Hyundai Elantra 2001-2006

th003g

whoa.... you'd think this guy has fat fingers, bad driving skills, and a nasty anti hyundai mindset... the Elantra has some of the largest switchgear on any car in its class... and it sure is powerful... for me to get up to speed on the highway... to about 90 when I need to.
well I just sent him some email and I hope others follow suit to tell him to wake up...
btw read his review on the 2003 corolla... that just goes to show his preference for toyota or honda products though tehy may cost more and have less..

intrepidspirit

This is the first negative review I've seen on the current generation Elantra. If this guy had a problem merging it wasn't because the Elantra is a "stealth car" and it wasn't because merging motorists identify Elantras and disallow them to merge. In merging traffic, I defy anyone who is paying at least the minimum attention needed to do so, identify an Elantra from a Toyota, Nissan, Honda or Mitsubishi of the same ilk that is trying to merge into traffic. I don't think most people care what someone else is driving -- they are just tryng to get someplace as quickly and safely as possible. Maybe this guy drives an SUV and finds he can't force his way into traffic the same way with the Elantra.

And these comments on power and acceleration -- what is he comparing to? At 140 HP the Elantra is close to the highest in its class; similarly it's 0-60 time of 8.6 seconds beats most of it competition.

I think this guy felt inferior in the Elantra compared to what he normally drives and let his inferiority complex get in the way of the objectivity needed to perform auto reviews. Edmunds reviewers found the Elantra GLS performed remarkably well compared to their previous long term vehicle -- a 3 series BMW.

An auto reviewer needs to open his mind and this guy obviously doesn't meet these requirements...

dorf47

I also don't see what the guy's problem was in merging onto traffic. I do it daily and never have any problem getting quickly up to 70 or a little better. As far as holding the road, I had one time where I exited the interstate a little too fast and experienced some body roll, pretty sharp curve at the exit. But it was no big deal. And, if you drive in heavy traffic there are some times you have to be a little more agressive-they aren't going to stop and let you on!

puglover

I have a 2001 Hyundai Elantra and am considering buying a pop up tent trailer. Does anyone have any experience trailering a pop up with the Elantra?

intrepidspirit

The long-awaited Edmunds long -term test wrap-up has (finally) just arrived!! Click under "Helpful Links".

Better late than never...

jimbeaumi

Only one word needed for this review: HOORAY!!

th003g

read the edmunds wrap up and take a class in open minded writing and editorial thinking....
and about identifying cars on the road... i can do that, its so easy, well actually it took years of reading car magazines. i'm able to tell what kind of car, price range, trim level, year, and so on just by glancing at it. it ticks my parents off and kinda scares my mom but its like second nature to me, no thinking required... i can even tell what kind of car something is by seeing its headlights from the rearview mirror...

and i do treat SUVs differently than i do normal cars when merging.... i tend not to let them in if they try to force their way ahead of me.... even if I am driving my moms accent... they seem to think they can scare people on the road into submission but I dont scare...heheh

okeydokey

2002 elantra gls, automatic 2k miles.....

26mpg 90% freeway miles. does that sounds right? it feels a little low. post your gas mileage so I can compare!

OD

csandste

but the Elantra is a slow engine to loosen up. Mileage should improve by the time you hit 10K. I have the 5 speed and average 26-27 in mixed driving, just a bit over 30 on the highway. Close to the EPA figures if memory serves me right.

buoyant

I have 11K on my Elantra now. I took a trip from Spokane to Minneapolis (1300 miles) when the car had 9K on it and averaged 31 mpg during the trip. I got 32 mpg between 2 fill-ups, but never seemed to break the 33 mpg mark the EPA gives for estimated highway mileage.

The car was/is still relatively "green" however, and I traveled at 80-85 mph most of the way. The car was packed too.

I wish mileage was more on par with the Corolla and Civic, but I'd hardly call my car a gas hog.

ianlozada

My 2002 Automatic GLS is getting 26-27 MPG in a good mix of highway and city (with an edge to city) driving.

vocus

If you got 32mpg while doing 80-85 most of the time, then you did pretty good. The EPA tests car at like 55mph or something to achieve their highway ratings. Driving at 55mph on the Capital Beltway (that I drive every day to and from work) will get you killed though!

jimbeaumi

My trips to and from Chicago can be done on almost exactly a full tank, and the mileage has come very close to the 33 mpg EPA mark. Average speeds have been right around 80, and in town I zipzipzip around. The little gem is about to roll 14,000 miles and will celebrate a first birthday in about two weeks. The woman who cuts my hair asked if I was having a little party for it, and would I be inviting all the little cars in the neighborhood.

backy

'01 GLS 5-speed, 13,000 miles, now averaging around 29 mpg (last tank 29.5) in mostly urban driving, some stop-and-go on rush hour freeways. Have not used the a/c much yet this summer.

