Used 2008 Hyundai Tucson Consumer Reviews
Used Tucson for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
One of the most under rated small SUV's
Bob Senter, 06/05/2016
2008 Hyundai Tucson GLS 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
47 of 48 people found this review helpful
Super reliable, easy to live with, easy to drive and park, carries 5 people with ease, comfortable on long trips and tons of utility and space. Not the pretties SUV ever built but definitely one of the best.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Best bang for the buck
Craig, 05/31/2009
2008 Hyundai Tucson GLS 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
17 of 18 people found this review helpful
Purchased this SUV after having a 4 cyl 5 speed Sante Fe for 4 years & was quite happy with both service & reliability with Hyundai vehicles. Was looking for something comparable & found the 4 cyl 5 speed Tucson surprisingly similar to drive. Handles very well in the city with great gas mileage. Having purchased a front-wheel drive, a good set of snow tires handled winter driving in the snow well. The highway driving is very good but the engine works harder on hills with 4 passengers and a full load, which is to be expected. Interior noise is surprisingly quiet for a hard working engine as well as very smooth handling. Recommend this vehicle with anyone with kids.Trunk space is a minimum
hmmmmm, jury is still out.
Salem Boicot, 11/20/2008
2008 Hyundai Tucson GLS 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
16 of 18 people found this review helpful
So far, I like the general conservative styling of the vehicle. I have the black interior which gets rid of a lot of the tackiness and cheap feel. Audio is great. Handling is brilliant for a car in its' class. A few blind spots, but otherwise vision is good. Space is well used in car, although question to the depth of the dashboard, could be smaller so that the interior is forward with larger boot. Fuel economy and engine performance is rubbish. Thus far have got no where near what the dealer claimed, transmission is horrible, it needs 5 gears with better ratios, and it loves a drink. You watch the fuel gauge more than the road. Don't get this if you want an economical car.
Love This SUV
Love My First SUV, 10/28/2010
2008 Hyundai Tucson GLS 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I've only owned this vehicle for a couple of months and I'm very pleased. This is my very first SUV. My sister owns a Sonata and my dad owns a 2007 Tucson and I've never heard them complain so I got one. My Tucson is a 2.0L 4-cyl but I like it. Could do a lot better on gas.
Not my favorite...
Beans, 12/09/2019
2008 Hyundai Tucson Limited 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
So I've had this for a while and figured I'd write a review because there are alot of used Hyundai tucsons on the market everywhere I look. Rather save someone the trouble. The ride itself is smooth in my opinion. The seats are comfortable (I have cloth interior so it could be a diff experience for others with leather). Heating and cooling is solid, the fans are a bit loud at maximum power though. Highway noise with the windows down is no joke. I have to keep my drivers side window up because the wind whistles are brutal. The radio is mediocre, it's pretty basic...if you want bass you'll have to install something else. No aux cord by the way. Blind spots are a bit dodgy, I never had this issue with other vehicles. This is not a race car, if you drive with a need for speed, dont bother passing up others, its unsafe to do so with this suv. Fuel economy is horrible, I see about 16mpg on a good day... I live at the gas station. Havent had any engine issues or expensive repairs yet. Issues with the door locks at times, passenger is outside tugging but the door wont open...weird. Would I reccomend? No. Strictly based on the gas mileage and acceleration issues.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great buy!
DeeJai, 11/15/2009
2008 Hyundai Tucson GLS 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
15 of 18 people found this review helpful
I bought my Hyndai Tucson in late '08 at a decent "end of model year" discount. This is by far the smallest, and only front wheel drive suv I have ever owned but it has proven it self very capable. I have taken it from Washington, to Utah, to Alaska, all the way up to Inuvik,NWT (look it up on a google) and then all the way to New York. It does amazingly well on snow (with some good snow tires)and even handles mud and dirt roads with ease. All around I'm sure glad I bought a Tucson!
Does What I Want
DAS, 04/02/2010
2008 Hyundai Tucson SE 4dr SUV 4WD (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
18 of 22 people found this review helpful
We bought a used 2008 Hyundai Tucson 4x4, 2.7L V-6 last year from CarMax to replace our 2005 RAV4 after a wreck. So far, we are satisfied with the Tucson. I had a chance to try out the ABS, traction control, 4 wheel drive, and stability control several times this winter in New Mexico - it all works well. At 21k, the Bridgestones are already showing moderate wear, so we'll be looking at new tires probably by 30k or so. I'm not overly impressed with the 2.7L V-6. It's short on power and only averages around 19 to 20 mpg, giving us the power of a 4 and the mileage of a 6, the worst of both worlds. But it's reliable with no mechanical or quality issues. So far, so good.
Going very nicely
Tom, 10/27/2008
2008 Hyundai Tucson GLS 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Very sharp turning circle. Entire vehicle well constructed. Firm ride but sporty. Gas mileage so far for mixed driving is 23-25 mpg. Good view of road and the rear. Nice high driving position. Quiet for a 4 cylinder.
a wonderful little SUV
awongmath, 03/15/2009
2008 Hyundai Tucson SE 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have owned this little SUV for 15 months now, with nary a service problem or defect. I test drove a RAV4, VUE, Escape, and the CRV; I needed a vehicle that could easily tote my daughter's everyday wheelchair and a sport wheelchair. This SUV is roomy (can hold her everyday wheelchair in the back or two medium dog crates w/o putting the rear seat down), is great fun to drive, and the turning radius is good (better than Mazda MPV, about the same as a Camry, not as good as a Volvo or BMW sedan).
Best SUV I've owned
coyote prosapio, 03/27/2009
2008 Hyundai Tucson SE 4dr SUV 4WD (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
We live in the "outback" of New Mexico, a mix of bad paved roads and dirt. I've owned a 4-Runner, a Tundra, a Subaru and a mix of Detroit bummers, this small SUV is at the top of the list. We got about 27mpg in the Subaru along with a tough ride. We get a great ride in the Tundra, but truck mileage. In the Hyundai we get 30 on the highway and a Tundra ride. (and a Tundra sound system, AM/FM/CD/Cassette.) I hope this one is as long lasting as a Toyota 'cause we intend to keep it as our main ride. I've read the comments about "ungainly ride" but that isn't my experience at all. In fact this one rides as well as the Tundra which is like a limo.
Best Vehicle I've Driven
Greg S., 08/16/2010
2008 Hyundai Tucson SE 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful
In driving cars since 1975 the Tucson is the best vehicle I've owned. Does it have shortcomings, of course. But, I knew that when I bought it. As of 8-16-10 I have 36,000 and not one problem. Tires are still very good, oil is changed every 3,000 to 4,000 and lubed. Preventive maintenance is key. The only thing I don't like it that it is noisy from a tire standpoint. Good mileage up to 27 mpg on the highway and about 22 in local traffic. It's just a nice vehicle.
Comfy but not practical
nomer, 10/14/2009
2008 Hyundai Tucson GLS 4dr SUV w/XM (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Bought this 10 months ago and am looking to trade it in even though I know I will take a loss. has tons of cargo space and leg room, but the motor works too hard. Doesn't feel like it shifts properly. Not very darty--takes a long time to accelerate. Gas mileage for me has been consistently at 18 miles and less. I have never gotten even 19 mile per gallon as stated. 14 gallon tank is small--feels like I am always at the gas station. radio and amenities are positioned well for a comfy ride. Great heat and A?C but is hard to hear radio over it--not strong speakers
Awesome
Lori, 07/14/2008
2008 Hyundai Tucson GLS 4dr SUV w/XM (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I absolutely love the way my new SUV handles. The gas is pretty good on highway, 28 and 22 around town. Not too shabby. It's extremely comfortable and very roomy. It offers a lot for the price. Tinted windows in the back, the seats fold down and the window in the way back can open with out opening the hatch back. I don't really have any dislikes. The only thing that I wish I could have gotten is four wheel drive. The warranty is Fantastic.
Not a bad ride
SLU2, 06/24/2009
2008 Hyundai Tucson SE 4dr SUV 4WD (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
As much legroom as a Ford Explorer but much better fuel economy...
I'm sold on Hyundai
JerZee, 09/30/2008
2008 Hyundai Tucson GLS 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great car, great price, room galore. Quite, solid ride. My insurance went down $240 a year because of the safety features. Traded in my 2007 Patriot with no regrets. Tucson has larger storage area, more comfortable seats and sits higher. Very good mileage for this type of vehicle in a 4 cyl. A 4x4 will use more gas. 6 cyl,not worth the trade off for the difference in horsepower and mileage. Trailer hitch can tow small loads from the home centers. It is a heavy vehicle, with the front wheel drive, 4 wheel isn't needed if you're not an offroader. Quieter then the Rav4. Switched to synthetic oil increased mileage slightly. Still breaking in average about 24.4 mpg on hwy.
My new car is a sporty SUV
Sarde, 04/01/2009
2008 Hyundai Tucson Limited 4dr SUV w/XM (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car last week when my 90 Civic gave up the ghost. My wife and I are just married and we wanted a car we could take the future family and dog camping in. Plus it will be fun for our active/cycling lifestyle. I can fit a tandem bike in it with all the seats down! It was also important as this would be a family car that it have good safety features, it does! My wife has a 07 Sonata and we love its safety and quality which, is why we considered getting another Hyundai. And it rides so very smooth on my 40 mile daily commute. It was priced so competitively that we came in under budget, which makes up for the lower MPG. I can live with that now that I have a little more power-v6
I love this car!
Lisa1970, 03/20/2008
2008 Hyundai Tucson Limited 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've been wanting an SUV for 5 years and been planning on buying one for the past year. I did a LOT of research. The Tucson Limited has not disappointed me. I've almost hit 3000 miles on it after owning it less than 2 months. It's been on several day long road trips and did wonderful. My only real complaint is one I already knew about and applies to any SUV and that is the mileage. I'm averaging about 20mpg which is a combo of hwy/city driving. On the interstate it averages about 23mpg. I actually expected it to do less so I'm pleased. I am really enjoying driving this car. It rides smooth. Has good acceleration. Mine is fully loaded.
Secret is out....
Happy, 12/06/2007
2008 Hyundai Tucson GLS 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I never thought in a million years that I would buy an SUV. I was considering a small car, like a Yaris for fuel economy, but when I actually took these little cars for a test drive, the novelty soon wore off! They just didn't seem safe to me. Sitting in the driver's seat of the Hyundai was a wonderful experience. I came for the value, and stayed for the seat warmer! The gas mileage listed is the same as my old Impala in the city, so I didn't lose there!
Tucson lover
Tucson lover, 03/26/2008
2008 Hyundai Tucson Limited 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car is awesome! I never thought I would own a Hyundai and was persuaded to test drive this by my girlfriend and am soooo glad I did. I love the styling, comfort, value and incredibly smooth ride. I test drove just about every small SUV and this was the clear winner!
The sexy little crossover that almost could!!!
muranoman2012, 02/12/2017
2008 Hyundai Tucson SE 4dr SUV w/XM (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 9 people found this review helpful
What I liked about this compact crossover was the overall style (outside and in), the simple controls and A/C, the price, the medium gray interior which is hard to find now), the decent ride when first purchased, the best gear shifter ever seen, front air vents that could be aimed at your knees (also rare to find now since most cars have them too high on the dashboard), the perfectly placed dual cup holders between the shifter and middle arm rest, actual cup holders in the doors by the pockets (front and back), and a windshield that was easy to clean without using a step stool. As the tires lost tread, the ride got harsher. The cargo was on the small side so this wasn't made for long family trips. It also had a lot of road noise and would start to lean while cornering on the highway on sharp turns. One scary note though! When driving above 72 Mph, the steering wheel would get really light (not good at all) and frequent front wheel alignments on long drives (which was not done correctly at a Las Vegas, Nevada Hyundai Dealership and was kept for 3 hours wasting my vacation time). Also no backup monitor was ever offered (even as an option) and it really needed one! In the hot summer sun, the cloth door inserts would come loose (almost as if it was cheaply glued on by the factory) but would get tight again when the temperature cooled down. This vehicle also has a tendency to kick itself out of cruise control when going up steep hills on the highway and even worse, the dealership said it was normal (my current 2012 Nissan Murano never did that) and at that time I almost got rear ended by another vehicle who was following to close! My last complaint is that if you're over 5 foot, 8 inches you're going to hit your head at least every other day when you get into this car. I also didn't like to see so much of the hood (with bright oncoming headlights bouncing off and hitting my eyes at night). The rear cargo door that you had to use both hands to open. Bottom line-this is a city car at best with just adequate V6 power and it was intended to be more of a single person's car and I wouldn't suggest towing or carrying a lot of heavy stuff with it either!!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
New owner
longbeachjohn, 03/28/2009
2008 Hyundai Tucson GLS 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Drove a 6cyl then a 4 cyl and there was very little difference in performance. Car has good space inside, controls and features great. I appreciate the safety stuff like traction and stability control and all the airbags. First weekend cruise got 24+ mpg, mixed bag intown and freeway at 75+. Will update in the future. Like to see more cubby holes for things like cel phone.
Just got but love it !!!!
Derby, 08/19/2008
2008 Hyundai Tucson GLS 4dr SUV w/XM (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I just got my Tuscon and love it so far. I have heard complaints about the mileage, but my only problem I have with that is, I want to drive mine everywhere, even if I have no where to go, because it is very nice to drive so if i am using more gas it is because I am driving more.
So far very nice.
tom, 10/20/2008
2008 Hyundai Tucson GLS 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Only 800 miles so far. Firm ride but sporty feeling. Can see well out of the vehicle. Seems well constructed. Mixed gas mileage so far 24-25 mpg. Nice short turning circle.
I Love this ride!!
karin, 11/02/2008
2008 Hyundai Tucson GLS 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Although I have had it for a few weeks I love this ride! My previous relationship was a Hyundai (Elantra) and that alone convinced me that this was a firm purchase and solid vehicle. I love the way it handles and the space on the inside. Any compact car owner could transition comfortably into this vehicle. I am trying to convince my husband to get the Santa Fe which is the 2nd gen of the Tucson. I am totally in love with this vehicle!!
Great vehicle
DeerJohn, 11/17/2008
2008 Hyundai Tucson GLS 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
When I decided I no longer needed a pickup, I looked at RAV4 and CRV, but chose the Hyundai because of price and warranty. I no longer consider American-made cars. The Tucson is roomy, comfortable, handles well, and has great visibility. The 4c engine seems noisy and underpowered to me compared to my wife's 4c Accord, but I no longer need those features. I did expect better gas mileage than 24 mpg, but that may improve. One bad feature is the light-colored interior, which is hard to keep clean. Did not think of that when I bought. I always felt that home carpets and car interiors should be a dark color, as people tend to walk on them. Seatcovers and mats help.
My car is just great
Georgina, 04/04/2008
2008 Hyundai Tucson GLS 4dr SUV w/XM (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I just got my Tucson a few days ago, but I love it. It is affordable, has a smooth ride and is very, very spacious on the inside. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a SUV but cannot afford to get a Benz, BMW or Cadillac. So get one and enjoy it....
POS avoid
cetaceans, 08/31/2015
2008 Hyundai Tucson GLS 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 21 people found this review helpful
Do not get. I bought brand new for fiancee at the time and before 40,000 had to replace clutch, power steering, alternator, etc. It had an electrical fire. Not comfortable at all. I am 5'6 and have to sit with knees rubbing the plastic under the wheel to press the clutch. Has so many airbags in little space that if I got into accident they would snap by neck. Two of the doors will not lock- not even manually. Power mirrors stopped working not a fuse. Still can not turn with out feeling like I am working out. Think 5 recall letters.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Time for new car
Tina, 03/09/2018
2008 Hyundai Tucson GLS 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
This car has been very reliable. Low maintenance cost for the 10 years I have owned.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Roller coaster ride / Unsafe to drive
Charley, 05/08/2008
2008 Hyundai Tucson GLS 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 9 people found this review helpful
1. During the week of April 1, I discovered the car was producing a bumpy ruff, roller coaster ride; tossing me up and down, back and forth and side to side. The seat was not absorbing the shock nor was it adjusting for my comfort. Then came the shocker: the car's right back wheel seemed to slide to the right, bumped, then righted itself. I was instantly knocked to the right and then back to center. This action takes less than a second and seems to happen on an uneven indentation, ridge or something in the road. This happens out of the blue and I do not feel safe. I notified Robert Lawson of my unhappiness with the seat and the ruff ride.
Comfort & Intelligent Interior
Country Girl, 08/28/2008
2008 Hyundai Tucson GLS 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Quality interior & creature comforts sold me on this as well as a solid ride, not jittery like the Honda. Very well thought out! Front seat folds flat, several plugs for accessories such as dvd player, plenty of cubby holes, 6 cup holders, storage nets on back of both front seats. 4 adjustments for driver seat-very comfortable for a bad back. Great ride & handles nicely with tight turning radius. High quality materials. Very quiet & little windnoise. Very deceiving on power, feels like it is slower than it really is, power is adequate, about the same as a Ford Ranger & does great on the hills with it smooth shifting tranny. Can manual shift. Excellent mileage, 27 mpg in town.