Hyundai Elantra
First-half sales, 2008 61,978
First-half sales, 2007: 49,932
Increase: 24.1%
At a starting price of $14,145, the Hyundai Elantra has standard features that are either optional or unavailable on competing cars, like roof-mounted side curtain air bags, side air bags, antilock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, and "active" front head restraints to reduce whiplash injuries. The Elantra was redesigned in fall 2006 for the 2007 model year. Gas mileage is an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city/33 mpg highway. The Elantra was No. 3 in the compact car segment in the 2008 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study, behind the Honda Civic and the Toyota Prius.
