Hyundai Elantra 2001-2006

13435373940109

Comments

  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    because there were few if any GT's with 5-speed in St. Louis metro. 5-speed GLS's were common (this in late July). As far as I know most new GT's have a firmer suspension than GLS's. First GT's shared GLS suspension and were listed as "comfort suspension" or some such thing on sticker. Other than that the cars are the same-- 140 HP engine provides good acceleration. (of course I'm coming from a 2.2 liter Cavalier.)

    If you check these posts you'll find that most of us love these cars! In addition, the Elantra scores higher (significantly last time I checked) than the Civic or Corolla in Microsoft CarPoints owners evaluations.

    I can't compare the Elantra to the Contour on Edmund's database since the C. has been discontinued. However, since the Elantra (like the Focus) is quite tall I would expect most interior dimensions to be larger. If you compare an Elantra to an Alero 4-door, the Elantra is larger all around in interior room (sometimes significantly), with the exception of trunk space.
  • cjaccettacjaccetta Member Posts: 236
    I have an early model GT w/comfort suspension and automatic tranny. Believe me, the car has MORE than adequate passing power at highway speeds. In fact, I think 55-75 mph passing is the car's ace in the hole. Once you get those revs up over 4,000 the power is there.

    On a recent trip over the PA turnpike I left many a tailgater and lumbering truck in my Elantra dust. There is a very, very slight delay in throttle input but when you put your foot down keep an eye open for highway patrol cars!
  • therhinotherhino Member Posts: 21
    We have an '01 Elantra GLS with 11,000 miles and a GT with about 3,300. They have both been great, but unfortunately my ignition switch on my GT would not allow me to turn the key about a week ago. I had it brought in, and it needs a new ignition switch. That part is on back order, so I have been driving a free rental car for a week now. I can't believe how stripped out this Corolla CE is. No power windows, mirrors, or locks. No cruise, no tach, no tilt wheel, rear seats don't fold, no center console to rest your arm on, et cetera. This car is really making me appreciate my two Elantras. If this were my Corolla I would not want it to run forever because that would mean I would have to keep driving it! It feels like punishment! I can't wait to get my Elantra back!
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    with a last gen. Sentra given to me while hail damage was being repaired. Screwed together well given its hard use as a rental car but cramped and lacked basic amenities.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    I have a '01 GLS and owned a '95 Mystique with the 125 hp Zetec and 5 spd (how come I only got 125 hp on mine? :( ). I got rid of the Mystake in '97, but I can say the Elantra is definitely quicker. Consider you've got 15 more horses plus a lighter car in the Elantra. Although the Elantra is a smaller car, it is actually roomier than the Contique, especially in the rear. The Elantra is a superior car all around IMO, especially in reliability (at least for me)--not a single significant problem in almost one year, vs. several recalls and other problems with the Mystique. Both were first-year models. I did like the ride quality of the Mystique, though.
  • igofastigofast Member Posts: 3
    After work today. Again, they didn't have any 5 spd's to test so I took a white GLS Auto with floor matts as the only option. I must say I was quite impressed with how well this car seemed to be put together. The door shut with impressive precision. No looseness to it at all and it sounded very solid. Acceleration with the auto was not too bad, but I think I will hold out for a stick (I'm biased, I just hate auto's on principle). I just took it for a short test drive on surface streets, but I did get it up to about 50 (in a 45 mph zone). I'm 90% sure this will be my next car purchase.

    Thanks for all the replies, all. Much appreciated.
  • elantra00elantra00 Member Posts: 225
    I don't think your biased. I am the same way! Get the stick. I went to the second largest Hyundai dealership in NJ. In the back, they had over 100 Elantras sitting on the lot. I looked and looked....only about 5 of them were 5 spd. I originally wanted a baseline Elantra in black w/ 5spd. No options like that. Only 5spds were with rims and a few other goodies. But I wheeled and dealed and got that one cheaper then a baseline Elantra...$10,900. 5spds are getting harder and harder to find because people are lazy and don't want them ;)
  • jkempskiejkempskie Member Posts: 49
    I've got 14,000 miles on my 2001 Elantra without any major problems. The check engine came on for a little bit once but never stored any code when I brought it into the dealership. I'm getting 400 miles a tank and a pretty consistent 32-33 mpg now. My only major gripe about this car is that the windows seem to fog up on me rather often. I don't like to have to run the AC Defrost constantly...

