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Comments
My gripe(s) goes like this:
1) Edmunds got an 01 Elantra(no, Elantra did not win 01, either)... and did a Long Term test drive, BEFORE they voted it #1 for 2002(since 02 was virtually same car anyways as 01).
They put over 15,000 miles on it.
2) Mazda3 is #1, and only been out 3-4 weeks? How can this be?
Hyundai DID NOT "get a free ride", why Mazda3?
The "new' Civic is #2.
Have any of these cars been driven for 15,000 miles, BEFORE they got #1(like Elantra ?). No, of course not.
Is it even 04 yet?
Thought last judgement they made for Editors Most Wanted was March of 2003, not Nov first of 2002 for 03's.
Hope I do not get booted from this website, but, I think they lost a tad bit of creditbility. Hyundai needed a year/15,000 miles before they voted for it.
Everyone else gets 1 hour drive and the vote of "yes", this is the best?
As for the Civic, since this category was for cars under $15k, the Civic that they gave Honorable Mention to must be either the DX sedan or the Value Package sedan, since all the other sedans are over $15k. Now I think Civics are good little cars, especially in EX trim, but I ask you: would you rather have an Elantra GLS with power everything, side air bags, multi-adjustable driver's seat, 138 hp, and the Hyundai warranty, or a stripper Civic sedan with 115 hp, crank windows and manual locks and mirrors? Actually, given the rebates available on Elantras, you could probably get an Elantra GT for the price of the Civic DX with A/C, or the VP.
As for me, I'd rather have my '01 GLS than any other sub-$15k car available today. I think the Mazda3 will turn out to be a better car overall than the Elantra, but at a much higher price, and I don't know for sure because Mazda3s aren't available to test-drive yet.
But, I do agree, why would a stripped down car(in this day of "I want it all in my vehicle") be Most Wanted, and has Barely even hit the showrooms?
Yes, the mazda3 looks good, I agree.
but, on sale, I could have had a 03 GT hatchback(or sedan) for 13,999, or 14,99 if not a Hyundai owner(they had 2,500 off, plus 1000 for current Hyundai owners).
I dunno.
Also, this is a Hyundai forum, but since Kia is now called a sister company, the Amanti is coming out in December(the xg350, in a more "expensive looking" package).
From what I have researched, XG350 has had Zero recalls in 4 years or so since it's release...so the Amanti should do well, also.
Think in the under 25K they picked a VW?
If I had the cash, I would not mind driving a car that looks like a Benz/Bentley/Jag(lines) for $23K.
To me, That deserves a shot for 04 car under 25K.
(read it will have the equiptment of cars costing 35-40K, by other companies).
Like the GLS, Loaded like a 20K cars, for 13K on sale.....the Amanti would do the same in it's class.
Maybe they got tired of giving it to Hyundai for 2 years in-a-row?
At least Hyundai Earned It!
If they had Tested these cars for a year(ok, civic is solid car, but the one I drove, hate to say it, Underwhelmed me) and said"mazda3 is #1, etc..I may have to say"ok, they earned it".
What gets me, is that people Bash Hyundai on main page(despite Factual Information/long term test drives on Elantra), yet will accept this Mazda3 #1 w/o a test drive, even.
Hunh?
Whatever.
Have a good week.
Quick question - Purchased it at the end of October from the dealer. How do I tell if the recall fix has been done or not?
But back to the Elantra--scheduled the brake line recall for Wednesday. Will have them take another look at the weatherstripping too to see if they can eliminate the wind noise.
Made me go hmnnnnnnnnnnn....
ElantraStan
This deck has excellent audio, much better than the Hyundai CD.
It was selling for $239 at circuit city but I got it from www.gopcplus.com/pcplus/ for $165 plus $12 S&H.
I also got a harness for it from www.autotoys.com for $9.50 + $3.50 S&H.
So if anyone out there is considering upgrading your unit this one is worth considering.
in a private sale and then buying a new Elantra but I don't want to miss out on the $1000 loyalty owner rebate.
What are the rules regarding the loyalty owner rebate? Must I buy the new car first before selling my old car? Or do they give you some leeway? I would very much prefer to sell my old car first.
Has anyone used the loyalty owner rebate - what does the dealer check for?
Lemme know if there's any other poor saps out there who have done it, too!
