Hyundai Elantra 2001-2006

claywaterfill

Living in Georgia, I have no idea about taking vehicles across the border. That being said, why can't you buy the Hyundai you like in the US and take it to Canada? Of course, I am assuming you live near the border and not 1000 miles away!

buoyant

While it might be true that Best Buy will install anything they sell, that doesn't mean it will look nice (definitely function over form, if you know what I mean).

The Elantra factory receiver is a single-DIN unit and the aftermarket ones of recent discussion here are of the double-DIN type. Installing such a receiver in the Elantra would require cutting the dash plastic to make the factory opening twice as high (i.e., once you go double-DIN, you never go back). Fitting a double-DIN in a single-DIN slot is like squeezing a 300 lb person into the pants of a 150 pounder - not a pretty operation.

Also, my strong interest in the Hyundai has a LOT to do with what I deem as the value quotient. While I think the Elantra is a very nice little car, had Hyundai priced it $3000 higher, I would lose virtually all interest.

If price wasn't one of the primary considerations for me, the Elantra would be further down my list (following the Jetta, Golf, Protege 5, Sentra SE-R, and yes, even the Neon).

The sound system is very important to me. Sure, I can always upgrade the Elantra's sound system aftermarket, but that drives up the price of the Elantra relative to the competition (not to mention that I much prefer the look of factory installed units).

Having driven both, I can honestly say that BOTH the Neon and Elantra are nice, but very different cars. The Elantra feels smooth, quiet and comfortable (kind of like a miniature Buick) and the Neon feels light and sporty (kind of like a little sports car). The Neon has a superior sound system with Infinity speakers (great factory sound is a Chrysler trademark) and the Elantra has a superior warranty. In all candor, I could go either way. We'll see how the negiotiations shake down when I get there.

claywaterfill

While I would love to hear you say you bought an Elantra, I guess it's not the car for you. If you could go either way and be happy, you have to go to the "little" things. It sounds like the stereo in the Neon puts it over the top. It does not sound like you're considering Elantra for anything other than price, though. I think the Elantra is a fine car, but every taste is different. Get what you like and you'll do just fine!

buoyant

I like both and could with either, depending on the weather and which direction the wind is blowing.

Out of curiousity, does anyone know if Hyundai re-instituted the $500 rebate on the '02 models? I saw an Metro Hyundai ad this weekend that mentioned it on the Elantra. This doesn't seem to mesh with the Edmunds info though (and I always get error messages when I use the Hyundai site), so I can't confirm.

Perhaps Hyundai gives special dealer incentives to the top volume dealers? Just a thought (I'm still trying to figure out how the dealers in LA can sell them below "cost").

majorthomecho

Buy the Neon! That way we will have someone to talk about Neons in the low end sedan thread. ; )

intrepidspirit

You are right about the sound system in the Elantra. Even if a combo cassette/cd player were offered, the sound quality is pretty spartan.

However, I hope you are looking at a manual transmission if you are looking at the Neon. Unless the 2002 is changed from the 2001, the automatic transmission is a 3-speed! Reviewers panned the car, saying it was ludicrous to expect buyers to purchase a car with such a lame transmission.

I bought a Sony 10 disc changer and a security system for my daughter's 2001 Elantra for $300 plus tax (installed). She loves it, even though she has to use a remote...

By the way, I am not on a vendetta against Chrysler -- my wife and I each have a 300M. But when I researched cars for my daughter, the Elantra was a clear winner over ALL of the competition value-wise and, in many cases, performance and feature-wise as well! A great little car...

majorthomecho

Daimler Chrysler finally listened to the critics and the Neon is now available with a four speed automatic transmission.

intrepidspirit

Thanks, Major! I was looking in May and June before the 2002's came out. I'm really glad I didn't buy a 2001, especially since it became a 4-speed automatic in 2002!