    JEFF
  • urbanzephyrurbanzephyr Member Posts: 29
    I figure they messed up the product mix. Too many automatics, not enough manuals. I don't think this was "option forcing" to raise prices. Even if 90% of the buyers want automatics they still wouldn't have practically no manuals out there - if only to be able to advertise a low price. Meanwhile I think they have overshot on inventory - so they are option forcing on the GT till they can clear out some of those sedans.
  • intrepidspiritintrepidspirit Member Posts: 662
    Seems like a distribution problem. Dealers in the L.A. area seem to have plenty of manual shift 2001's (they are advertising them at under $10,000). Earlier in the summer, when I bought an automatic for my daughter, they seemed to have more automatics, but they have not advertised any lately.

    Seems the opposite of other parts of the country!
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    My GLS' windows were having the same problem. I cleaned them real well with Windex the other day and the problem went away (at least for now). The plastics in new cars' interiors emit vapors that can make windows fog easily (but also provide that new car smell). Over time the problem goes away. Frequent windows cleanings help.
  • gtheilmangtheilman Member Posts: 1
    I'm planning to negotiate for a 2001 Elantra soon and wanted to check on the experiences of others who had purchased recently. When dealing with Hyundai, did any unexpected fees turn up once the price of the car was finalized? Obviously one has to pay destination charges, taxes, tags, etc., but did anyone encounter "advertising fees", "port fees", "preparation fees" or other unexpected charges? If you did, did you pay them?
  • intrepidspiritintrepidspirit Member Posts: 662
    Total costs on 2001 Elantra purchased July 1/00 (with automatic transmission, mud guards, floor mats):

    Purchase price: 11,488.00
    Document prep fee: 45.00
    Sales tax: 922.64
    Licence fee: 120.00
    CA Tire fee: 5.00
    Rebate: (500.00)
    Total: 12,080.64

    Advertising and destination included in purchase price.

    Good luck!
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    There should never be any "hidden" costs; a scrupulous dealer will bring all the costs into the open when you negotiate the purchase price. But it's an imperfect world.
    Many buyers report that Hyundai dealers routinely add an "advertising charge". With some dealers this is non-negotiable, and as long as all the dealers in your area charge it there isn't much you can do. My dealer did not add this fee. If they did, and refused to negotiate it, I would simply take it into consideration when comparing their offer with others.
    A "documentation fee" is common, and if it's reasonable, like $25, it's not a big deal. Your alternative is running down to the court house and doing the paperwork yourself--probably your time spent is worth more than the fee.
    NEVER pay a "dealer prep" fee. The window sticker states that the price includes dealer prep.
  • nwebsternwebster Member Posts: 3
    My fiancee just bought an Elantra. We were looking for something under 15K, so considered all the usual suspects: Mazda Protege, Nissan Sentra, Toyota Corolla, Chevy Cavalier, Oldsmobile Alero, Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Kia Sephia... I get the GM and Ford discounts, so that's how we could include some of those in there... We eliminated any ford because I know people who work there and recommend NEVER buying a focus, because of it's huge problems...

    Eventually we got it down to the Elantra because of it's outstanding features and warranty. I own a 2000 Kia Sportage, and have never had a problem with it, but wouldn't recommend their cars, when the Elantra is so much better.

