2008 Hyundai Elantra

Pros: Gas mileage, trunk space
Cons: A little small if you've got more than two adults and two children.

We bought our Elantra last August and we've been in love with it ever since. It gets AWESOME gas mileage... and so far, we've had absolutely no mechanical problems. There is adequate trunk space, which is often lacking in smaller cars. I love the fact that the dash lighting is blue, instead of yellow or white light - it is much less distracting to my eyes.

Pros: XM factory radio, fuel economy, warranty and interior room.
Cons: Not exactly a sports car on twisty roads.

Could not be happier with my 2008 Hyundai Elantra SE. I was convinced a new Honda Civic was in my future until I started to read consumer reviews on the Hyundai and check the warranties on both cars.

Had I taken the Civic equipped the way my Hyundai is outfitted I would have paid between $2,000 and $3,000 extra.

Standard features include factory XM radio, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, audio and cruise control buttons on the steering wheel. Alloy wheels, leather interior with heated seats all for under $18,000.

With about 2500 miles on the clock fuel economy is about 28 city and over 35 highway. Smooth ride on the highway and nimble in the city.

Pros: Affordable.
Cons: Quality issues.

I own a hyundai elantra. Its slowly falling apart. I now believe for the extra $2000 that I need to spend to get a Toyota would be worth. It costs more because Toyota is a better quality vehicle than Hyundai.

Pros: Nice interior, great creature comforts for an affordable price, quiet cabin.
Cons: Brakes so responsive the car feels jerky, child seat anchors not available.

After test-driving the 2008 Hyundai Elantra GLS, Hyundai deserves far more credit than it currently receives. The cabin is roomy enough for passengers, including an infant carseat, the features are newer, the interior seems much more sturdy, the ride is smooth and the brakes are so responsive that it was almost strange to drive in such an in-tune auto!

Of course, part of my review of Hyundai may be biased - my first Hyundai was a 2001 Elantra GLS that was bought used in 2002. While it certainly needs a great deal of work now before passing it on to my sister since I will now have a 2008 version, it still runs extraordinarily well. Considering the beating I have given this car (i.e. poor routine maintenance track record, excessive long-distance driving, and slight bumps and fender-benders) this car has done extraordinarily well for a low price. After the $1,000 in repairs my '01 Elantra needs, it will be nearly as good as new, which leads me to believe that the '08 Elantra is a similarly good investment for a relatively low buy-in.