Odometer: 4530 miles
Avg MPG on current tank: 27.5
The 2008 Elantra got "Best Small Sedan" in Consumer Reports Top Picks survey. Though I like the car, that even surprised me. For the first time, Consumer Reports required its top 10 picks to have the anti-rollover technology, electronic stabililty control standard or an easily purchased option. That might have stacked the deck in the Elantra's favor, which has ESC standard on the SE model this year. (This was not even offered in 2007) The Santa Fe snagged the Best Mid-Size SUV. This is the first time Hyundai ever got any car in the Top Picks survey.
David Champion, the senior director of automotive testing at Consumer Reports said “If you look back in the early ’90s they were almost like the joke of the industry... They offer a very, very nice, competent car with all the bells and whistles for a very reasonable price, that’s going to be reliable as well.”
As for the popular family sedan category, the redesigned Honda Accord is the Top Pick for the sixth year in a row.
Here are Consumer Reports other Top Picks for 2008. For upscale sedan, the Infiniti G35. For luxury sedan, the Lexus LS 460L. For minivan, the Toyota Sienna. For small SUV, the Toyota RAV4. For green car, the Toyota Prius for the fifth year in a row. For top pick-up truck, the Chevy Silverado. And for fun to drive, once again the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