    She got a 2001 GLS with Option Package #5 for the ABS brakes and paid dealer invoice of $13,745...
  • baberbaber Member Posts: 96
    When I bought my 99 Accent the dealer tried to charge me a $300 "dealer handling" fee. He did this in a VERY sneaky way. First we had agreed on a price, then he figured out the financing. I thought the payments were high and looked at the financing agreement. The swine had added the $300 dealer handling fee to the financing!! When I told him that dealer prep is included in the cost of the car he said that dealer handling was different then dealer prep. Of course he couldn't tell me what the difference was but told me that everyone payed it. I got up and took two steps toward the door when he told me he would take off the $300. Remember that until you sign the papers YOU are in control. Don't get too friendly with the salesman either, HE IS NOT YOUR FRIEND! If you have any problem with a deal WALK OUT! You will almost always get the same or better deal somewhere else.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    so that no one should be paying either invoice or a dealer handling fee. Love my Elantra AND had a pretty good experience with my dealer but Hyundai's dealer network does leave a lot to be desired.
  • aniryuaniryu Member Posts: 61
    Never, NEVER EVER EVER EVER, tell you salesman: I LOVE IT (the car).
  • majorthomechomajorthomecho Member Posts: 1,331
    If you take someone along when you go to a dealership, take duct tape so you can keep them from saying anything the salesman can use. ; )
  • intrepidspiritintrepidspirit Member Posts: 662
    Maybe I'm just getting grumpy in my old age, but the salesman NEVER sells me a car...I have already decided what I want when I go to the dealership and what I am willing to pay. The internet has helped my research so much!

    I will be congenial with the salesman, but he won't try to sell me the car when he finds out I know more about it than he does, and I have carsdirect price in one pocket and a recent loss-leader ad in another.

    Taking the emotion out of it makes it a lot easier to buy a car...
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    Advertised price (5-speed) in St. Charles County, MO in July was $10.8. I got the salesman to give me the upgrade to package 2 plus mats at the actual cost (as per Edmunds)-- only the St. Louis competitors ads were so misleading that I thought I was being screwed over. I walked out on three separate occasions over a three day period creating a large screaming ruckus around the showroom each time. Finally, after checking Edmunds I found out they were on the up and up but not before I was ushered into the sales managers office and asked what I did for a living to be so aggressive. I got mine for a bit more than $800 under invoice counting the $500 rebate-- this from memory, I paid $11.2. It would have been strange to actually be so cheap as to be thrown out of a Hyundai dealership, but I came close.

    Undoubtedly Missouri prices are far higher than California so I'm sure many of you did much better.

    End result, in more than half of the cars I've attempted to purchase over the years I was unable to cut a deal AND WALKED. No car is ever worth falling in love with-- although given my experience with the Elantra since purchase, it comes close.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    I saw in USA Today yesterday that Strategic Vision has named Lexus the winner of its 2001 Total Value Index awards, but Hyundai finished second--not too shabby. According to the Strategic Vision web site, at

    http://www.vision-inc.com/01_tvi_release.html

    the TVI is determined this way:


    "Strategic Vision calculates TVI by assessing both short-term economic issues (value for the money, affordability, price/deal offered, technological innovations and standard equipment level) and long-term issues (durability, future trade-in, warranty, mileage, economical to own and reliability). These factor scores are then added to the total perceived ownership experience measure."


    Also, Hyundai's sales hit another record in September, a 44% increase over September 2000. They must be doing something right...

