Hyundai Elantra 5-door

joffficer

While I was away I read the Consumer "we love Honda/Toyota" Reports auto edition. It doesn't surprise me at all that they dog the Hyundai in one section and give it high points in another. Car and Driver (and R&T) seem to compare everything to BMW and Mercedes. While the $15k GT is a great car it can't compare to a $50k car... it's an apples to apples thing! Also, the reviewers seem to carry their memories of the earlier Hyundai's into todays cars.
Personally I could care less for their reviews. It's nice to see nice things said about the car, but I'm the one making the payments. I did my own road tests in driving situations I encounter (with comparable cars)... not just on a closed track. I often wonder if they feel 'peer pressure'.. "my colleagues would laugh at me if I wrote how I liked a Hyundai"!

gtforme

I understand why they would carry over memories of earlier Hyundais. I test drove a Scoupe when they came out and liked my friends Escort with 120,000 miles much better. I haven't looked at Hyundais again until the Sante Fe came out. Then, my fiance just bought an Accent and we both love it. Now I've been researching the GT, and after skimming the last 300 or so posts here, I'm eager to get one.

jeffhall76

I took my '02 GT out to the DeSoto Speedway in Bradenton, FL last night with some friends and ran it twice on the 1/4 mile. I have an automatic with the ABS and trac. control with no modifications. First time down the strip I left it in "3" and floored it. Results: .839 reaction time (0.500 is perfect) 1/8 mile - 12.162 seconds at 58mph. 1/4 mile - 18.774 seconds at 74.28mph.

2nd time around I started in "L" and shifted myself. My reaction time was quicker at .504. 1/8 mile - 12.219 seconds at 58.28mph. 1/4 mile - 18.804 seconds at 74.44mph.

I was neck and neck with a Focus ZX3, that was fun. I think we tied! I want to get a short ram intake and exhaust for the GT and see how much quicker it'll be. Anyone with a 5 speed done this?

Jeff

csandste

U.S. News and World Report has a favorable story on Hyundai's turnaround

http://www.usnews.com/usnews/issue/020624/biztech/24hyundai.htm

However, their reviewer positively hates the Elantra GT

http://www.usnews.com/usnews/biztech/auto/hyundai_elantra.htm

"The Elantra does not inspire boldness. There's a huge soft spot in the car's acceleration even on the so-called GT model which forces you to hit the gas and play with the clutch a little to raise the RPMs needed to get any power. The delayed reaction means a few extra seconds to pass or get up to cruising speed. On curves, the nose dips and the vehicle feels like it just wants to give up, instead of fighting physics to hold the road. If that doesn't give the driver an inferiority complex, I also noticed that the Elantra gets little respect from other drivers, who seemed disinclined to let me merge in front of them, ever. It was like they didn't even see me. Publicity-shy celebrities should drive this car. Nobody would ever notice them."

He is a bit kinder in other reviews on the Sonata and Tibby.

joffficer

I remember reading somewhere that someone wanted to tow with their GT. I just got a Draw-Tite reciever made for the GT (bolts on, no drilling) for free! I thought I read that this car is not recommended for any towing, but someone said 1500lbs was the max. I don't plan on towing (I figure it was free, and a bike rack could be used easier), but can I tow a small trailer?

joffficer

This is from the US news.com article above...

"A Hyundai, for Pete's sake.",

"... a 10-year/100,000 mile power-train warranty–the best in the industry–but that doesn't mean it will be a melodious 10 years. ". How does he know?

Of course he's using two cars that cost twice or more than the GT as his competitors.... SAAB and Lincoln. And this on a highway... I'm guessing he's one of those idiots with the phone in his ear, picking his nose and racing in and out of heavy traffic! I'm sure if you looked through his back articles he put those people down as well.

"Publicity-shy celebrities...". I hope R. Newman doesn't really consider himself a celebrity!

bri70

Just another man's opinion so just leave it at that, right? That was my inclination until I read this:

"Knobs and buttons are a different story; they're small and they feel so cheap I was afraid I might snap them off."