msmollin2001

Lol, ok, mine's getting about 21 around town. Is this normal? Its like a two weeks old with 400 miles on it. I know it takes awhile for the car to loosen up, but I do have the stick-shift model. Haven't ran the A/C much yet, so its not a contributing factor.

th003g

19.8mpg according to trip computer over last 4 fillups... heavy foot....only 4600m on car

backy

Yes, it takes awhile for the engine to loosen up. I was getting only around 24 mpg when my car was new, now it's up to 29. Also, my urban driving includes some freeway miles at 65 mph, so it's not all city streets and traffic lights.

alpha01

Can suck it. Who cares what they say about the Elantra? Since when are they a source of information. I was in a GT for the first time a couple of days ago- I was duly impressed. This car seems like a very shrewd purchase, with its long warranty.
~alpha

dustbail

After reading all the reports on MPG. I had to find out what the deal was. My wife and I purchased her a GT (automatic) about a month ago, and she mentioned that she as well was getting really low MPG. I fill her car up as about as often as I get to drive, when she lets me drive it (LOL, seriously I have to beg). And every time I fill up I reset the computer. She has been getting 19-24 MPG, which I agree is pretty low. This past weekend I filled the car and reset the computer, this time insist that I drive if for a few days. Naturally driving as I normally do and driving in about the same traffic, and conditions. I even drove more hills and stop and go traffic than she would I was consistently about 27 MPG. After riding around with her, running a few errands I realized the main difference was the "style" of driving...She accelerated faster and would push the RPM's up higher and faster. I think that the bad MPG's are mostly because of the "style" or "Lead Foot"

dorf47

Have a 01 with just about 23,500 on it. After about a month I averaged 28 mpg and have gotten that from that point on. Do alot of interstate driving at 75-80 (can't help it, just seems to sneak up on me in the car). I've tried behaving myself once in awhile, but still got nearly the same mileage. It is 140hp afterall.

jimbeaumi

The little gem just rolled 14K last night, and will be one year old on July 9. Trouble-free and fun as ever.

canadave

Is your wife named "Beth"?? Seriously, we must have the same wife or something I was laughing reading your post, because my Beth is exactly the same way...first of all, she never lets me drive her (our!) new '02 Elantra; and second of all, she has MUCH more of a lead foot than I! I have no idea how to wean her off the car and let me get more time in it...I suppose I could try just putting my foot down, but I'm sure you know as well as I do how THAT story will end.....

Cheers,
Dave K.

buoyant

I just got back from yet another long trip and got 43 mpg between fill-ups in Bismarck, ND and Miles City, MT (a relatively flat area). And I double-checked the figures not once, not twice, but thrice (that's 3 times to you). Have I set some kind of Elantra record?

At first I figured I just didn't get to the top of the tank when I filled up at the end of that leg, which skewed the reading. But the rest of the trip I got consistently between 30-35 (if the 43 was inaccurate, it surely would've relected on the fill-up just before or just after that one, producing lower MPG's).

The total trip (1365 mi, mountains, no A/C use) gave me an average reading of 34 and change. I am happy.

dustbail

Nope not Beth....Sounds like they may be twins seperated at birth....I'm about ready to trade my Montero in for a GT (so I can drive one)....I love the GT but never get to drive it....putting my foot down will only get me a ride on the couch...LOL

baber

My Wife has a 99 Elantra automatic we bought new. We have 35,000 trouble free miles on it so far. A few months ago she payed it off and was considering getting a new car. After I told her the car was still under warranty and has had no trouble she decided to keep it for now. She really has gotten used to not paying a car payment since then. She usually doesn't let me drive her Elantra unless it is a long trip. On long highway trips we usually average 31 mpg with the AC blasting and three people and luggage aboard. We usually average about 25 mpg around town which is pretty good. I have a 99 Accent sedan with automatic I use for my 100 mile a day commute. I have 84,000 miles on that car with only one major problem. The alternator died at 62,000 miles. Aside from that it has been a great car. I have owned Honda, Subaru, and Mercedes in the past and these Hyundais have been the most trouble free cars I have ever owned. I highly reccomend them.

vocus

I ended up buying a 2002 Jetta 1.8T back in November. That car has spent about 2 of the last ~7 months I have owned it in the shop. I am beginning to think maybe I should have gotten an Elantra (mine would have been a GT though). They seem to have less problems than I am having right now.

buoyant

I recall you saying something about a rattle. Was there some other problem(s) with your Jetta too (two out of 7 months in the shop is a LOT)?

Interestingly, the Jetta was my top choice when I went car shopping last December (I wanted a GLS turbo wagon, but then eventually decided on the Elantra as I just didn't feel the Jetta was worth an extra 8 grand over the Elantra...3 or 4 yes, but not eight). All three Jettas I drove had at least one rattle in them, and all were new. I really love the way VW does their interiors though - very posh.