  • aniryuaniryu Member Posts: 61
    I never knew they improved THAT much.
  • joehyundai1joehyundai1 Member Posts: 15
    Does anyone know the correct amount of motor oil? I have been using 4 quarts. Also, I have a high idle when I start the car. Does anyone else have this problem?
  • mike91326mike91326 Member Posts: 251
    Last weekend while I was out doing some shopping I happened to park my 01 Elantra next door to a Toyota Dealer. When I came back to my car I noticed a couple in there 20's or early 30's looking at the Elantra, they then asked me if I would mind telling them what I though of the Elantra and what I paid for it. I told them that it was a Package 3 and as they could see a 5-speed. Further, that it was the most trouble free car I have ever owned. When I told them the price I paid their jaws both dropped. They told me that the best price they could get on a Corolla VE, with nothing on it, was only $300 less than I paid. At about this time their salesman came running over and tried to get them to go back inside the dealership. When they told him "no thanks" he said, "you're not thinking of buying a piece of junk like the Elantra, are you? I told the salesman, in front of the couple, that he better look at Edmunds.com and Consumer Reports as the Elantra blew away the Corolla. When I left, the couple asked me for directions to my Hyundai dealer and the Toyota salesman just stormed away. I think I need to go shopping near a Honda dealer this weekend.
  • av1998av1998 Member Posts: 7
    I was looking around in carsdirect and discovered that the Hyundai rebate for a '01 Elantra is now $750 ! If anybody here is still considering a '01 model Elantra, head on over to you nearest dealer to make a deal. The 2002 models are already on the lot, so the clearance stock should be moving quick. :)
  • lngtonge18lngtonge18 Member Posts: 2,228
    I believe the Elantra takes 4 quarts of oil. However, did you ever think to look in the specification's area of the owner's manual? Just a thought. As for the high idle, if the engine is cold, it is supposed to idle high to warm up the engine quicker. After starting, does the high idle work its way back down quickly? If so, than you don't have a problem at all.
  • spiritzspiritz Member Posts: 21
    My cousin works for Hyundai, at their headquater.
    He said last week that,

    1. Hyundai and Kia are about to be claimed,
    for delay (even over 2 months) of shippment
    of their vehicles, to some countries (for example,
    Israel).
    Most of the lines are in their full speed, and
    virtually run full-time, but they cannot keep
    the face up with icreasing demand and orders.
    Last week, even during the Korea's thanks-giving
    holidays, they had to run several lines, emploees
    agreed to work as usual (Unusual for them).
    Total car sales in the U.S. in this September
    dived 13.7%, while Hyundai, Kia and Daewoo altogether increased by 19.2%.
    Hyundai and Kia's sales in the U.S. altogether
    are out-running Volkswagen-group-altogether
    recently.

    2. Both company set the price-range of exporting
    vehicles at the currency-exchange rate of 1,150
    Won to 1 Dollar, which remained over 1,250 to
    1,300 this year, that grant them almost double
    the profits per exported vehicles.
    Their operation margin rate per sales and net profit rate per sales in 2000-2001 scored highest
    -in-the-industry(over 10% which is phenominal).

    3. They reserved majority of excessive profit
    for up-comming 10 year and 10K-mile warranties,
    (They expect it to be more than sufficient),
    which means, owners of Hyundai and Kia vehicles in the U.S. surely afford to relax =^.^=.

    4. Kia's Sportage will be ceased to be produced
    any time soon, and totally newly designed SUV will
    be introduced next year. Maybe pricier, more powerful and luxurious than Hyundai's Santa-Fe.
    They're quite confident with the new SUV.

    5. They're trying to produce and mount Disel -engines on some models. The problem is, they want
    to use Delphi's parts, which has excellent
    performance but with poor reliability.

    Happy driving, Elantra owners..

    Choi
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    Absolutely no problems. Wonderful car. Mileage has slowly increased to the EPA averages. Occasional fast idle, usually when the engine is almost, but not quite to full operating temperature. Generally a sweet, sweet car.
  • beeryr4beeryr4 Member Posts: 19
    I'm about to buy my first ever new car, a 2002 Elantra GLS 5-speed manual. I've heard that one needs to properly break in the new engine. How does one do this? What is good to do? What is bad? I've heard that taking a 600 mile freeway trip is a bad thing to do to a new engine. Are there some web articles that explain this topic?
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Best thing to do is follow the recommendations in your GT's owner's manual: Avoid high speeds, hard braking, and constant speeds for the first 1000 miles or so. So yes, a 600-mile freeway trip can be a bad idea if you maintain constant (especially high) speed for hundreds of miles on a brand-new engine. I know you are itching to take your new GT out on the open road, but if possible hold off until you have a few miles on it. Or at least try to vary speeds a bit (no cruise control) and not go too fast.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    (or was it 55) during the break in period. I think that's a bit too much as you could be killed going that speed around here. I think you should try to keep the RPM's down (under 3K) while being careful not to lug the engine, and above all vary your speed regularly. Putting the cruise control on and driving at 50 for 600 miles could be very injurious to your engine, even though you stayed below the maximum speed.
  • blackandblueblackandblue Member Posts: 66
    Don't forget to change the oil early on. Around 1000 miles is good to clean it out.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    Dealer said that there was no break-in oil and regular oil change interval applied. Wal-Mart only put 3.5 quarts in, however. The oil was at the top of the dipstick range. I imagine they didn't completely drain it, however oil looked clean. Still debating whether to change to synthetic at 7500-8000 miles. Quaker State guarantees engines for 200K (or is it 250?) if you change oil and filter at 4000 mile intervals. Since SuperTech oil is Quaker State, (and SuperTech filters are Champion Labs). I might just stay with a 4K dino change interval. $11.99 for oil and filter is a pretty good deal, although you have to scream at them to use a SuperTech filter or they'll slap on a Fram. Even a Fram would probably last for 4K, although the construction of the filter looks scarey indeed when you see them cut open.
  • intrepidspiritintrepidspirit Member Posts: 662
    I normally have my first oil change at 1,000 miles for a new car and 3,000 thereafter. The reason for the 1,000 mile change is what I have heard about tiny metal filings and metal pieces in a new engine.

    Since I drive around 12,000/year, I feel the 3,000 mile change is a good idea because of the 3 month interval and the stop and start driving I do. At 1,000 miles per month, you are likely to make your oil work harder than at 2,000 per month (depending upon the type of driving).

    It's interesting that you can change your oil much less frequently and still be covered by warranty -- however, I like my engines to last at least 200,000 miles and the warranty is for only (only?) 100,000 miles...
  • bluewindsbluewinds Member Posts: 100
    I change engine oil at every 7500km regularay.(about 4500mile). I do first oil change at 1000km(600 mile) then do my second oil change after running 3000km more. Metal filing is big concern to me. As far as I know, Hyundai fills oil which is mixed with boring oil in new engines. I think I'd better do my first oil change at 1000~1500Km(600~1000mile) to protect my engine from filings.

    bluewinds.
  • netranger4netranger4 Member Posts: 149
    Am trying to decide between a Kia Rio Cinco, and the Hyundai Accent GLS. My second choices are a 2002 Kia Spectra/SephiaII and the Hyundai Elantra. Your information has been so helpful to the readers of these discussions that your opinions of the above cars would be most welcome. All the cars would be automatic transmissions. Have driven all but the Spectra, but hope to do that on October 10th. Will watch for your reply.
  • bluewindsbluewinds Member Posts: 100
    I'm sorry that I don't know exactly about U.S version of Rio Cinco, Accent & Spectra sedan.

    I have only driven Korean versions of them execept Elantra which I drove last summer in Texas. So, it is very hard for me to tell you my opinion about these models specifically. As you know, if I post something about Korean versions, it is just useless. :)
    For example, 1.6 engine is not available for Korean Accent(Verna). Even there are many things which are pretty different between U.S and Korean versions when I consider the standard features.

    I'm sure that you are the one of specialists who know lots of things about U.S spec Korean car. Especially, according to your posting, you seems to know a lot about Kia models. Maybe I will ask your opinion about these cars because I will be on the market of new car in the States next summer. :)

    Thanks.
    bluewinds.
  • tonykrapiltonykrapil Member Posts: 211
    Does anyone else feel this way about the Fresh Air or Recirculate button having to be pressed each time you start the car?

    I live in Florida and DO NOT take outside air at all. We have too many old clunkers that have exhaust fumes that will kill ya faster than anthrax and I hate the smell and thought of it.

    I always remember to hit the button after I get a whiff of some outside stench.

    I wonder if there is a way around this problem.

    Take care,

    Tony
  • intrepidspiritintrepidspirit Member Posts: 662
    Is this unique to the Elantra or all Hyundais? I thought cars used to have a manual adjustment for this -- I'm surprised you can't just set it and leave it. I'll have to look at the manual...

