2006 Hyundai Elantra GLS 2.0 Inline 4

Summary:

A great car. Runs perfect. Another success on Hyundai's part

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the car. I bought it used and it wasn't certified, but nothing has gone wrong. I drive about 700 miles a week and its run perfectly everytime.

General Comments:

I have the 5-speed manual version. It shifts quite nicely and has a good feel to it. It really should have a 6-speed; on the highway the engine can be a little bit loud and you can feel it labor a bit. I average about 40 mpg.

Its handling isn't anything special, and the steering is a little vague, but nothing unbearable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th July, 2009

22nd Aug 2009, 20:08

Original reviewer here! I'm up to 54,000 miles and I'm still loving it! There are some things I forgot to mention in my original review that I would like to add.

First of all, I bring my dog around with me a lot, and I've never had a car with an interior that is so easy to clean! My dog sheds a lot and sheds all the time, but getting the hair off the seats is as easy as vacuuming it, no hair sticks to the upholstery! Plus my seats get stained a lot because of my dog, and getting the stains out is a snap! I just use a little carpet stain remover and a scrub brush and the stain is gone! In my previous vehicles it would take hard scrubbing and multiple times vacuuming to get the stains and hair out, but this upholstery is so durable and easy to clean, I love it!

I'm also very happy with how long my brakes have lasted. In my Ford Focus I owned before this, I went through brakes every 30,000 miles or so, and I don't make short stops and brake hard. I always come to a controlled stop and I never went to fast. I'm a very responsible driver I think, I almost never exceed 55 MPH on any highway and highway driving is what I do mostly, my cars almost never get driven around town, my Elantra doesn't and my Focus rarely did either. So the fact that I didn't have to replace brakes so often was a huge plus! Overall, I'm also more happy with the build quality in my Hyundai than any of my domestics. After driving this Elantra, I now see why domestic vehicles are in decline and the Big 3 are going bankrupt, they just don't hold up as well as these imports.

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2006 Hyundai Elantra GLS 2.0

Summary:

Poor quality, give Hyundai a few more years

Faults:

Steering wheel vibration when brand new, headlights aimed too low when new, recently clutch beginning to slip.

General Comments:

Nice car, good size, good features, but quality has been poor. Recently, the clutch has begun to slip (at only 35,000 miles). I have been driving manuals for 12 years and have never had any problems.

Dealer and Hyundai 1-800 number refuse to help, and say it's wear and tear.

I now know Hyundai is unfortunately nowhere near up to the levels of Honda/Toyota.

You may save $2,000-$3,000 on the intial purchase price, but in the long run, the Honda/Toyota will be a better value.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd December, 2008

27th Dec 2011, 23:59

I have driven a stick since 1986, last two cars I owned still had the original clutch in them, so how come my 2007 with 59k miles is shot to pieces? You cannot grease the part that broke for preventive maintenance on it, because it is enclosed, so why isn't it not covered on the warranty, 10 years / 100,000 k miles. Because they said so, that's why. Good luck to you, since you "know" how to drive one.

2006 Hyundai Elantra GLS Hatchback 2.0L 4 cylinder

Summary:

Fantastic Hatchback!!!

Faults:

Front speakers are a little wonky other than that car runs great :)

General Comments:

This car is great, with the hatchback its extremely utilitarian. I can fold the rear seats flat which gives me plenty of room for my 100 plus pound dog. A little searching on forums and such have stated that the car is capable of towing 1800lb trailer with brakes which is nice to know. The ride is definatly soft and the transmission is slow and steady for the most part. However I see this as a plus over other econo cars such as the Corolla which is constantly revving to get the most torque. While this is great for performance it makes for an irritating ride in stop and go traffic. Overall the sedate driving makes for safer driving as you don't feel like trying to beat someone off the line at a red light or anything. Sitting inside as the driver you feel like you're in a much bigger car. I particularly like the angle of the controls slightly towards the driver, my car = my radio. This car came with tints which makes it really easy to cool in the summer. The power steering is nice for tight maneuvers although the turning radius is a little tight. Ride is quiet despite crappy dealer tires on it right now. Lumbar support is a lifesaver for me on long trips. Overall this car does all the right things in the right places. With the new Elantra models out now and that great Hyundai depreciation you can pick up a sweet hatchie for not too much money. One word of advice is get a loan in advance through a credit union or something ahead of time. I financed through the dealer and now Im upside down on my loan. Although the car is so nice I don't mind too much.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th September, 2008