And I still feel the Elantra was the best car for my daughter at that price! No regrets...

mpgman

Seems like the package numbering has changed for the 02 GLSs. My local dealer has about 25 Elantras, and at least 5 have keyless entry, cruise, ABS and traction control. No mention of package 5 on the sticker though. My GT has ABS and traction control, but none of the 5 GTs in this lot had it. Just respoding to an earlier post about the need for ABS.

buoyant

Ya, the Neon board has certainly dried up, hasn't it? I'm even starting to miss the occasional screaming from owners of the early models regarding faulty head gaskets and bad evaporator units. At least it was fodder for conversation.

Intrepid, no more automatic trannies for me [for a while]. It is IMPERATIVE my next vehicle have a stick (I've actually begun resorting to make believe manual shifting in my current car - which is a bit ridiculous, even I'll admit). No car salesman will talk me into another auto. I'm longing for a shift-it-yourself car again.

And the "I must have this" concept is, unfortunately for me, incomprehensible to some salespeople.

What I find extremely annoying about car salesmen is they ALWAYS try to get you to buy out of their stock - even if you're extremely finicky about the color and options (like me). You can tell them you want a champagne one with a stick and a sunroof and not three minutes later, they're trying to sell you a blue one with an automatic and no sunroof. But, I digress.

pardey

buoyant,

You should't have to cut anything to put a double din in the Elantra. When you take out the factory stereo the tray underneath it comes right out with it and leaves a double din size space.

mikeyjohn

Thanks for your insight, but with the difference in warranties, taxes, Cdn. dollar, and different features ie. miles versus kms, daytime running lights, and I believe anchors for child seats, it does not make economical sense. We are only about 200 miles from Great Falls Mont. I spoke to a dealer here about just that and they tell me that Hyundai Canada will not honour a US warranty unless the owner is a legitimate tourist etc. I went to a KIA dealer yesterday and they offer a fully loaded Kia Magentis with a great warranty and side airbags and it looks like a Sonata. I also hear that Hyundai is an owner of Kia. I am just not sure about reliability on this car.

claywaterfill

I did not think about all the little things--like miles vs kms. I guess it makes sense on the warranty to keep people from jumping from one country to the next. If the Kia Magentis is what we call the Optima, it is the mechanical twin of the Sonata and reliablilty should be the same as Sonata--if you like the Sonata.

jpnyc

Closing in on two months and 2,500 miles in my black 2001 GLS auto Pkg 3 (CD, cruise, keyless) and I'm generally happy. Just completed a 1,400-mile road trip from NY to NC and aside from occasional very light steering wheel shimmy it performed admirably. I'm not concerned because I won't be pushing it like that again any time soon and I'm not a hard driver. I began the trip a little before the end of the 1,200-mile break-in Hyundai recommends, but I honestly think they're being conservative. I did use cruise off and on throughout (works very nicely), but I barely used it in the first 1,000 miles so I'm confident everything's OK regarding break-in.

After lots of investigating, my decision in the end was between an '02 4-spd. auto Neon SE and Elantra (price was a big factor, and the reason I considered Neon was the fun factor/bang for the buck/having a sunroof and an in-dash 4-cd/cassette changer in a sub-$15K car). But looking long-term, the Elantra's warranty and overall feel of quality in its price range spoke volumes. This is my first new car, and after reading these posts and particularly Edmunds' long-term road test installments, I'm confident I made the right choice.

Before taxes/tags and applying the $500 rebate, I paid $13,275. The dealership (Route 119 Hyundai/Suzuki, White Plains, NY) was good and my salesperson (Fred Velazquez) was VERY good. I had test-driven an Accent about two months before and his professionalism was a key factor in bringing me back w/o checking other dealers first. I told him that, he knew that I had done my homework, and so we made a deal that was good for both (I got a good price, he got an end-of-the-month sale and moved an '01 off the lot).