I do not know what car this guy was driving but it was not an Elantra GT.

csandste

except for the radio. Also, the GT still has more horses than other compacts. Maybe he was comparing it to Saabs.

joffficer

I've heard that mentioned before. These people must have fat fingers! The smallest button I can think of is the A/C max button , and that has to be 3/4" X 1/2". Granted, my Dodge Truck has big buttons that big on the radio, but they were made for people wearing work gloves. Does everyone else usually wear work gloves driving an economy car?

If anyone wants to know... I put the trailer hitch on my GT... it took all of 20 minutes, and looks great!

tmant

Car and Driver shows 1500lb as the max towing. Another source I forget also indicates upward of 2900lb with trailer brakes.

uz2bphast

He wasn't too far off the mark on the acceleration angle. It does take more planning to pass than if you had a larger motor.

What he was wrong about is the handling. It is very quick and precise. I would suggest that his tires were not properly inflated. I had to check the inflation on my GT. The tires were overinflated. Once at the proper PSi the car handled much better.

As for the knobs He is just plain nuts. They are not any cheaper than the Grand AM I drove before I bought the GT. And they are much better than the Suzuki Aerio.

jimbeaumi

I read that review as well, and you are all correct -- he's nuts when talking about knobs and switches. He's obviously never drivng a General Motors product. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

wmoses

uz2bphast said --

"He wasn't too far off the mark on the acceleration angle. It does take more planning to pass than if you had a larger motor."

I have no problems with passing in any gear, although it is usually when I am in 4th or 5th that passing is done.

As for any lag -- there is a small dead spot in second gear when the A/C is on and you just changed from first to second. With the A/C off it is not there. Other than that I have no flat spot and certainly have no problems passing anyone on the freeway and going from 65 to say 80 mph in a few seconds.

dimsom30

Hahah, don't mix. Aparently they have no real business reviewing cars. And if that guy can't drive stick, he should stick to automatics. The buttons on his own car must have been glue in one position, so when he felt a real button, he thought it was gonna fall off when it pushed back out. i don't like biased people...

jimbeaumi

I really do know how to spell "driven" -- D-R-I-V-E-N

As for flat spots, I have noticed it starting from a dead stop. It is almost like driving a carbureted car -- not very linear. In other words, pressing the pedal gives it forward motion, but letting up a touch gives it more power. Weird, but I am so used to it.

rwr1708

...for that review.

1. The Japanese anti-Hyundai conspiracy machine in action.

2. Lack of experience. I'll bet he hasn't driven a mid-90's Chrysler product...

Just my opinion.

Rich

th003g

i have an automatic GT and although there is little power arond 2k -3k rpm's this engine isstill the most linear engine in its class with the most power in its class.. honda engines make 126hp and far less torque. my cousins were surprised that my car had 140hp/136 or 133lb ft... thats cause their cars, honda and mazda dont make nearly as much torque in comparison to their hp ratings (all civic SI owners, 1 rx7). you gotta take into account that this car is a 4banger and not a 6 or eight... sure my XJR has pickup, hell I can smoke the tires in any gear, but it is a suped 6 and cost over 70k... apples to apples please Mr. R. Newmann. My auto GT has adequate enough acceleration from a dead stop to keep up with a first generation RX7 with 179hp and lightwieght mods....from dead stop all the way to Montana daylight speeds.... the only thing I notice was... when at full throttle there is a deadspot after shift into 4th gear... the revs are too low in powerband to provide acceleration but too high to downshift so it kinda sits and chugs away for a few seconds... my only complaint about power in this car

vocus

If you all wanna read a nice review about the Elantra (although the GLS model), you should check out the wrap-up report of their 2001 Elantra. I was really surprised. It looks like Hyundai has finally "arrived".

joffficer

The owners book tells me you can tow 1000lbs without trailer brakes, and 1821lbs with the brakes. I have an auto, so a trans cooler would be a very good idea!

bri70

From that U.S. News article:

"Bertoncello ended up pay- ing $16,000 for a fully loaded Elantra with a sunroof and "Shiftronic" clutchless shifter, and 10,000 miles later he is a satisfied customer."

I have a 2001 GT. I'm betting the 2002 GT does not have a shiftronic transmission. Right? Does this come with the GLS?

dustbail

There is not a shiftronic available in the 2002 GT, or GLS. However the Sonata Base/GLS/LX and the Santa Fe have it as an option. In the XG350 the Shiftronic is standard. IT would be great to have the shiftronic in the GT! I'm not aware that Hyundai has any plans to add it to the 2003...

I just read the article, you referred do: "......Bertoncello ended up pay- ing $16,000 for a fully loaded Elantra with a sunroof and "Shiftronic" clutchless shifter, and 10,000 miles later he is a satisfied customer. Aside from a rough transmission, he says, "I love it."...." I guess that is why the transmission was rough...LOL...He thought he had "Shiftronic" I think it was a mistake I think they meant Sonata not Elantra.

rlenihan

A few weeks ago I posted about my difficulty finding an Elantra GT 5-speed with package 11. Well, on Tuesday I received a call from my local dealer, they've got two getting off the boat in New Jersey, do I want Chianti Red or Pewter. I say Pewter, and they arrange to have it shipped to the local dealership where I will test drive it next week. If I like it, it's mine for $15,545 delivered (plus sales tax and registration). I believe this price is pretty close to MSRP. I'm not getting any great discount, but they're not making me pay a scarcity surchage (or whatever it is that some dealers add to the invoice when they gouge on popular models) either. I'm looking forward to getting behind the wheel. The list of features and warranty is impressive for the price, and the reviews I've read have very positive (overall). Unless the car sucks in one way or another, I'm going to buy it.

Now I have two questions for you lucky GT owners out there. I've heard the all season tires aren't the best for handling. Do the stock tires represent a reasonable compromise between handling and comfort/quiet/safety or would I be better off getting low-profile tires for improved handling, then switching to snows in the winter? Has anybody tried this (switching tires)? Does anyone wish they did?

Question 2: (OK, question 3) I'd like to get a roof rack for carrying bicycles. I'm not familiar with the Hyundai racks, but I'd like a setup where there are two rails with removable cross-bars (for reduced wind noise when not in use), with attachments such as bike or ski mounts that it could accept. Has anyone gone this route and are you happy with it?

Happy motoring,

Rich

csandste

I have a GLS, but believe the GT has the same MXV4+ tires, right? I have no complaints, but think these things are overpriced. I think manufacturers set artificially high prices on OEM tires. If you blow one out you'll wind up paying $150 for a replacement, so it's worth it for them to sell to the manufacturer for pennies on the dollar.

From what I've read Yokohama Avids of one sort or another will be on my short list. About half the money compared to the originals and at TireRack customer surveys, at least they test much better.

As of now, I'm pretty happy with the 195/60 15's and probably won't change sizes.

th003g

tires: mxv4plus tires from michelin are Very expensive compared to sport tires I got at about 1100miles... of course if you want lower profile you need to get new rims... check mine out in the pics post for the elantra...the MXV4+ tires are rated for low sound level and long tread life... which means low rolling resistance... which means no grip compared to Z rated tires that i currently have on my car... also the supposed keeling over and dying feeling Mr. USNEWS reviewer got is very much subdued when you go low profile... because of the lower sidewall height and stronger sidewall. tires I got 205/45/zr17... only 115 each... Falken Ze502 saved my other tires on my sisters GLS for winter, car will prob never see winter since I have access to Toyo LC.

Hyundai offers a factory accesory rack as you described... but they prob charge an arm and a leg... better off finding one from yakima...or some other company...

tranny automanual... 16k for a sonata with shiftronic... tell me where to sign...j/k

revka

Glad to hear you found what you're looking for. Perhaps see if you can get them to throw in the Hyundai roof rack (at dealer cost) into the deal. Good luck with your delivery.

Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards

jeffhall76

Does anyone have floormats that says "Elantra GT" or do they just say "Elantra" like mine? I saw a picture of ones that say Elantra GT and they look really good.

Also, is there a filler for the rear windshield washer fluid? All other cars I've had with a rear wiper had a reservoir in the hatch area.

dimsom30

I was just wondering, does anyone know where the elantra's engine was used before? And how long has it been around? Just wondering.
Thanks

th003g

I bought my 2001.5 last august and it came with elantra floormats.... I have the accesories catalogue and it looks pretty good but i'd have 3 sets if I bought the GT mats (sis has a GLS)
from reading the manual there is no separate rear tank for the fluid...
the beta 2.0 has been around for a about 4 years. it was used in the last generation tiburon, elantra but this version has a stonger block bottom end (ribbing) and is mounted on a subframe to reduce NVH into the cabin

jimbeaumi

The 2 liter "beta" engine was used in the 2000 Elantra, BUT for 2001 there were important changes. The block is ribbed, the crank has eight counterweights (up from four), and the engine is subframe-mounted with hydraulic mounts, all for better NVH suppression. I am not sure when the engine debuted.

Looks like th003g was answering at the same time (by the way, I like your mini-Viggen)

dustbail

My 2002 Elantra GT came standard with floor mats that said "Elantra GT" The earlier models may have not inculded the "GT"

rlenihan

I just picked up my GT yesterday. So far, no buyer's remorse. I'll have a fuller review in a week or so, after I put some miles on it.

-Rich

floormats: Mine say "Elantra GT" (the "GT" is in red).

gtforme

I have the GT floormats. They were quite unexpected because they weren't in the car when I test drove it and I wasn't charged for them, but the sure look nicer than the cheap ones I could have picked up at Wal-Mart.

storkdude

Love my GT. Just found out that I have to work in Tokyo for 2 years. Furthermore, cars newer than '76 can't be imported. Looks like my fun little car will be in the garage under a cover for two years. At least it will only have 5K on it when it turns 3

csandste

Let us know how the Tokyo subway compares with the marvelous Dayton subway system:

http://www.mvra.org/

(couldn't resist)

bnorby1

storkdude -
Glad to hear you like your GT. I am really having fun with mine as well, my first new car and a good choice. Upon you mentioning that your car will be under cover for a substantial time, I remember being told by someone that you must take special steps when storing your car long term - at least you should leave it on blocks or jackstands. You should also do something with the fluids, too - but I cannot remember what. The problem may be that any seals or gaskets on the car could dry out. I had the same problem once with an older car and after storing it for a time, it really was never the same - burning oil, leaking, I eventually had to change all the main gaskets and seals. Anyway, best to consult with a mechanic on the storage of your car (if you havent already).

blackandblue

Driver side where my heel rests. Only 3,500 miles on 2001.5 GT. Do you think they will replace with GT mats?

dustbail

Since that is considered "Normal wear" I'm sure you can get GT floormats, for a cost (about $85 bucks) unless you negotiate a better cost.

joffficer

I was robbed I did put some grey mats in the front where your heels go (both sides). They're from the back an older car I have, and in unused condition. They look great and make up for the lack of a 'heel guard' on the stock mats.
Tinted the rear windows on my black GT.... they look GREAT! Now I just have to get the paint overspray off the top, hood and windows (teach your spouse about SPRAYING paint near black objects!)

jacobi1

Hey all, thanks to all that post here I decided on the GT over the Corrolla and P5. Great inside info and advice, I look forward to reading and posting here. I do have one question, does anyone know of any sites that specialize in getting more low end power out of the car? tips etc.?

wmoses

Joe Jacobi asks --

"does anyone know of any sites that specialize in getting more low end power out of the car? tips etc.?"

My site specializes in the car ... period. I can't think of another site dedicated to the Elantra GT. At least not in the same way. I also have tips on modifications, and as more and more contributors send in their stories, they will be posted. The latest is a Cold Air Intake system.

http://gwebworks.com/elantra_gt

Congrats on your choice, by the way. You'll have it in time for Canada Day! Vive le Canada!

dustbail

http://www.spiderautomotive.com/hyunhigper.html
--->Has pictures and mods done to older Hyundai's mostly Accents, its not a great webpage but provides some info
http://www.sharkracing.com/Hyundai/01elantra.shtml
--->Sales Euro kits, spoilers, Engine Mods like Throttle body, air intake, headers and exhaust.