That is my number 2 gripe with this vehicle. Poor transmission shifting is my number 1 gripe. ( still shifts erratic after the latest program update,have the 01 elantra)
Was wondering about the side air bags. Just where in the door are those little gizmos packed away? in the "upholstered" part? Bet ya can't get a patrolman to get you back in your car if you've locked your keys in for love nor money!! Between the bags and powe locks they'd be an accident just waiting to happen!
A little behind some of you, but I just saw the Consumer's report '04 "Big Issue" that looks like a paper back book. Their ratings for the '02 Elantra look very favorable. Gotta believe the '03's will rate out even better.
Any one any idea if Hyundai plans on building a plant in the US? Or do they already?!
Still feel the bumps on my head from the #@*& trunk latch!! Swore a blue streak in the store parking lot when it happened!!
hey obsidianblack.. in regards to your question about a hyundai usa manufacturing plant, this website may answer your question.
http://www.hmmausa.com/
There are some mods out there that change the way the trunk opens that some owners are doing, mostly for car shows and tricking out their rods.
ElantraStan
Here's a question - is this truly a poor design, or is this the normal rate of clumsiness for any car's trunk access?
Thanks in advance,
alpha
PS- about Edmunds "Most Wanted"- who cares? I still think the Elantra is a fine small car, and put VERY little credo in Edmunds.com road test and evaluations, for reasons I shouldnt get into here....
There finally is a TV commercial for the 04 Elantra too ( Saw it right after I noticed the website was updated).
Take care.
~alpha
As for mpg, if I remember right the mpg number is up just a bit for the 5-speed and down just a bit for the automatic, compared to the '03 model.
As for redesign, Hyundai typically follows a five-year cycle with a refresh for the fourth year. They've held to the refresh timing for the Elantra, and we know a new platform is imminent for use with a new SUV, the Spectra replacement, and the Elantra, so my bet is on a redesign for the '06 model year. They'll need one too to stay competitive with the Mazda3, the '06 Civic (probably a redesign), the soon-to-be-redesigned Focus, the Cobalt et. al.
I do hope that Kia and Hyundai don't become as similar as Dodge and Chrysler/Plymouth in the nineties however. The Optima/Sonata certainly moves in that direction.
Had ours serviced this past friday. 3500 miles, my choice. Coulda waited til 5000 miles like dealer wanted. Changed oil and filter. Also black plastic "contact paper" on both front doors. Front tires were wearing just a bit on outer edges, they did a four wheel alignment on it. Only paid for the oil change, the restwass covered.
They couldn't find an intermittant knocking sound coming from the right rear when we apply the brakes. Anyone any idea what it might be? Only seems to do it in heavy stop and go traffic when the brakes are applied. Wondered if it might be the emer. brake cable hitting something (brake drum). Must call them and make another appt. to have it looked at. Don't think it's serious, but I want it fixed.
So far very satisfied with the car!!!!
Jim
The major difference between the 2003 and 2004 is the new engine. It will only be 3hp more but will benefit from a new technology called CVVT. It's a Continuously Variable Valve Timing engine that will allow for better fuel economy and more responsiveness. Aprox 1L/100km less than the 2003.
They will also have slimmer roof pillars to provide a better view and facilitate defogging of the rear side windows.
Transmission also has an overdrive and use the power band more adequately than the 2003 transmission It will downshift to accelerate or climb a hill.
It's an improved version of the 2003 transmission.
BTW Backy the new weatherstripping is still working, not a peep on the hwy. My wofe commented that the car was so quiet at 80 mph that we did not have to push the volume past halfway while listening to the 6 CD disk changer that the dealer threw in the trunk for free.
Getting 32mpg now that it's had an oil change. Cruises along so smooth you don't realize you're going as fast as you are! Good thing it's got cruise!
Remember reading not long ago at this websight about some of you having tweeters in the door. Should probably get my owners manual out, but do notice speakers down and to the front on the door panels. Is that what you all are commenting on? If so, mine has them.
Jim
FWIW, I drove a $18,000 Mazda 3i sedan yesterday (just curious, not going to trade in the Elantra anytime soon), and while it's a great car in many respects, it had a lot of wind noise on the driver's side at 65 mph going into a light headwind. So it's not just the Elantra that can have this kind of problem.