2008 Hyundai Entourage Review

What the reviewers like:
The Hyundai Entourage minivan receives top scores in government crash testing, and its long warranty is another plus with reviewers. Most say the Hyundai Entourage is well-built, with a substantial list of standard equipment. The Entourage also garners high marks for its smooth and quiet ride, powerful engine, brisk acceleration and low price.

What the reviewers don't like:
Critics state the Hyundai Entourage could handle better, and its rear-seat leg room is somewhat tight. Overall, reviewers agree that the Entourage is not as refined as traditional class leaders like the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna, nor is the cargo space as generous. Some of the high-end features available on these minivans (like a rear-view camera and navigation system) aren't even options on the Entourage, and some reviewers feel that many of the cabin materials are inferior. Long-term reliability may also be an issue for the Hyundai Entourage.

2008 Hyundai Entourage review highlights

The 2008 Hyundai Entourage, along with the Kia Sedona (*est. $20,695 to $26,195) and Honda Odyssey (*est. $25,860 to $40,610), was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for its best-in-class crash-test ratings. Reviews note that the Hyundai Entourage doesn't quite compete with perennial top-tier favorites like the Odyssey or the Toyota Sienna (*est. $24,340 to $37,665), when it comes to handling, responsiveness, interior refinement and available options, but reviewers had no trouble identifying the Sedona and Entourage as best-value minivans. While the Hyndai Entourage is considered a top minivan for value, you might also consider the redesigned Dodge Grand Caravan, which also performs well in this price class.

Reviewers say the Hyundai Entourage was the most significant new minivan introduced in 2007 (its sister minivan, the Kia Sedona, hit the market a few years earlier). We found credible and detailed reviews for the newest 2008 Entourage at Edmunds.com, where this minivan is compared directly to its competitors. Other reviews come from Road and Travel, Cars.com and Consumer Reports. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) provides crash-test results, and names the Hyundai Entourage one of three top safety picks among all 2008 minivans.

Also see full report: Minivans

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Edmunds.com
2008 Hyundai Entourage Review
Editors of Edmunds.com

Edmunds.com doesn't test the Hyundai Entourage head-to-head against other minivans, but its editors do compare it to the competition in some ways. Overall, this is the most detailed comparative review we found for the Hyundai minivan.

2. Cars.com
2008 Hyundai Entourage Review
Editors of Cars.com

This review doesn’t involve head-to-head testing, but does make comparisons to competing minivans. The attached narrative also provides a good overview of the minor revisions made to the Hyundai Entourage for 2008.

3. Consumer Reports
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2008 Hyundai Entourage Review
Editors of Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports' editors base much of their analysis of the Hyundai Entourage on road testing of its twin, the 2006 Kia Sedona. However, they also include results of owner satisfaction surveys and repair data to provide a helpful all-around estimate of the pros and cons of “real world” Entourage ownership.

4. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Top Safety Picks 2008
Editors of IIHS

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash-tests cars and trucks for three impact scenarios. Cars then receive ratings based on the results for each position. In order to merit recognition as a top safety pick, a car must get the highest rating of "good" in all three crash tests, plus offer electronic stability control. This year, the Hyundai Entourage was one of three minivans (its sister model, the Kia Sedona, and the Honda Odyssey were the other winners) to be awarded the “Top Safety Pick” designation.

5. Road and Travel.com
2007 Minivan of the Year
Martha Hindes

A jury of automotive journalists from newspapers, websites and automotive magazines selected the Hyundai Entourage as 2007 Minivan of the Year. The Entourage is praised for its exceptional value and long features list, as well as its standard safety features including dual-stage front air bags and side- and curtain-style air bags for first- and second-row seats. As only minor upgrades are present on the 2008 Entourage, this slightly dated review is still applicable to minivan shoppers who may be interested in a new Entourage. However, the redesigned Dodge Grand Caravan wins the award for 2008.

Also see full report: Minivans