One thing about the sound system: I think it's decent enough (Pkg 3 gives you the six-speaker setup). The Neon and Focus systems are indeed better, but the Elantra's is better than any Honda.

buoyant

I was not aware that the plastic partition under the factory receiver just slides out.

It looked fixed to me, so I thought you would have to cut it out to fit in a double-DIN.

Is it correct to assume then that you could slide in a double-DIN CD/cassette combo and replace it later with the factory unit (when you decide to sell it) by simply sliding back in the plastic divider - no harm done?

So long as you don't have to do any permanent alterations to the dash, this would seem like the best option then (unless you REALLY get a kick out of opening your trunk every time you exchange CDs).

arukish

I bought Elantra 01 in 2/01. Now it has 11700 miles on it.No problem at all.Check signed came before.When I follow instructions posted in this forum,it goes away.Does anybody advise me about changing Air filter?My dealer has a 15000 miles scheduled service with replacement of Air filter.However,manuel says to change it at 30000 miles.I drive mostly on highways.Do I need to go for it or just wait untill 30000 miles?Does it affect my warranty?

arukish

I forget to ask you this question too.Dealer's 15000 miles service does tune up too.I s it necessary or required?

pardey

The tray is actually connected to the factory stereo by a couple of screws so you will be able to take it out and put it back in with the factory stereo. You should have no problem putting in a double-Din unit.

I put in another single-Din stereo with just a cd player (I haven't bought a cassette tape in ten years)and I had to attach the tray to the new stereo to keep the tray in there. It will probably
be easier for you to put in a double-Din than another single-Din.

csandste

of dealers who throw a lot of things not required in the manual at you. They don't have your best interest at heart. A 15,000 tune up interval in a modern car is disgraceful. I'd be looking at another source for service.

intrepidspirit

"unless you REALLY get a kick out of opening your trunk every time you exchange CDs".

Not trying to influence your decision on an in-dash stereo unit vs. a CD changer, but you don't need to exchange CD's very often with a 10-disc changer. That gives you somewhere in the neighbourhood of 10 hours of play between exchanges...

vocus

Not necessarily. Some people don't like to listen to all the songs on their CDs. I have some CDs that I only have one song on them that I like. I wouldn't want to listen to the other 10 or whatever if I didn't want to. And a trunk changer is a pain in the butt when you change CDs alot.

claywaterfill

I agree on the maintenance issue--go with what the owner's manual calls for. Dealerships get rich in the service department (that's how they sell cars at "invoice" and stay in business). Go another way--try another dealer. Many "full-service" auto places like Pep Boys will do all the factory recommended maintenance as well. I think the 3000 mile oil change phenomenon was invented by the oil companies and "quickie lube" shops. People like to think they are being good to their cars. It certainly doesn't hurt anything to change it at 3000 miles, but you don't need to, either. Every good, reputable mechanic I have ever talked to has said there is nothing wrong with waiting at least 5000 miles between oil changes. Do what the manual says and you'll be just fine.

buoyant

I have to agree with vocus here.

There are some people who can listen to an entire CD, but even the ones I have where I like every song, I usually get tired of listening to the same sound for an hour (unless it's a really good compilation CD and has a bunch of different artists on it). The only time I play several CDs back-to-back in their entirety is when I go to bed at night.

I carry a box that holds 50 CDs with me when I go on driving trips (and that's about 10% of my CD collection) because one second I'm in the mood for Depeche Mode and suddenly I get some unnatural craving for Dean Martin. I'm sure I'm not the only one like this either...

I also NEED a cassette player in the car because I've dubbed quite a number of movies (although they do lose something when you're only listening to them) and political speeches (the 1992 Vice Presidential debate is one of my personal faves) onto cassette over the years.

Also, the LAST thing you want to do up here in Minneapolis in the winter is get out of the car when it's 20 below and pop open the trunk just because of an urge to listen to the Pet Shop Boys.

intrepidspirit

obviously aren't for everyone! Personally, I don't like to fool around with cd's and cassettes when I'm driving because I don't feel like I'm driving safely. Most of my trips are short (under an hour), so I just listen to whatever I have set up. Also, I don't have to put up with -20 below temperatures if I do decide to load up new cd's...

