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2008 Hyundai Elantra Safety Review

July 14, 2008

SAFETY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Hyundai has added an electronic stability system as standard equipment
Cars.com

safety features include ABS, traction control, [and] antiskid system
Washington Post

Five stars, front impact; four stars, side impact
NHTSA

Front, side, and curtain airbags are standard across the 2008 Hyundai Elantra lineup. So too are anti-lock brakes and active head restraints; stability control and brake assist are also standard on the SE for the new model year.

With all that safety equipment, the 2008 Hyundai Elantra gets good but not stellar results, including four stars for side impact in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests and Acceptable ratings for rear impact from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Elantra did, however, get top scores in frontal impact from both tests.

The Washington Post concurs that the safety features available on the Hyundai Elantra "include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags."

The only visibility issue on the 2008 Hyundai Elantra was noted by Kelley Blue Book, which reports "visibility is slightly hampered aft and to right rear."

Conclusion

The 2008 Hyundai Elantra provides good crash protection and safety gear.

SAFETY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Hyundai has added an electronic stability system as standard equipmentCars.comsafety features include ABS, traction control, [and] antiskid systemWashington PostFive stars, front impact; four stars, side impactNHTSA Front, side, and curtain airbags are standard across the 2008 Hyundai Elantra lineup. So too are anti-lock brakes and active head restraints; stability control and brake assist are also standard on the SE for the new model year. With all that safety equipment, the 2008 Hyundai Elantra gets good but not stellar results, including four stars for side impact in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests and Acceptable ratings for rear impact from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Elantra did, however, get top scores in frontal impact from both tests. The Washington Post concurs that the safety features available on the Hyundai Elantra "include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags." The only visibility issue on the 2008 Hyundai Elantra was noted by Kelley Blue Book, which reports "visibility is slightly hampered aft and to right rear." ConclusionThe 2008 Hyundai Elantra provides good crash protection and safety gear. 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA STYLING | [7 out of 10] Cars.com: "the new Elantra adopts a taller, curvier look" Washington Post: "the car does not pretend to be hot, hip, sexy or wicked" Kelley Blue Book: "not necessarily an example of modern style" Edmunds: "interior quality is quite literally ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2008 Hyundai Elantra stands out in its class, pragmatically, with a roomier interior, a more settled ride, and better drivability than most of the cars in its segment, but many of its rivals have it beat for personality or sportiness. The Civic, Spectra, and Mazda3 all feel sportier on the road, with more responsive handling and a better feel of the road, but each of those models arguably has more road noise inside and a ride that isn't quite as smooth. The new-for-2008 Ford Focus is a close competitor, with a softer, smoother ride and a quieter interior than in years past, along with a refined powertrain, but the Focus's interior just isn't as spacious. The Elantra's 14.2-cubic-foot trunk capacity also beats Civic and Corolla. The Corolla has long been the segment benchmark, but the current (outgoing) model is especially conservative; to its credit, the Corolla gets especially good fuel economy. The Elantra's long warranty is only matched by the Kia; Hyundai's warranty--five years or 60,000 miles comprehensive and 10 years or 100,000 miles on the powertrain--gives it a distinct advantage to buyers who want to keep the Elantra for a long time with no financial fuss.

Next Steps:

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See the Hyundai Elantra in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (2 total)

  1. By Debra J Jensen #1, Posted: 9/29/2008

    CD Player

    I purchased the 2008 Hyundai Elantra in June. The CD player has already started burning the CDs and Hyundai has refused to stand by them. They want to put a "reconditioned" CD player in this brand new car. In other words, they are taking a radio that someone else has had trouble with and put it in my car. They are aware of the problem but refuse to stand behind the product they endorse. I will never recommend Hyundai to anyone.

  2. By Kumar #2, Posted: 6/15/2009

    Just pure fun :) Purchased this car a year ago, and still loving it till today. For the price you pay, this is the best in the market. Engine performance is great, and the interior setup is neat and clean.

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