Honda Civic vs. Hyundai Elantra

butterflyjones · November 2006

When I bought a 1992 Accord LX in `1994 I bought an extended warranty also. I thought I would never need it since Honda made such great automobiles. RIGHT?? WWRRONG!!! The trannys overdrive went out, the right rear window actuator, the stereo speakers, and the power steering all had to be rebuild and or replaced before the 100K mile warr. expired. The power steering problem re surfaced and Honda refused to fix it since it was 500 miles past their warranty of 12,000 miles or 1 year. After seeing and reading all these comments and experiences that you all are having I don't believe Hondas quality is near what it used to be and I agree that the salesman and management are downright Arrogant. I made the mistake of going to a Honda dealer 50 miles from where I live and test drove the CIVIC and was treated like a floor mat. If this is how they treat their customers its a miracle they sell ANY cars. The car had issues and I definitely would not pay 20K$$ for it. From the pulling to the right and the hesitation in the tranny and the other problems it was a no-brainer!!! I walked!!!

:shades:

6sptl · November 2006

Hyundai makes a good car, even better of late. Don't build up a sweat about single points of experience with A or B brand, they may or may not reflect true brand reliability. Without a doubt Honda builds the best overall vehicles in almost every vehicle category. This is particularly true of the civic, it exudes quality and refinement, mind you, its not perfect and any other car may be better in one category or another. But when you add it all up, safety, performance, fuel efficiency, comfort and reliability nothing really measures up. The hundai is a cheaper alternative which is competitive but still falls significantly short. If price is not an overwhelming factor the civic is a far better choice.

backy · November 2006

There have been no crash tests for the 2007 Elantra yet. It has similar standard safety equipment as the Civic, but goes one better with standard 4-wheel disc brakes. So to say the Civic is safer is premature. Performance-wise, it's a toss-up, with the Civic quicker 0-60 but the Elantra quicker 5-60, 30-50, and 50-70, which are all more real-world than 0-60. The Elantra also brakes better (shorter), but the Civic has better skidpad numbers. (All numbers from C/D, December 2006 issue.) The Civic does have an advantage in fuel efficiency. Comfort? Have you driven the Elantra? C/D rated it higher than the Civic for comfort. The Elantra has a LOT more interior room than the Civic, which may be important for some buyers. And as for reliability, the 2006 Civic has had quite a few problems (per reports in Town Hall). The Elantra had a very good reliability record in its previous generation, but it's too new to know how the new model will fare.

quietspirit · November 2006

:surprise: Woah! Was the car two years old when you bought? Or was it older? That's alot of problems for a Honda unless it was older than two years when you bought it, then I can understand. I assume the dealers were arrogant because of the pride they have in Honda cars. That's one of the reasons why I've been researching other manufactures' cars, too. Planning to spend alot of hard earned money on my first car and I don't want to give it to the wrong person.

quietspirit · November 2006

Very informative and will bookmark this as something to think about while I'm car shopping.

targettuning · November 2006

targettuning · November 2006

Somehow I only got the heading for my post in before it got posted so I end up finishing my thoughts here.
I researched the question and the Rabbit IS assembled in Germany however the engine is Mexican made and the automatic transmission is Japanese. So, in very broad terms it is Mexican made...sort of. German part content is in the 70's % range somewhere, I can't recall exactly.

pat · November 2006

Might be better if you posted that in one of the Rabbit comparos or discussions.

(I know we've been talking about it here, but we really need to get back to Civic and Elantra.)

targettuning · November 2006

I know, but I took a beating about this issue earlier and wanted to clear it up....no more, I'm done with the Rabbit.

pat · November 2006

Okey-dokey!

pat · November 2006

That's what we're here for. Let's work on that, okay?