I really agree with buoyant about the cassettes, however. I have several that I don't want to part with. The reason I didn't get the cd option when I bought my daughter's Elantra was because it eliminated the cassette player -- also not acceptable to her! She is very happy with the 10-disc changer.

It seems more automakers are now forcing buyers into an either/or cassette/cd player decision...

browney

I also have a very large cassette collection that I hate to part with or replace with CDs.
Now I have the 01 Elantra with opt 3, (no cassette).
What I have been doing is converting all my cassettes over to CDs on my computer. I have hooked up a cassette player to my sound card input and using "Cool Edit" software, recorded the cassettes onto my computer. You can then clean up the recordings and record them onto CDs.
I am now about halfway thru this process after 3 months but eventually I will no longer be using cassettes.
Since this is an Elantra forum I will comment about my Elantra.
I now have just over 8k mi and my only complaints are the buzz in the passenger side (door/headliner/B pillar???) and the 'shift flare' from 2nd to 3rd gear.
Just got 32mpg on a vacation run to the mountains.
435mi on 13.5gal(low fuel light just turned on) in mixed hwy/mountain driving. (mostly hwy at 70mph)

regfootball

I'm kinda like you. Live in Mpls....have a cd changer and A LOT of cd's. Getting out of the car and changing CD's is like doing a chinese fire drill, and in cold weather it flat out sucks.

In dash changers without cartridges are appealing to me, but what I want even more right now is one of those portable hard drive juke boxes that I can just run through a cassette tape adapter. I'll probably get one when they get big enough to hold my collection. I'll probably need a 40gb unit but would like an 80gb unit. The biggest one I know of is 6gb...or maybe there is a 20gb unit out there.

I figure an 80gb unit would hold about 20,000 songs. That ought to be enough music. I wonder how tough it is to operate one while driving?

jhnep1

I have been checking prices on '02 GLS auto, option 2 package,mud flaps and mats. Chicago area's best price I find is 12690.00. Somewhere there is a $400 and a $500 rebate direct to dealer.This is the only dealer in chicagoland saying anything about these two rebates. Next best price 13,521 which he says is invoice and advertising. One dealer said that there was a holdback charge to the customer of 500.00+something. He wouldn't let me see the invoice. So, I left. Any other prices out there?

mpgman

Of course dealers will do everything possible to get you to buy from inventory. They are already paying interest on those cars and every day they sit it costs them money. Besides, the old bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Nothing like dealing on something you can see instead of something out there somewhere...maybe.

claywaterfill

This used to be a pretty lively board! The Elantra is on my short list for next car. I was originally thinking mid size, but since this car will spend about 90% of its time carrying one person to and from work, I changed to compact for better mileage and ease of parking and maneuvering in city traffic. The Elantra is on the short list with Sentra and Lancer. I know the Elantra has the price and warranty covered, but I had good luck with a Sentra about 10 years ago and the Lancer's interior is almost the size of a mid size sedan's. Any owners of the current model have any opinions about their cars--good, bad, or ugly? I know most people buy them because of its price, but do you now wish you would have spent a little more money on something else? Thanks for any feedback!

mpgman

16,000 miles on my automatic Elantra GT. Nothing comes close for the price and the content. Reliability has been excellent. Great cargo space, leather, ABS, traction control, fog lights, trip computer, moonroof, full power, heated folding mirrors, alloys, Michelins, 4 wheel discs, etc., etc. You'd pay thousands more to get that and most likely have to get a loaded 6 cylinder. Getting in the mid 30s on the highway. I went through what you did. This is a great choice. You can buy it for under $16K. Good Luck.

