The 2008 Hyundai Elantra comes in two trim levels, GLS and SE, both of which use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Buyers have a choice between five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission ($1000) for each trim level.
The GLS ($13,525) is the most basic and comes standard with power steering, power locks, windows and keyless entry, power heated mirrors, tinted glass, a 60/40 split rear folding seat with access to the trunk, and 15-inch wheels with full-size plastic wheel covers. The Preferred Package for the GLS ($1500) includes things that most car buyers consider necessary: air conditioning, AM/FM/CD six-speaker sound system, cruise control and foglamps. XM Satellite Radio is built into the sound system.
The SE ($16,225) is the sporty model and includes all the options in the GLS Preferred Package, plus a telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and 16-inch alloy wheels with wider profile tires. A Premium Package ($1150) includes a power sunroof and heated front seats. Another Premium package ($1950) adds leather seating surfaces (and replaces last year's Limited model).
Cleaner-running PZEV versions (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) are sold in California, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont and Maine that come with the automatic transmission and are available in GLS ($14,525) and SE ($17,225) trim.
Safety features that come on all Elantra models include four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, and active front head restraints. A tire pressure monitoring system comes standard on all models. Also, 24-hour roadside assistance for five years comes with the Elantra. Electronic Stability Control and Brake Assist comes on the SE model, which can help the driver control skids and stop more quickly in a panic braking situation.