    I've never adjusted the fresh air/recirculate in any car I have ever owned...but then again, I have never lived in Florida. :) Once in a while I get behind one of those "exempt" derelict vehicles, but by the time I notice the fumes it's too late. If I recirculate then, I could pass out! So I just open the window and get past him, at the first opportunity.
  • beeryr4beeryr4 Member Posts: 19
    Thanx for the tips on engine break-in. I guess I won't take the freeway to drive the car home, about 40 miles. Still waiting for exactly the right one to come in. And I guess I won't take the freeway to work for the first week or so.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    It's not that big a deal, just vary your speed regularly. I used to set my cruise and then move the speed up and down every mile or so. Just don't do twenty miles at a constant 65 and you'll be OK.
  • mike91326mike91326 Member Posts: 251
    Last week, while I was at my dealer for an oil change, I happened to run into the salesman who sold me my GLS. I told him that I was very happy with my 2001 Elantra and that it would be hard to improve upon such a great car. He said that the GLS and GT are great cars but if the rumors he has heard are true, wait until the Elantra GTS comes out. He said that his sales manager told him that Hyundai may be working on a GTS for next spring or summer. He said the GTS is a GLS with "extra goodies". Items that he has heard that will come on the car are 16" wheels, fog lights, and the GT's suspension. However, the real goodies will be under the hood. There is talk that you will have a choice of the 2L four or the 2.7L V6. Your trany choices will be a 4-speed auto or for those who want to shift gears themselves, a close ratio 6-speed manual. The engines and 6-speed will come from the new Tib.

    Like I said, I was told that it is only a rumor, but it would make sense for Hyundai to make the car. They probably could sell everyone they made.
  • fangio2fangio2 Member Posts: 214
    and a 6 speed trans would be a "bad actor".If they could keep the price around $16,000 it would have a market.
  • aniryuaniryu Member Posts: 61
    I've heard about that one too.
  • monjeri1monjeri1 Member Posts: 3
    I just purchased a new 2002 Sonata, and while I was waiting for delivery, they scratched the bumper. So now it is being repaired, in their body shop. Today I picked it up, NO new car smell.... just a body shop smell.... and also now have a new vehicle that had been damaged. Any thoughts, if any that I should pursue?
    Discount back on purchase..etc?

    thanks everyone, that can help me

    Jerry
  • majorthomechomajorthomecho Member Posts: 1,331
    How bad was the scratch and how good is the repair? Those seem to be two important questions.
  • majorthomechomajorthomecho Member Posts: 1,331
    Yesterday, I was checking out recalls and I noticed that Hyundai has recalled some Elantras for problems with the side air bags' sensors.

    The air bags do not go off as quickly or as planned.

    I guess maybe Hyundai has rigged up the side air bags to blow even in a frontal crash.
  • estoesto Member Posts: 136
    My guess is that the dealer and his sales manager are confused, and are talking about the
    revamped Tiburon (Tuscani). This would not be the first time.

    Erik
  • intrepidspiritintrepidspirit Member Posts: 662
    If you've signed the papers, they've got you. However, if the repair is not acceptable, you can at least raise hell!

    I bought a new 300M in July/00. When I got it home, under different lighting, I noticed small scratches on the roof. Since I had to take it back for another issue, I asked them to repair the scratches if it could be done easily -- otherwise I would look after them. They ruined the finish trying to rub the scratches out and the roof had to be repainted (their choice, not mine -- I didn't authorize a repaint and found out after they had done it). To make a long story short, they repainted most of the car 3 times to get the paint to match. I demanded another new car. They refused, stating I had signed for and accepted the car. I even got Chrysler Corporate involved, but they sided with the dealer. I was concerned about paint warranty and they said it was covered because it was a "dealer authorized " repair.

    They had the car for a month with all the repaintings and paid me $400 for the first month's payment and gave me a loaner (not a 300M) for the month. But I always felt because of the aftermarket paint that I had something less than a new car....

    Bottom line -- once you have signed the papers, it's yours!

    Good luck.
Sign In or Register to comment.

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.