My next car is still going to be a Mini Cooper. That is unless they're still going for 4K over window when I'm car shopping.

Lastly, does anyone else think the AC robs a little too much engine power from their Elantra? I turned mine on for the first time this summer the other day and I thought the engine fell out.

backy

That's funny, I think the A/C on my Elantra has less noticeable impact on performance than any other small car I've owned. But it's also the most powerful car I've ever owned, save my '99 GCS. On most of my cars, like two Sentras and two Civics, it was like I had applied the brakes when the A/C kicked in. I don't feel that with my Elantra. If it wasn't for a short, soft "hiss" noise when the compressor kicks in sometimes, I wouldn't know when the A/C is cycling when I'm driving down the road.

vocus

The problems have all been rattles except when the radio died when the car was a month old. Also, the lights behind the climate controls burned out as well.

I have had it back for rattles all these times. I don't think that's right, not when I pay $25K for a car (loaded 1.8T GLS). So I am going to see what VW is going to do about it when they finish talking with my lawyer about the situation. I am under 15K miles and 15 months old, so I am eligible for Lemon Law status in Md. My lawyer says I have a case too. We shall see.

buoyant

Perhaps it just a psychological "me thing" then. Other than my 91 Isuzu Stylus XS, I haven't owned any other small cars. And that was quite a while ago, so I don't remember how much power the A/C robbed from it (perhaps I was too busy noticing other things about that car - like the doors falling off).

Vocus, good luck.

csandste

that the plastic covering of the b-pillar as well as the weather stripping is being chewed up a bit by the seat belt hardware. Only myself to blame for this, I guess.

bandofbrothers

Will my warranty be void if I decide to install an aftermarket head unit? Also, anyone do their own installation of the stereo, if so, how was it?

backy

This weekend I took my '01 GLS on its longest trip ever, a 300-mile roundtrip into northwestern Wisconsin to pick up my oldest son and two other boys at Scout camp. It was hot, around 90, with dewpoint in the 70s, and the A/C was on the whole time (on low, with the thermostat about 1/2 way in the blue area). On the way back, I had about 700 pounds of people and cargo. I estimate (haven't refilled yet, so this is a guess) that the mpg on the way up to camp (just me) was high-30s, and coming back was low 30's. About 20% of the miles were in rush-hour traffic. Speed was between 60 and 70 on the open road (had to keep the speed reasonable and set a good example for these almost-driving-age Scouts). One of the boys said as we approached the car, from the front, "Oh, a Hyundai Elantra!" Must know his cars. Another asked after we had been riding awhile if this was a Honda. I said no, but it has a big H on the back just like a Honda. :-)

As I was driving along Hwy 25 between Menomonee and Barron (beautiful farm country, rolling hills, lots of cows) I thought to myself how quiet and smooth the car was. Even going over the dirt roads heading into camp, the ride wasn't that bad. The car did get filthy from the trip, so I rewarded it with a professional car wash when I got home, and it looks like new again.

buoyant

Backy, dittos on the quietness comment. The Elantra is even quieter than some mid-size cars (like the 02 Honda Accord EX I test-drove in Dec.). It's amazingly quiet for a cheap small car.

It appears to me Hyundai made quietness one of its top priorities when designing the Elantra. All the windows are double sealed and the side window glass is thicker than all the previous cars I've owned.

When I get mine paid off and buy a MINI, I'm using the Elantra as my "freeway cruiser". I know, it sounds ridiculous, but the Elantra has a substantial, big car ride to it and makes for great extended Interstate cruising - even all day at speeds over 80mph.

jimbeaumi

Another 90 degree Michigan day, and thank goodness for such an effective AC system!

Closing in on one year...

joshrtek3

Hello all,

I just bought my 2002 Elantra GLS, and I must say, I really, really think this is an outstanding car, even though I only have about 400 miles on it. I have a quick question though...will installing an aftermarket CD player cause the keyless entry to no function. I've heard rumor about this, but I wasn't for sure. Thanks!

intrepidspirit

I installed a 10-disc CD changer in the trunk of my daughter's 2001 Elantra when it was new. I also installed an alarm/keyless entry system at the same time. That combination works fine -- I don't know about a CD player installation, though..

canpam

I am getting close to 27K miles on my 01 Elantra and I find myself really enjoying this automobile! My goal is to get at least 200K miles out of this car and am feeling pretty confident about that goal right now. Currently my wife and I only require one vehicle but as our family grows I would love to try the Santa Fe.

buoyant

Why wouldn't the remote keyless entry work if you swap the stereo?

