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.
For the 2008 model year, the Sonata is offered in three trim levels: GLS, SE, and Limited. Two engines are available as well: a 162-horsepower 2.4-liter 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. All Sonata models are front-wheel drive.
The Sonata is targeted at new-car buyers that are value-conscious and need a reliable sedan with a great warranty. It competes with the Nissan Altima, Honda Accord, and 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 sales, 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 SE also comes with a deckled spoiler to bump up its sportiness.
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 color while the lower dash is lighter in color. The contrast serves to make it easier to see in bright sunlight but also helps make the cabin look bigger inside with light colors 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 234-hp V6 can be thrilling at times and makes the Sonata truly quick. Both engines use trick tech to boost fuel economy and lower emissions. As a result, they’ve both achieved LEVII ULEV designations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
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 would be nice, 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, well-padded, and 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, a trip computer, keyless entry, an AM/FM stereo with CD player, six speakers, and Sirius XM satellite radio. Available features include an Infinity premium sound system with six speakers and subwoofer, power driver's seat adjustments, automatic headlights, a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, 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" rating 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 electronic stability control, traction control, dual-stage front airbags, front-seat side-impact airbags, automatic climate controls, side curtain airbags, a brake-force distribution system, and four-wheel anti-lock brakes.
The Hyundai Sonata GLS trim level is well equipped out of the box, and its starting price of just $17,670 before destination, taxes, or options can’t be beaten. Stepping up one level to a Sonata SE only brings the price to $19,570, and the Limited model is only $22,470. Adding the V6 engine bumps the price by about $3,500. 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 EPA-estimated fuel economy numbers of 21/31/25 mpg city/hwy/combined, and with an automatic transmission, those numbers shift to 21/30/24 mpg. Stepping up to the V6 powertrain will net gas mileage of 19/28/22 mpg.
User reviews for 2008 Hyundai Sonata
Write a review2008 Hyundai Sonata Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.44
Exterior Features
Paint: pearl · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: wind deflector
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · CD changer: 6 · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · XM-ready satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Dash trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.44
Exterior Features
Paint: pearl
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: performance
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: storage organizer · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.33
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Paint: pearl · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: wind deflector
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · CD changer: 6 · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Dash trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.33
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Paint: pearl
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: performance
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Dash trim: simulated wood · Door sill trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: storage organizer · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.77
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: aluminum · Door handle color: chrome · Grille color: chrome · Paint: pearl
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: tilt/slide
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Dash trim: simulated wood · Door sill trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: storage organizer · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.33
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: aluminum · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: chrome · Paint: pearl
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: tilt/slide
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive
