2008 Used Hyundai Sonata NH

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2008 Hyundai Sonata Overview

The sporty SE has been upgraded with high-performance tires, a decklid spoiler, and an eight-way power driver's seat. The 2008 Sonata Limited model comes standard with the super-deluxe stereo that was optional last year. And XM Satellite Radio comes standard on all 2008 models. Otherwise, Sonata is not significantly changed since it was totally redesigned for 2006

Hyundai has introduced more four-cylinder versions of its midsize Sonata sedan in response to concern about high gas prices. All Hyundai Sonata models, not just the base version, are available with an economical four-cylinder engine.

Driving Impressions of the 2008 Hyundai Sonata

The suspension layout looks good on paper, with double wishbones in front, multiple control links in back, and twin-tube gas-pressure shocks and stabilizer bars all around. The V6 boasts a larger front bar to handle the larger engine's weight. But how it all works together needs work. Against the competition, which has been refining its suspension technology for much longer than Hyundai, the Sonata feels less polished, less of a whole. Not that there's anything wrong or necessarily lacking in the ride and handling. It's just that some of the transitions, in direction and between types and qualities of pavement, aren't as smooth as the look and feel of the Sonata promises. The front end tucks in nicely as steering is cranked in, but the car doesn't track as surely as expected. Hyundai says the new tires on the 2008 SE improve steering response, but we haven't tried that combination.

Shifts are executed easily with the five-speed manual, and chirping the front tires is easy. The Shiftronic automatic transmission moves between gears smoothly, kicking down for passing with minimal hesitation. The automatic offered responsive performance while tackling the hills of San Francisco. In manual mode, the Shiftronic will upshift automatically when the engine bumps up against redline; it declines to downshift at all, leaving that to the driver's preferences.

2008 Used Hyundai Sonata Lineup

The Limited features leather seating surfaces, eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, automatic climate control with filtration, electrochromic auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink and compass, telescoping steering wheel, and a sliding center armrest. A chrome center-bar grille, chrome-accented exterior door handles, and new aluminum bodyside moldings identify Limited from the outside. Wheels and tires are the same size as those on the SE, but use a different tread pattern. For 2008, the Infinity AM/FM/XM/6CD/MP3 stereo with six speakers, subwoofer and component amplifier is also standard. The Limited V6  is similarly equipped. A power tilt-and-slide sunroof is optional.

The Premium Package  for either SE adds an Infinity AM/FM/XM/6CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers, subwoofer and component amplifier; power tilt-and-slide sunroof; and an electrochromic auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink and a compass.

Sonata SE  comes with larger disc brakes, 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with 215/55R17 all season performance tires, eight-way power driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support, leather-wrapped shift knob, tilt-and-telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, solar-control glass, fog lights, automatic headlights, chrome window belt moldings, and a trip computer. The four-cylinder SE only comes with the manual transmission; the SE V6Seats are comfortable, with adequate bolstering for the style of driving to which the Sonata aspires. The Limited model's leather adds a touch of class without pretending to be luxurious. The height adjustment on the driver's seat, both manual and power, pivots on the seat's front mounts, which effectively moves the seat forward as it rises. This compels taller drivers to choose between rearward seat travel and forward sightline, not always a happy compromise. On the upside, this adds inches to rear-seat legroom behind the driver, one of the multitude of measures in which the Sonata generally bests its competition. The Sonata is among the roomier cars in its class comes with the automatic.

Interior of the 2008 Hyundai Sonata

Seats are comfortable, with adequate bolstering for the style of driving to which the Sonata aspires. The Limited model's leather adds a touch of class without pretending to be luxurious. The height adjustment on the driver's seat, both manual and power, pivots on the seat's front mounts, which effectively moves the seat forward as it rises. This compels taller drivers to choose between rearward seat travel and forward sightline, not always a happy compromise. On the upside, this adds inches to rear-seat legroom behind the driver, one of the multitude of measures in which the Sonata generally bests its competition. Sonata comes in second to the new Honda Accord in front and rear headroom, and to the Toyota Camry in rear-seat headroom, and by a mere one- to three-tenths of an inch. And of the second-tier competitors, the Kia Optima alone betters the new Sonata and then only by three-tenths of an inch in front seat hip room. In short, the Sonata is among the roomier cars in its class.

As with many modern cars, the stereo head is fully integrated into the dash, making difficult any aftermarket customizing of the sound system but adding an upscale touch. Air conditioner controls are mounted beneath the stereo, within the accent trim centered in the lower portion of the center stack. Stereo and air conditioner controls are substantial, finger-friendly, intuitive knobs and buttons, with status and selections clearly displayed in their respective LCDs

Summary

The 2008 Hyundai Sonata delivers full-size, family-style room and comfort with fuel economy from the available four-cylinder engine. Sonata comes close to the refinement of competitive models from Toyota, Nissan, and Ford, while offering more room for less money

Some information for this review was obtained from NewCarTestDrive.com