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2007 Elantra First Impressions
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Comments
If you look at the old Tiburon, the curves are more fender flares than the front-to-back "wave" on the Elantra. And the Tibby's curves are much more pronounced--over the top, IMO. I don't see any resemblence to the Elantra's sides except for the fact they both have some curves there.
But if you can't stand it, that's just the way it is. There are a handful of vehicles that I would nix just based on styling. But the Elantra isn't one of them.
I liked the exterior--it's got a nice, updated look to it.
Interior seemed very well put together. Fabric seats were nicely done--I saw none of the wrinkles that another poster noted. Driving experience was generally good. Sat up a little higher than I would have liked, but I didn't try adjusting the seat lower--the option is there. Acceleration (automatic transmission) was decent for a car of this class. Nice turning radius. Brakes were good. Visibility was very good. Controls were very intuitive.
One note: After reaching the top of a long (~2 mile) grade, stopped to execute a U-turn. As I stopped, the car was enveloped by a cloud of blue (oil) smoke. Salesman said it was due to factory servicing in Korea and would burn off. Seemed a bit circumspect--particularly as the car already had 40 miles on the odometer--but I didn't see it again during the remainder of the test drive.
Electric-assist steering was very responsive--almost sensitive. But I got used to it quickly. Didn't really notice it much at all after a few minutes.
Very roomy cabin and huge trunk. No body side moulding on any model. Would suspect the sides will sustain a lot of parking lot dings.
Tons of features on this thing--safety and otherwise. There's even a fold-down center armrest in the back seat with cup holders. Kind of cool. For the price, I'm very tempted, particularly considering the warranty.
There were only two Elantras on the lot--a GLS and the SE. They hadn't seen any Limiteds yet. I told the salesman right off that I wouldn't be buying that day. He didn't care. He was great, not pushy at all and very informative. He was pleased with his own product. Offered to sale the SE at invoice.
Already own a Mazda 3S that I'll be keeping. In comparison, the Mazda seems more solid/sturdy/powerful. But the Elantra is significantly less expensive, has more features and...well, I don't want two cars of the same make.
Regards,
Bill
Yes, door dings scare me too. I'm not actually a big moulding fan, aesthetically, but from a practical point of view it'd be nice.
Dunno about that blue smoke. I got mine with 200 miles on it, since it had to be driven in from upstate. But any oil smoke in a brand new car (particularly one that got its early break-in from test drives!) would scare the heck out of me.
The problem with the Hyundai gorp is that it is so bad smelling and so long lasting that it permeates the interior of the car as it very s l o w l y burns off. The upholstery, foam, carpet and the other interior materials soak those vapors up so your car has the stench for a year or two or more. The most noticeable to me was a 2000 model. Later years, 2003,4,and 5 were nowhere near as stinky and not for very long either.
I really kinda wonder too if breathing the stuff has ever been tested as to health effects on humans or animals.
backy, "The Forums Test Drive Team" #189, 1 Feb 2007 6:46 pm
One question: I read in Edmunds.com's review of the Elantra that the MT had some issues for them: "...the clutch take-up for the five-speed manual transmission is numb at best and grabs as it engages." However, all other reviews of the Elantra MT that I've read have been complimentary on the smoothness of the stick shifter and didn't mention numbness or grabbiness. What do you think about the MT?
2100 @ 60 mph
2400 @ 70 mph
2700 @ 80 mph
Awhile ago I remember seeing on the Web someplace a tech manual for the 2007 Elantra that showed settings for the automatic door locks. If it's anything like the Sonata, it requires the dealer to set them. So you might call the service department for your dealer and ask them about it.
On the trunk, have you checked in the trunk to make sure that there's not some switch in there that deactivates the lock button on the key fob? It could have been tripped accidently. I've seen other cars with that kind of switch; maybe the Elantra has one also.
Are the side moldings you got painted to match the car? How much did they cost?
I can't think of too many power driver's seats in this class. I don't think the Civic or Corolla have one, for example. You can get the Jetta with a 12-way power seat, but the lowest list price for one so equipped is nearly $21k.
I wonder why Elantra dropped its nice seat adjusters they had up through '06. If it was just to save a few dollars per car, I think it was a bad move. I have to believe most people prefer the 8-way and would pay a few dollars more to get it.
Will check on the door lock thing, have heard that too
And thought of trunk deactivate, haven;t found that button yet.
After finally test driving the new 2007 Elantra SE and seeing
the MUCH improved interior and the smoothness of the ride, I
decided to trade in my 2005 Elantra GLS Moonlight Blue and
purchased the ELantra SE in Quick Silver Friday afternoon at
Hyundai City in Burlington, NJ. After much haggling, the dealer
gave me $8650.00 for my 2005 ELantra with 26900 miles in
perfect condition!
The 2007 SE is a wonderful car and im enjoying if very much
so far!
Backy, your are correct. The Elantra does indeed seem and
appear to be a better built car than the Kia Spectra. So
I was able to look pass the girly exterior once I got behind
the wheel. It
feels and drives like a much more expensive car!
But silver is a pretty mundane color (although I happen to like it). Have you thought about a custom paint job for it, maybe in "girly" pink?
thought that folks from MN are so nice, courteous and friendly??
Anyway, I got the automatic.
Joe131....Yes, I did get $8650.00 for my trade in and I
paid 16,665.00 out the door price for the 2007.
The '07 Elantra is a good car nonetheless.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
my new 2007 Elantra SE, I have seen NO improvement in the
MPG from my 2005 Elantra GLS. I think Hyundai's claim of
28/36P MPG is wishful thinking! This is with very conservative
driving in the suburbs of Central NJ
The other thing is that with most vehicles fuel efficiency will improve as they get broken in.
So don't give up yet!
Nodule - hang in there...like our host points out, this happens a lot. I have a previous generation Elantra with the same engine, and mine cranks out 30mpg consistently in mixed daily driving, with 37-39 being the norm on interstate trips. I am approaching 90K miles, and mine is an automatic.
about 25MPG in suburbs...pretty disappointing so far,I guess.