Some posts have been removed.

butterflyjones · November 2006

The car was 21 months old and a one owner accord. It had 28480 on the ODO when I bought it from an Acura dealer. I still have this car and still drive it although it now has rattles and sounds from 200plus miles of wear and tear. The dealers are TOO GREEDY and refuse to negotiate on the prices of these new autos and their service dept. do the routine of "I'm sorry Ms. Jones we can't replicate your complaint", when there is a problem. If I don't have confidence in their service personnel then I feel aleig nated and can't see laying down 20K$$ for a civic or acccord or any other Honda under those circumstances. Then when their work falls apart at 12500 miles and they refuse to fix their obvious lack of quality work it became a no brainer that I shouldn't buy another Honda. So I'm in the hunt for QUALITY from the get go-- not bring it back and we'll see IF we can fix it!!! I don't see ANY CONSISTANCY in any auto manufacture of building QUALITY like they use to!!!

PS.. it had all the maintence it was suppose to have at the time and I had the papers so they could n't get away without doing the work , its just that their work didn't last long and then they refused to fix!!!

butterflyjones · November 2006

That is 200K miles and 12years and 6mo.of use!!

pat · November 2006

we are done comparing the subject vehicles??

backy · November 2006

No, some of us would still like to keep to the topic.

For example, there was a comment a few days ago about the Civic being "safer" than the Elantra. I think it's premature to make that assertion, but the Elantra did get a "Good" score (best) on the IIHS frontal offset crash test, which is a good start on the safety front.

snakeweasel · November 2006

No, we are not.

The other day I decided to check out the two (Civic and Elantra) since there is a place where the dealerships are right next door to each other (OK there is a self storage place in between). The Civic looks nice inside but was a little to small for me. Seat was ok comfort wise but nothing to write home about.

The Elantra was just as nice inside, fit and finish comparable to the Civic, but it was much roomier. And even though I was mildly disappointed in the new Elantra from the sitting in the two cars I like the Elantra much better.

pat · November 2006

to both of you!

quietspirit · November 2006

I heard a story on the news about a woman who bought a car that was about 2 years old and looked brand new for her son. After she bought it, she later found out that car was in a wreck and the previous owner had it repaired to the point that it looked new. But the engine still had problems. Now the woman dreads about her son's safety every time he's out driving the car. Did you check the carfax report, if there was one back then? Did the previous owner wreck the car, then had it repaired? Maybe you can contact Michael Finney at ABC channel 7 news to get help resolving the problem like the woman did. Go to http://www.abc7news.com: Contact 7 On Your Side. They're the last people you seek for help when all else fails.

kwk1 · November 2006

Carfax is a joke.
Last year I went to look at an '02 Civic LX.
It was considerably cheaper than most of the other ones for sale. I noticed the paint was a different shade on the driver's side quarter panel. I question the guy about it, "Oh, I was in a fenderbender." After looking over the whole car, I take down the VIN# and then he tells me it was a write-off!! That's all fine and dandy.
I get home and run a Carfax on it. Absolutely nothing shows up on it. Since then, I have no faith in Carfax.

snakeweasel · November 2006

Carfax is a joke.

I wouldn't go that far. While a clean carfax report doesn't mean the car is perfect (carfax even says so on their website) if something does show up on the report you know that something is not right.

moparbad · November 2006

After looking over the whole car, I take down the VIN# and then he tells me it was a write-off!! That's all fine and dandy.

What is a write-off in terms of a vehicle?

I would not expect a fender being replaced to show up on Carfax.

butterflyjones · November 2006

Your are right, Carfax doesn't tell the whole story!! Think of all the people who get their vehicles repaired at their own expense and then sell you their car. If there was no police report or insurance claim, it will NOT be on the carfax. I know from the experience with my late Fathers truck that this is the case since he wrecked it while living with me and he was not charged and he paid with his own money to get it repaired. The carfax hasn't shown this yet!! So DON'T BELIEVE that carfax is ALWAYS correct!!!

snakeweasel · November 2006

If there was no police report or insurance claim, it will NOT be on the carfax.