csandste

are larger in almost every dimension than the mid-sized Olds Alero. I'd assume the Lancer and Focus are as well. Sometimes the old designations don't apply any more. I love my Elantra and think it should be on everyone's short list. Think the Lancer is probably the best looking Japanese car, although it gives up quite a bit of horsepower to the Elantra. Was given a last generation Sentra while my Elantra was getting some hail damage repaired, much smaller and cruder than the Elantra although screwed together pretty well for a rental that had seen quite a bit of abuse. Of course the new platform is greatly improved over the earlier car.

jhnep1

I bought a elantra gls auto with the option 3 package (CD player). This includes option 2 (keyless remote, alarm and cruise.)the cost was 13000.00 in the chicago area.

backy

First, I am glad I didn't spend more to get an equal (or even lesser) car than my '01 GLS. For example, I rode in a co-worker's '01 Civic EX the other day, and the dashboard buzzed constantly and the ride was much harsher than the Elantra's. The Lancer wasn't available last year when I bought my Elantra. I've taken a look at it, and while it impressed me with its roomy interior, I don't think it's a good value compared to the Elantra and I don't like the styling (a personal choice of course). If I were to pay that kind of money for a small car, I would get one with a rock-solid reliability record and a little more personality than the Lancer--maybe the Protege. Shoot, you could get an Elantra GT, with all the trimmings, for the price of a Lancer with few options. I've owned two Sentras, a '92 and '97, and they were good, reliable cars. The main reason I passed on the '01 Sentra right away was the cramped back seat, plus it would cost me about $2000 more than the comparably-equipped Elantra. Plus less power and, IMO, not as good styling as the Elantra.

fgaydos

All the reviews I read about the elantra was that the engine was very buzzy and loud at highway speeds.
This lead me to scout out the Sentra, '02.
the SE-R has a 165 HP engine.
The SE-R Spec V has 175 HP engine.
Could this be a case of you get what you pay for?
Feedback anyone.
I currently have a ZX3, '00 and want to trade it in. I have had a new windshield, four recalls and a new transmission and brake drum, Also, a stripped tie rod, a present from the serviceman. So I am very leery about trying an unproven car like the Elantra. Plus, I had a Ford service experience from Hell.
Also, looking at the Subaru line but not sure I can afford it.
NOW, I understand about FORD< Fix Or Repair Daily.

claywaterfill

Your experience with Hyundai could not be worse than your Ford experience! I appreciate the feedback. I'm definately leaning toward Elantra. I was curious to see other opinions out there.

backy

Did you drive the Elantra on the highway? The Elantra engine definitely makes a growl under hard acceleration--a lot of 4-cyl engines do that. But cruising on the highway it's pretty quiet, especially with the automatic. You might want to at least try a test drive before eliminating it from consideration.

With the Sentra SE-R and Spec V, it's definitely a case of you get what you pay for. You're talking about cars that run $16.5-17.5k list without any options, compared to the Elantra that is $13k list before options.

buoyant

Comparing these two is like comparing apples and oranges. No, more like apples and baseballs. About the only thing they have in common are similiar exterior dimensions.

I think the Elantra would be most comparable to a Sentra GXE in terms of ride, handling, etc.

Personally, I think the Sentra SE-R Spec V looks really cool, but I've read nothing but bad things about it. One magazine, if memory serves correct, compared its shifter to that of an arcade video game. Another described its action as "plasticky."

Plus, with 175 horses and little mass, you'd think it would be faster (only a second faster to 60mph than a base Sentra with a stick). And a six speed manual with a 28mpg highway rating? I take that to mean that the ratios are really close and city driving is a complete nightmare.

They could've had such a cool little car with the SE-R, but something went awry on the road to Productionville.

