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2008 Hyundai Sonata

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Overview

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2008 Hyundai Sonata Review

By KBB.com Editors

Quickly becoming a major player in the U.S. market, Hyundai demonstrates an uncanny ability to produce high-quality products at bargain-basement prices. The latest example of the company's accelerated design evolution is the Sonata, a roomy and well-equipped sedan challenging the dominance of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry (at least on paper) but costing thousands of dollars less. Built at Hyundai's factory in Alabama, the Sonata boasts an impressive list of standard safety equipment, helping it earn a five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're attracted to the idea of a feature-filled mid-size sedan that won't bust your budget, the Hyundai Sonata should be one of the cars on your list. Also worth noting is Hyundai's very real commitment to including a high level of standard safety equipment on every vehicle.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The Sonata carries the unenviable burden of competing in the same category as the Accord and Camry, perennial industry benchmarks not only in popularity but also in quality. For anyone accustomed to that top-level refinement, the Sonata's higher level of equipment for the money might not be enough to tip the scales in its favor.

What's Significant About This Car?

The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is now available on all trims, while the GLS trim can now be had with a V6 engine. XM Satellite Radio is standard across the line and the SE receives a power driver's seat. Limited models now feature a six-speaker Infiniti sound system with separate subwoofer.

Driving the Sonata

Driving Impressions The Hyundai Sonata drives like a small car. On the plus side, that means more nimble and confident handling. On the flip side, that means a ride less insulated from...

rough roads. Over smooth highways, our V6 Sonata GLS was comfortable and quiet, even with its low-profile tires. It also delivered brisk acceleration—both off the line and in short-order passing situations—while the five-speed automatic transmission shifted smoothly and responded quickly to manual commands. Overall, the new Sonata does many things well. But, unlike some of its world-beating competitors, the new Sonata is merely equal to the sum of its parts.

Favorite Features

Automatic Air Quality System
When a sensor detects an excess of pollen or diesel fumes, for instance, the ventilation system automatically switches into the recirculation mode.

Aggressive Low-Profile Tires
The same tires you might expect to find on a sporty coupe help to make the V6 Sonata a worthy companion on meandering roads.

2008 Hyundai Sonata Details

Interior

Although the Sonata competes in the mid-size sedan category, the EPA actually groups it in the "Large Car" category due to its generous interior space. Even though it barely makes the "Large Car" cutoff, the Sonata treats front and rear passengers to a cabin that is spacious and comfortable, although some might find the front seat cushion lacking in thigh support due to its minimal up-angle adjustment. The attractive environment also features nicer materials and cleaner designs than many might expect, with the possible exception of the center of the instrument panel, and the Sonata's designers have done a fine job in minimizing the effects of inexpensive plastic.

Exterior

The Hyundai Sonata features significantly more contemporary styling than previous generations, though some might argue the design is also somewhat generic. The SE trim's available features, like dual chrome exhaust outlets and 17-inch aluminum wheels equipped with aggressive Michelin Pilot tires, provide a little more character. Overall, we like the Sonata's new styling, even if it's squarely on the conservative side, and don't see any single design feature likely to turn anybody away from the car.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

One of the Sonata's key selling points is its impressive equipment list, including an admirable array of standard safety features. The base Sonata features a sophisticated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system, cruise control, keyless entry, power windows and door locks, heated power side mirrors and leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel (V6 only). The long list of standard safety equipment includes front, front-side and front- and rear-curtain airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS) and whiplash-reducing active front head restraints.

Optional Equipment

Available upgrades include a 234-horsepower V6, four-speed and five-speed automatic transmissions with manual gear select, sunroof, Infinity AM/FM/6 CD/MP3 sound system, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, automatic headlights, trip computer, fog lights, heated front seats, eight-way power driver's seat and auto-dimming rearview mirror. Many of these features are standard on the SE and Limited.

Under the Hood

The base powertrain package in the 2008 Hyundai Sonata is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder mated to a five-speed manual transmission, which complements the car's nimble handling better than the same engine in combination with the available four-speed automatic transmission. With dual overhead cams and continuously variable valve timing, this all-aluminum engine is good for 162 horsepower and 164 pound-feet of torque. The best partnership under the hood, however, is the sophisticated new 3.3-liter V6 and the responsive five-speed automatic transmission. With 234 horsepower, 226 pound-feet of torque and manually selectable gears, it isn't hard to coax the V6 Sonata into having a little fun.

