safety features. However, some also note that engine noise on the highway is pronounced and that the Elantra doesn't have the sporty feel of the class-leading Honda Civic (*est. $14,800 to $23,250). Overall, most sources say the 2008 Elantra is a good bet for those seeking a midsized car at a compact price.

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2008 Hyundai Elantra

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Consumer Reports evaluates virtually every vehicle on the U.S. market, including the 2008 Hyundai Elantra. The analysis focuses mainly on ride quality, handling and safety; information regarding predicted reliability for the redesigned Elantra is included.

Review: 2008 Hyundai Elantra, Editors of Consumer Reports

2. ConsumerGuide.com

The 2008 Hyundai Elantra scores above the class average when it comes to various aspects of performance. The editors applaud it for build quality and fuel efficiency, but they say acceleration isn't a strength.

Review: 2008 Hyundai Elantra, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Aug. 26, 2008

3. Edmunds.com

Editors evaluate the Hyundai Elantra on qualities such as safety, interior design and driving experience, with informal comparisons with its rivals. Editors say the 2008 Hyundai Elantra is a comfortable and reliable compact sedan.

Review: 2008 Hyundai Elantra Review, Editors at Edmunds.com

4. CarCritic.comDetails/Subscribe

This concise but critical assessment says the Hyundai Elantra has improved immensely. He points out that a 2007 redesign has made it roomier, and that the 2008 Elantra offers great features for the price.

Review: 2008 Hyundai Elantra, Don Vorderman

5. Motor Trend Details/Subscribe

In Motor Trend's head-to-head testing of four "commuter-combat" cars, starting under $20,000, the Elantra places last overall. Lassa says its ride simply isn't as smooth or its structure as rigid as its competitors'.

Review: Comparison: 2007 Honda Civic vs. 2007 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer vs. 2007 Nissan Sentra, Todd Lassa

6. Car and Driver Details/Subscribe

The 2007 Hyundai Elantra comes in fourth in this comparison of six sedans. The interior is comfortable and the price is right, editors say, but the Elantra doesn't feel as sporty as the others.

Review: Sensible Shoes, Patrick Bedard, Dec. 2006

7. Motorists.org

Motorist.org editors consider the Elantra an "exceptional" choice -- tied with the Nissan Versa for best value among compact cars starting below $15,000. They praise the handling, spaciousness, appearance and long warranty.

Review: The Best Cars Under $15,000, Editors of The Car Family, May 2007

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