There is no alarm sensor for the stereo currently in the car (who would want to rip off a stereo with a big Hyundai emblem on it?).

backy

From Edmunds.com's recent road test follow-up of the Mini Cooper, under "Cons" (emphasis mine):

Hyundai Elantras (even when they have an automatic) will smoke it from a stoplight for two-thirds the price, manual mode shifting action is counter-intuitive, rear passenger/cargo room is limited.

And here I was lusting after the Mini Cooper! Now I can just paint a Union Jack on the roof of my Elantra and keep it. :-)

jimbeaumi

The Mini Cooper, like the New Beetle, is cute but not very practical. I do enjoy the looks of it. Mr. Practicality here.

I buzzed by my dealer today and noticed an Elantra parked for service, same color as mine (Champagne), and the owner put on aftermarket Eagle rims. Similar in style to those on the XG350, they made it look a bit like a small XG. You know, like it was left in the dryer too long. The wheels and the Potenzas were sharp, and I am NOT the type to notice aftermarket add-ons.

th003g

i wonder if he got paid to do this... and i cannot see the video even though i am running cablemodem and quickitme 5/IExplorer as it says to... anyone else have this problem?

brentcadle

I just had a Sony CD head unit installed in my 2001 GLS (BestBuy often has free installation with purchase.) It did not affect the keyless entry. I also had Sony Explode speakers put in to replace the factory speakers(I drive 120 miles a day so I thought it was worth it) The new system sounds GREAT! I am almost at the 60,0000 mile mark. NO REPAIRS, just oil changes and tire rotations. The original Michelins are still on the car! Excellent tire! I probally will replace with the same.

jimbeaumi

th003g, I saw those reviews, too. You can be sure he got paid to do those (so much for HIS objectivity), because a "normal" review would tell of drawbacks, which every car has. I wouldn't even call those reviews, more like a verbal press kit.

brentcadle, you drive ALOT! Your experience at 60K gives me even more peace of mind about the future of my GLS. I've had similar good experience with Michelin tires, and replaced with them on previous cars (also have had good experience with Kelly tires). Did you have your timing belt replaced? I believe that is a 60K maintenance. My Betsy has a 1st birthday next Tuesday!

desg

I read a snapshot review of the Elantra LaVita today in one of our local papers, it gives an insight into how attitudes are changing I believe

Not that many years ago any Korean car would have been given the thumbs down just because it was Korean (even if it was ok). This article didn't even mention Korea it spoke on the cars pros and cons quite objectively

Perhaps the attitude corner is turning - at least with some

12,000KM and my elantra is going strong - better than when new in fact.

csandste

Just wondered how they were selling?

desg

Haven't really seen any on the roads, only been selling them here for 6-9 months though. Elantra Sedan and Hatch on sale since Oct 2000 and still you don't see great numbers of them.

Hyundai's big seller here is the Accent but I'm starting to see a sprinking of their other models on the roads, quite a few Grandeur though

elantrance

Hi all, I picked up my brand new 2002 (black, baby ;-)) Elantra GLS last Saturday. So far, I am VERY impressed...I already downright love this car! Can't believe the price for how good a car I got (little under $12k WITH the extended warranty)...but anyways, I degress...you all know how great they are ;-)

Anyways, I bought the basic car (still has a lot of stuff *g*) with the auto trans. I almost gave into the $300 premium the dealer wanted for a CD player, but bypassed as I felt that was WAY to high. I am going to get a CD changer installed sometime in the future.

In the mean time, I was just planning on using my Sony CD player with a cassette adapter. However, the stock head unit seems to have the auto-side function (where it flips automatically from A to B at the end of each side)...when I plug in the adapter and play a CD, it will play for about 5 seconds, then try to switch sides (the adapter has no tabe, btw). It does it every 5 seconds or so. Obviously, I cannot listen to a CD...this is not a MAJOR issue...I mean, I'm happy with the quality of the stero I got for the price of the car, but it is rather annoying considering the vast collection of CD's I own, and total lack of cassettes. Anyone else have this prob? Any solutions?

Jon

jxs81

I have owned my elantra for just a little over one year now. Apparently I don't really drive it, the odometer only has less than 6k on it.

I called two dealers. One charges $178 for a lot of "dealer suggested maintainance" which are useless. The other told me only to change oil and rotate the tires for $50, and to do those inspections after around 12k miles. Since Hyundai requires a series of inspections (e.g. brake hoses and lines, brake pads, calipers and rotors, driveshafts and boots, suspension mounting bolts, etc), will it void the warranty if I go with the second dealer?

Of course, I won't hesitate to do the needed maintainance, but I will be happy to save 100 bucks.

Thanks,

Jeff

jimbeaumi

I forgot to brag: Betsy is one year old last Tuesday! Not a single mechanical problem, and still fun to drive and tote people around. I'll light a cupcake and give her a good wax tonight.