Not always true, if the repair shop normally reports things to carfax then it will show up.

butterflyjones · November 2006

My engine has been great from day one its the power steering that has been a pain in the ------!! The paint on todays cars are a joke, in less that 5 years its peeling, fading and otherwise deteriorated to the point it needs repainting. OF course unless you keep your car in a parked garage most all the time!! With 200K miles plus on it now no one really cares about bad paint and leaking PS units!! There was no evidence the car had ever been wrecked and it was a one owner. My grievance is with HONDA! Their shoddy work and then their refusal to fix their work has alienated me from expecting anything good from them. All the problems this CAR OF THE YEAR is having is further proof that HONDA has definitely gone way down in QUALITY and SERVICE!!

butterflyjones · November 2006

Well I'll just have to get another carfax and see if anything has changed!! I don't expect it has!

pat · November 2006

Let's move on back to the subject. Thanks!

snakeweasel · November 2006

I am not saying that it would be on there, just saying that it could be. There is a difference.

thegraduate · November 2006

Let's hear the good, the bad, or the ugly!

pat · November 2006

I would like to keep this discussion open so I'll be removing posts without notice unless they are about a Civic or an Elantra. Thanks.

kwk1 · November 2006

moparbad,
A write-off means the insurance company deemed the cost of repairs to be more than the vehicle is worth. Therefore, you are given market value for the car, and have first rights to buy it back from the insurance company. Otherwise, it goes up for auction to anybody. A lot of times, people buy these cars at the auctions, fix'em up, and sell them. They must still pass a safety inspection, but nonetheless, have had major damages.
There would have to be more than a fender damaged for it to be a write-off.

moparbad · November 2006

Thanks kwk1

Totalled is what a write-off Civic or Elantra would be called in my experience.

kwk1 · November 2006

You're welcome.
In Canada, we use the term write-off, maybe in the US, you use the word totalled. Could be a little confusing I guess.
I love Mopars too, I have a '73 Dart Swinger 2-dr hardtop

with 57K on it, all original.

percussionist · December 2006

Eldaino - just an afterthought, if the 06 Civic was so great, why replace it with a Rabbit so soon? And also to keep with the correct topic, did you go check the Elantra against both of those cars?

I'd be glad to hear your comparison of the 06 to the 07 Elantra.

Thanks!

eldaino · December 2006

Wow i'm suprised no one asked me about this before! Me and my wife just got married in sept ont the 30th and we wanted to kind of get rid of some major bills, carpayments mostly. She had a 03 mazda protege 5, (handled great, but had a nice set of transmission problems) and she had negative equity on it because she got it when she was younger and optioned it out and needed monthy payments that would be doable, even if they lasted forever (the reasoning behind this is another long story but i'll omit that portion.) We decided to trade in both of our cars and end up with one payment, less gas wasted (yes i know it gets worse milage, but the amount we spend on gas is still less than we did on both cars combined.),and its one less car to insure so our insurance went down too.

We knew no dealer would give us much room with the whole negative equity on her car, but the civics resale value, (even after only a year) helped out a bit to counteract that. We knew though, that we would have to aim for a car that didn't top 18k so that things could relatively stay doable and as far as a car payment and not financing for forever and a day. We wanted a fit, but it was impossible to find one and all the dealers were wanting us to put NON REFUNDABLE downpayments on them without even knowing what color it would be in. We then decided on a civic coupe, but the dealers we went to again were not willing to negotiate on anything. So we went to the vw dealer as an after though and there was our little 2-door rabbit, united grey, 6speed auto, alloy wheels 175000. Perfect. I afterwards realized that i was kinda glad that i stayed out of the civic; as excellent of a vehicle i think it is...its something a lot of people are driving. We've had our rabbit for 3 months and have seen 3 of them: one by my work (a 2 door) one the day we bought ours (another 2 door) and a four door a few weeks ago. We are very happy with the purchase, so i hoped that answered your question. (Man this was way off topic!)

orbit9090 · February 2007

Honda Civic owners... dealership experience?

vs

Hyundai Elantra owners... dealership experience?

thegraduate · February 2007

Went with my father on his trade-in of an Accord on a 2007 Civic EX Sedan. He was given the keys to one in the color he wanted, around 5:00 PM, and told "as long as you are back by 7, which is when we close, take your time." We have an extended relationship with this dealer, as they have ALWAYS given us good service and sales support.