Personally, I'd love a Sentra GXE with a 5spd, but unfortunately, that model is not available with a sunroof (unless you trust Ziebart Tidy Car on your roof with a Milwaukee Sawzall). You have to go with the top of the line model to get access to that option. Bad idea.

littlejohn

Hello all...can anyone expand on the newspaper ads I have seen for 0%-zero interest on Elantras in the Washington D.C. region? I assume it is short term and on 2001s? Thanks

littlejohn

I have a farly new CD/radio in my old escort, a car which is is on its last legs. Would the harness wiring-adaptors be the only thing I would need to buy to put this Cd player in a new Hyundai Elantra with stock AmfmCass system? It is a single space unit and Crutchfield claims it should fit Ok..

Regards,
JM

browney

Sorry it took so long for this reply but I was on vacation for a while and then just didn't have the time.
I checked the TPS as shown in your picture and the following is the info off it.
On the left side it shows 'DAE' with 'Sung' under that.
On the right side it shows 'Automotive' with 'Co LTD' under that.
On the bottom it has the numbers 2121 1110 and 35170-23500 under that.
It also has the Hyundai symbol molded into the plastic body of the sensor.
Hope this helps.

fgaydos

Was driving in Jersey this afternoon around 75 MPH when a Elantra passed me like I was standing still.
Will have to test drive one. I hope they have a hatch or wagon.

backy

Yes, the Elantra comes in a hatch, it's called the GT. It's a little sportier than the GLS and has more standard equipment, like leather-trimmed interior, four-wheel disc brakes, alloys, and 6-speaker CD stereo standard. But it lists for $1500 more than the GLS. The wagon was dropped for the '01 model year. If you want to get some opinions on the hatchback, take a look at the Elantra GT forum.

majorthomecho

I did not understand your recent post directed to me. What did I say that elicited that reaction from you?

csandste

MPG has steadily improved to almost 30 combined. Bought the lifetime balance at Wal-Mart and was a bit afraid that they would make the balance on the Michelins worse (my car was pretty vibration free), but (miraculously?) things are actually better in the vibration department.

Still love this car. No problems whatsoever!

smiller678

Hi,

Just past 18000 miles on my 01 Elantra GLS with pkg 4 (moonroof). Best damn new car I have ever owned. Not a single problem. Only thing I added was fog lights. Now I only wish Hyundai would make an Elantra GLS with GT features such as ABS, Moonroof, Alloy, Leather and V6?

Shawn

lleroi

That sounds like it could be an interesting option.

bill_1

I doubt that Hyundai is going to offer a V-6 in the Elantra for the simple reason that it already has one of the more powerful engines in compact class. If you want something with a V-6 on the Elantra Platform you could always look at the next generation Tiburon which is suppose to be out in a few months.

csandste

This is a hot portion of the market right now with offerings from Suburu, Mitsu (hopefully here in the future) and Nissan. A V6 Elantra would fit right in. I'd also like to see GT trim in a sedan and GLS trim in a hatch. These variations (with the exception of the V6 (maybe) would be easy to pull off.

Frankly after sitting in a GT (the car I was waiting for when I had to buy) I kind of like the seating and instruments of the GLS better. I've gotten used to the seating fabric which initially looked kind of cheesy to me, now I really like it, at least in gray.

buoyant

I think it would be cool if Hyundai would offer a V10 (like those enormous Ford trucks that keep crowding me on the freeway) on its Elantra. Granted it would require a few modifications to the engine bay, transmission and suspension...

As a bonus, Hyundai could offer straight-pipe exhausts out the top of the hood that shoot flames 2 feet into the air every time you pull away from a stoplight.

Just an idea.

BTW, I am not being serious (just in case anyone was in question). I'm all for the 4 banger, which seems to have plenty o' power IMO.

seeker51

Just wondering what you folks think cause the tmv of my hyundai was 13,790. I bought it for 13,069 without too much haggling and that was done over phone. bought it nov 30. could there be a secret dealer kickback somewhere?? that is with package 3, mud guards and carpeted floor mats. If a guy wasnt careful and tmv is off he could pay too much. I just wonder what is happening cause it seems i payed below list, and below list less holdback as well. Any thoughts?