2008 Hyundai Sonata Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The 2008 Hyundai Sonata is a value leader, offering a long list of standard equipment.
The Hyundai Sonata is an elder of the mid-size sedan segment, but its smooth styling, excellent equipment, and strong value still make it a compelling option to consider. The 2008 model has been updated with new features for the SE trim level, a premium stereo as standard equipment for the Sonata Limited trim level, and standard SiriusXM satellite radio across the lineup—except for the GL manual base trim.
For the 2008 model year, the Sonata is offered in three trim levels: GL, GLS, and Limited. Two engines are available as well: a 162-horsepower 2.4-litre four-cylinder and a 234-hp V6 engine. A five-speed manual transmission is standard for models equipped with the four-cylinder engine and a four-speed auto is available. V6 models come with a five-speed automatic transmission. All Sonata models use a front-wheel drive (FWD) drivetrain.
The Sonata is targeted at new-car buyers who are value-conscious and need a reliable sedan with a great warranty. It competes with the Nissan Altima, the Honda Accord, and the Toyota Camry, among others. It slots into the Hyundai lineup above the smaller and cheaper Elantra, but below the full-size Azera and recently launched Genesis luxury sedan.
Though it’s starting to show its age after almost five years on sale, the Hyundai Sonata still looks fresh, contemporary, and clean. It sports long lines and a rounded front end, which gives the sedan a family-friendly look. Optional alloy wheels sharpen up the exterior quite a bit, but the Sonata is just fine on its base 16-inch steel rolling stock.
The Sonata’s interior features more than a few hard plastics and cheap materials, but it’s on par with what is seen from the rest of its class. The dash is cleverly designed to reduce glare, as the top portion is a dark colour while the lower dash is lighter in colour. The contrast serves to make it easier to see in bright sunlight but also helps make the cabin look bigger inside with light colours low in the interior.
The good news for potential Sonata buyers is that it’s hard to go wrong with either engine choice. The 162-horsepower four-cylinder engine delivers healthy acceleration and has no trouble pushing the Sonata and a carload of passengers to highway speeds and beyond. The V6 with power specs of 234 horsepower can be thrilling at times and makes the Sonata truly quick. Both engines use trick tech to boost fuel economy and lower emissions.
The five-speed manual transmission provides good feedback and is easy to drive, but the automatic gearbox, which most buyers will likely choose, is equally as crisp. It cracks off shifts smoothly and downshifts willingly for quick maneuvers around town or for passing on the highway. Though a five-speed automatic transmission as is equipped on the V6 would be nice for the base engine, the four-speed can hold its own.
The Sonata’s ride quality is on par with what is expected from a family sedan. Its suspension is able to absorb the bumps on poorly maintained roads, but the larger 17-inch wheels cut into that comfort level noticeably. Braking and steering are both predictable and solid, greatly increasing the Sonata's sense of security on the road.
The Sonata fulfills its duty as a family hauler without complaint. The front seats are comfortable and well-padded, and they offer a good deal of bolstering support to keep drivers and passengers in place when the road gets curvy. The range-topping Limited model’s leather seats feel premium, thick, and soft.
Outward visibility is great in most directions, but suffers slightly to the rear blind spots, thanks to larger-than-necessary C-pillars on both sides. The rear seats are not as flat as many competing sedans and are a much nicer place to spend time because of it.
The Sonata’s trunk is deep, and it has a large opening that makes loading and unloading gear much easier. The car’s agreeable ride height aids in lifting cargo in and out as well.
Standard tech in the 2008 Sonata includes air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an AM/FM/MP3 stereo with CD player, and six speakers. Available features include a trip computer, Sirius XM satellite radio, an Infinity premium sound system with six speakers and subwoofer, power driver's seat adjustments, automatic headlights, a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, fog lights, automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and steering wheel audio controls.
The Sonata’s tech offerings are simple but work without hassle. The car’s relatively quiet interior helps make the audio system's sound quality clean and crisp, and in models with the available subwoofer, the sounds are deep and can even be bone-rattling at the right volume.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2008 Hyundai Sonata its top "good" ranking in the moderate-overlap front crash test, "acceptable" in side crash tests, "marginal" for roof strength, and "good" for head restraints and seats. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rated the Sonata five stars in front and side crash tests, and four stars in rollover resistance.
Standard safety features include dual-stage front airbags, front-seat side-impact airbags, and side curtain airbags. A brake-force distribution system, electronic stability control, traction control, and four-wheel anti-lock brakes are available.
The Hyundai Sonata GL trim level ($22,995) is well equipped out of the box, especially if you choose the automatic ($24,145). Stepping up one level to a Sonata GL Premium only brings the price to $25,545, and the GLS starts at $27,695. Adding the V6 engine bumps the price only slightly, and the Limited V6 tops the line-up at $29,995. There’s usually a caveat here that, despite having a great price, the vehicle just can’t deliver on equipment, but that isn't the case for the Sonata. It’s good in nearly any configuration, too, which makes it a value leader in its segment. Even the range-topping Hyundai Sonata Limited wins on value.
Buyers won’t be disappointed in fuel economy, either. With the four-cylinder engine and a manual gearbox, the Sonata delivers fuel consumption figures of 9.6 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 6.3 on the highway. With an automatic transmission, those numbers shift to 9.9 L/100 km city, 6.5 highway. Stepping up to the V6 powertrain will net fuel consumption of 11.5 L/100 km city, 7.2 highway.
Note: Images show a US model.