The sales manager actually conducted our deal, which he gave us blue-book value on the Accord (something I double-checked), and several hundred below invoice on the Civic.

The finance manager asked them if they were interested in the other accessories or warranty deals. Mom and dad said they wanted mudguards, but nothing else, and that was the end of the "add-ons" and "protection package" discussion.

They drove the car the first night, and signed papers the next, and drove away in their 2007 Civic EX (Atomic Blue!) happy as clams.

pat · February 2007

That would really only be a useful comparison if it were limited to the specific dealerships in your area. There are "good" and "bad" dealerships of both makes, actually that's true of all makes. The maker doesn't control the attitudes of the dealerships.

A comparison of corporate experiences might be useful, but fortunately it's not very often that people find themselves having to go above the dealership. Still, there are some makes that, in my mind, offer very poor corporate support based on consistent reports I've read here over the years. Neither of these makes are included.

nj2pa2nc · February 2007

we bought both our civic and hyundai from the same dealership so it was the same for both- excellant. They built a separate dealership for honda-it is now next to the hyundai dealer but the service has not changed

snakeweasel · February 2007

Well my dealership (Elantra owner) has been pretty good. Seven years later and my salesman is still there and he remembered me when I just cruised in their a few months ago just to look. Had to have warranty work done (Exhaust manifold cracked at 115K miles, the only issue I have had) and had no problems with the service. Just dropped it off and picked it up later that day, done no questions asked.

slip7 · February 2007

I had a 1989 civic that I bought new. Ran it for 9 years and put 225k miles on it. Pretty reliable car, but not without faults. It was not a comfortable car to drive. But dollars and economy were high on my list so I put up with the seat. It only cost me $7500. The Civic was one of the cars I considered on my recent purchase. I test drove both a manual and automatic Civic. I was in awe of the cool looking dash, but the seats were just like my 89. Hate them. No room in the car. No thanks! I test rode a value packaged Accord and liked it. I probably could have gotten one of those for around $18000. A paid a few thousand less for my Elantra. So far I love the Elantra. Hope I made the right decision.

orbit9090 · February 2007

I have been considering a Civic and have been comparing to other makes.
I am frustrated that Honda provides fewer standard features then the competition. Honda expects people to buy a moonroof in order to get other features found standard on the competition.

For example: The 2007 Hyundai Elantra SE has four-wheel disc brakes, premium wheels, and 6 audio speakers, all for a thousand less than the 2007 Civic LX which uses rear-drums, hubcaps, and only has four speakers. I don't want the wasteful expense of the Civic EX's moonroof in order to get 4-wheel discs, nice wheels, and 6 speakers.

Besides the added expense, a moonroof is practically useless to us here in the Midwest, and it also cuts down on precious headroom.

I hope Honda adds more standard features for 2008.
I would also love a Civic Si Sedan with an automatic tranny and NO MOONROOF!

backy · February 2007

It's actually a difference of $2295 between the Civic LX MT and Elantra SE MT, since there's a $1000 general rebate on the Elantra now--take off another $500 if you already own a Hyundai. And in addition to the alloys, 4-wheel disc brakes, and 6 speaker stereo, the Elantra has fog lamps, variable intermittant wipers, audio controls on the wheel, fold-down rear armrest with beverage holders, 2 power outlets, 60/40 fold-down rear seat, trip computer with mpg meter, dual lighted vanity mirrors, auto on/off headlights, leather covered wheel and shifter, and available PZEV emissions. Newer Elantras have standard XM radio. All for $2000 less than a Civic LX, before any dealer discounting or loyalty rebate. And a moonroof is available on the SE (and even the GLS) if you want one--for a lot less money than the Civic EX.