2.4-liter in-line 4
162 horsepower @ 5800 rpm
164 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/31 (manual), 21/30 (automatic)

3.3-liter V6
234 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
226 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/28

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Hyundai Sonata vehicles for sale near you.

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2008 Hyundai Sonata Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.8

Out of 10

Based on 606 Ratings for the 2006 - 2010 models.

Review this car

Value

9.1/10

Quality

8.9/10
Reliability

9.2/10

Performance

8.9/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

9.0/10

Hyundai ins't the best

By Matt (AZ) on Friday, April 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 64,000

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 3/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 3/10

Pros: "quick, great stock sound system"

Cons: "everything else"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 3

"We bought this car new in 2008 and so far its served its purpose as a daily driver. The car is pretty reliable and has some neat features, like steering wheel mounted audio controls. The car also has a lot of pep for a 4 cylinder and can easily overtake a slow poke on the highway. Unfortunately, the car's shortcomings balance out the good points. The seats are very uncomfortable and the ride is jiggly with the car wanting to go the direction of every crack in the road. The cabin is noisy but thankfully there are a lot of soft touch materials, which I like, but it's not the sturdiest, the armrest on the driver side door has cracked down the middle and the center storage wont shut anymore. Gas mileage is so-so, 24.6 combined mpg (although mostly highway), no better than our v6 Maxima. Maintenance, besides the usual oil change, is very expensive and not easy for the do-it-yourselfer; just replacing 2 tires cost over $400! Our Sonata has also had a fair amount of electrical issues; the horn, a/c, radio, alarm, power locks, speedometer, and even the electronics on the transmission (ex: cruising down the freeway at 70 mph and the transmission mysteriously shifts into 1st gear.) have given us grief over the years. These issues have been present since we bought the car and the dealer mechanics haven't even tried to figure it out. Thankfully the car has never actually broken down but it gives us frights now and again. But now that the warranty has expired the check engine light has come on. I'm sure my car is a "rare" case but just from reading around these problems seem like something to consider when looking into buying one. Overall if you can get your hands on a GOOD one its worth taking a look when you consider its cheap initial price, but keep in mind that it's more suited to be a temporary or back up car, or an extra car for the teen."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Love this car

By Chuck (TX) on Monday, April 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 90,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Milage and power great on the road"

Cons: "Milage in town not so good"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I bought this car in March of 2006. It has been in California, Ohio, New York, Long Island ,Georgia twice, and Alabama 10 time.Oh I forgot Florida. This car is the best running car I have ever owned. It has never been to a dealer since the first year. I have a local garage that I trust and have taken care of it since March 2007. I change oil every 3m and transmission every 35M. Yes, all the new ones look good but my car will stay with me for a very long time"

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Best bang for the buck.

By TZAZ (AZ) on Monday, March 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 65,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Price can't be beat, depenable, gas milage."

Cons: "Could use power driver seat standard."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Bought this car new have only had it in for a factory fix on sun visors and an electrical switch recall. Great milage for the horsepower(V6) and good handling. Going to sell soon and buy another Sonata this time a turbo."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Great Car

By Ken (MA) on Sunday, March 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 250,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "great value"

Cons: "cant think of a single one."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have put 250000+ miles on this car with only minor what I would call routeen maint issues. It also has hundreds of hours ideling as an office to keep either cool or warm.Great car and will buy another one."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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My Sonata continues to be awesome!

By Denthemen (TX) on Friday, March 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 107,650

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great fun to drive with super power"

Cons: "Wow, I can't think of one!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This car rides well, gets 28 on the highway for a 6 cyc, plenty of leg room front and back, tons of trunk space and fabric has been easy to keep clean. Cup holders are well placed. The car has protected me when I was in a wreck. The car is fixed and I continue to drive it! I love the XM feature."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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very reliable and spacious family car

By speedcachow (MA) on Sunday, February 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 99,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "fun to drive, great price, reliable , great on ga"

Cons: "boring lol i need a manual transmission"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought my car when I was 6 months pregnant and now my son is 2... this has been my most reliable car ever. I'm a bit f a car snob and was hesitant to purchase a car out of my "circle" of automobiles, but Hyundai really impressed me! This car flies ( obviously when mommy is alone!) & I can appreciate a good, strong v6 engine ;) would totally recommend it to anyone"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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