By Far the best and most informative as wmoses said is his: http://gwebworks.com/elantra_gt/index.shtml

csandste

one moderated and an older one--wide open.

http://www.t-h-c.org/

Some very specific questions get asked in both forums.

archangel4

Hey All,

I'm considering buying the GT and I've been really impressed by all of the information I have been able to gather about the ride up to this point. However, I will soon be moving to the desert of Tucson, Arizona, where the air is dry and often dusty, and I'm worried about having potential difficulties with the 4 cylinder engine or just the car itself. I have the following concerns that hopefully some here can allay... If you can help me get off the fence, I'll be posting here within two weeks with my own pictures of my new baby.

1) HVAC> especially the Air Conditioning: has anyone had trouble with it? Does it stay cool in the car even in the hottest of weather? Do you think this would be okay for the 105+ degree temperatures of southern AZ?

2) Engine Cooling System> Has anyone ever had their GT overheat on them? How "good" is the cooling system? Any comments much appreciated.

3) Traction Control> If I'm not in the wintery Northeast, do I really need this feature? Is it worth the money (for example) to have it just for the rain? Your comments are greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance! Keep Driving (and Believing!)

spamlet

I have a GLS and the A/C is ccccccold. Though I don't live in the desert, I often have to turn down the air after a couple of minutes in order to stay reasonably comfortable in the car. Several others have noted this on the Sedan board. You may want to check out that board to see the other responses.

ziglifler

i live in a pretty hot part of the country also it isn't uncommon for it to get over 105 here also and sofar have had no problems with the ac . if your aren't in the direct sunlight you have to turn the ac down or it will be downright cold in the car .

as far as collant i have a 95 accent and it has never overheated here. i have only had my gt since jan and the temp gauge never moves once it gets to it normal running temp . and i have had it in stop and go traffic on the freeway in 100 degree heat with ac on .

as far as traction control goes that is a thing u will have to figure out yourself . i don't have it on mine and i wouldn't think it was needed in az . but piece of mind it will give you that much is sure . or it will make your drive bad in bad driving conditions

gtforme

Has anyone driven through snow without traction control? I'm curious what to expect in Winter.

5port

While we didnt have a lot of snow in the northeast last winter, the one or two snowfalls that we did have (long island) my GT was the paragon of stability. I have the no ABS/TC 5 spd and the GT was much more stable than my old 94 Honda Civic Si. My driveway is uphill towards the street and I was worried as in the Honda it was wheelspin city. Not so in the GT, just modulate the gas a bit and the Michelins grabbed and away I went. The added weight over the civic helps alot. I've heard more than one person say "I make better progress by turning off the TC and modulating the gas pedal". Just my .02.

jimbeaumi

Last winter was the first with my GLS, no TC, and no problems driving. My previous car had ABS and I was surprised that I didn't miss it on the Elantra. Braking was fine. I live in Michigan.

miken626

not sure if it's just me, but when i'm driving w/ my a/c on along w/ the recirculated air button on...when i turn the car off, then on again, the recirculated air button is mysteriously turned of..and must be pressed again...this is also true with the Traction control button "TCS"...this isn't normal for the car, is it???

otherwise, this has been by far the best car i've ever owned! (who would have known i'd be saying this about a Hyundai!) ;-)

Mike

th003g

this reset feature your talking about it pretty much standard on most cars... and it makes sense since fresh air is better than stale air which is why the recirculate function is not the default setting, thus not fogging up the windows whenever recirculate funtion is left on too long. I don't have tcs on my gt but if it works as follow it also makes sense: pressing tcs button turns system off, usually you turn it off for spirited driving or some type of activity of that sort but that is not the norm with this type of car so thus it resets itself when car is shut down to help driver get out of trouble when he does something dumb by mistake or is driving in bad weather. example: my R where it has 320hp to the rear wheels, now usually it is best to keep hte tcs system on.. but when I want to have some fun and make a little smoke or tackle a nice stretch of road i turn it off, thus letting all 320hp (or whatever amount gets to the wheels) work its magic and make smoke from rubber or allow me to tail out sometimes. when i go home and turn the car off and get in it next time, i may not want to smoke my tires so it makes sense for the system to be on to help avoid making a fool of myself with others in the car or when I get a little to frisky with the accelerator.