nj2pa2nc · February 2007

as it is now I doubt that either the civic si coupe or sedan will have automatic. one of the good things about them is they only have 6 speed manual transmission. I wish hyundai would come out with a 4-door model that has 6 speed.

sandman46 · February 2007

Having bought the LX and wanting everything on the EX except the moonroof, it's too bad my timing wasn't better. I've had to upgrade the audio system and as of next Monday, the alloys. But I didn't like the last generation Elantra at all and didn't want to keep my old Sentra once the warranty ran out. And the only other choice would've been the Corolla, but after having renting one this past summer, so glad I didn't go Toyota this time around. Definitely would've considered the new Elantra had it been out.

As I've always said, timing is everything in life. Probably just should've spent the extra $ and gotten the EX in hindsight. Live and learn!

The Sandman

backy · February 2007

Well, the good news is you got a fine car in the Civic, with excellent safety features and fuel economy, and that high Honda resale value, so you made a good choice. If we always waited around for "the next best thing", we wouldn't have anything to drive! I am a little lucky in that I can afford to wait for awhile and see how the Elantra does on the IIHS side and rear tests, what the new Corolla is like, what Honda does with the Fit, etc. etc.

sandman46 · February 2007

Saw what I think was a Limited on the way home tonight and it looked pretty sharp. It was a darker color, not black and with the cool alloys was a real looker. Seeing pictures of the dash already have me thinking that the Civic/Corolla cars have got some real competition now. From the 3/4 back view, the Elantra reminded me a little of the Lexus I350, which isn't such a bad thing.
Once the Corolla debuts, there will be many great choices in this segment. Buyers will ahve some tough decisions to make about what to buy and I'm betting that Hyundai will do quite well!

The Sandman

(Never would I have ever thought that I'd like the Elantra and Sonata so much!)

eldaino · February 2007

why is a moonroof useless in the midwest? You have no sky to look at?

I actually really like the new elantra alot but i still prefer the civic. IT does have the civic trumped over some standard features (curse honda for not including a leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter!) After all thats where hyundai excels: theire packaging and standard features.
I still think the interior fabric of the civic is nicer than the elantra, the fabric on the se looks a bit outdated and cheesy; probably its only weak point.

If i had to choose one it would definitely be a limited.

Auto on an si sedan? No no no. This is where the nature of an engine really does come into play. Trust me i'm a big auto fan, but honda's high revving k series engines long for a manual. Adequate for around town, but the real power comes on after 6000 rpms. Not to great for an auto.

snakeweasel · February 2007

why is a moonroof useless in the midwest? You have no sky to look at?

Not this weekend.

targettuning · February 2007

So you still would prefer a Civic over an Elantra? I am telling you you shouldn't. Why? I own a 2006 Civic EX sedan and it has has had (and continues to have) issue after issue. Among them is that interior fabric you prefer on the Civic. It is wearing extremely prematurely on mine. The weave pattern is wearing away on the driver seat bolster, additionally the fabric is wrinkling or bunching up on the bolster also. The car has 6700 miles!!

backy · February 2007

That is amazing. On my '88 Civic LX, a great little car for its time that oozed quality, the fabric felt as if it belonged in a much more expensive car and would last forever. When I traded it in on a minivan after 3 years, the fabric looked brand-new--except for an indentation in the back where the child seat always sat. Maybe that is representative of the general de-contenting of cars over the past 20 years to cut costs.

The fabric on my '01 Elantra GLS looked brand-new when I sold it last spring. The color was odd I thought--puke brown I called it--but it felt good and proved very durable. I wonder how the fabric on the new Elantra will hold up.

Honda Civic vs. Hyundai Elantra

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