Faults:

Windshield wipers failed, Alternator failed, power steering pump failed, rear defroster failed... and that's just in 2 months.

General Comments:

The Elantra is cheap. Cheap on gas, parts are cheap (which is good 'cause you'll need 'em!) feels cheap, sounds cheap, is cheaply made and the build quality is cheap. I bought this car for highway driving to from work to replace my Sentra which my ex wrote off... and all I can say is if you buy a Hyundai of this vintage, you have to know it's going to be economical gas-wise and is always just a week away from something failing. On the positive side, the seats are comfortable, the car is peppy and fun to drive when it works, and it gets 600 plus kms to the tank... plus you can pick them up for next to nothing.

I wouldn't recommend it though. Hyundai is a terrible brand choice prior to the 2000 model year when they finally started to build quality into their products.

Faults:

Just an assortment of problems. Nothing major just yet. Thank God!!

General Comments:

I am an 82 year old man, and have owned the car since new. My wife of almost 59 years and I have liked the car since day 1. Yes it has had its share of problems since new, but it gets my wife and I where we have to go easily. Mine is always garage kept, and it runs just as good as it did when my wife and I got it back in 1992. My mechanic says that with proper maintenance, this car should last us until even after we die. We do not plan on getting rid of the car. So if you are looking for an Elantra and can afford the repair bills, but need nice transportation, buy one.

Faults:

5 speed manual transmission rebuilt at 15k miles would not engage into 3rd gear.

Ball joints and stabilizer links worn at 35k.

A multitude of electrical and wiring problems including headlights and taillights.

Paint peeled from wheel covers and rear view mirrors at 15k.

Engine throttle body unit failed at 30k.

Engine timing belt failed at 45k, ruining cylinder head and one piston.

Front tires wore quickly and would not stay balanced.

Poor fuel mileage.

General Comments:

I bought this car brand new replacing my old '79 Chevy Malibu, and made a huge mistake. Although everything bad on the car was replaced under warranty, the Elantra left me stranded many times, and spent countless days in the shop for major repairs, more days in a little over 3 years than my Chevy spent in 12 years. The Elantra always scared me to death every time I drove it, wondering what else was going to break at any given moment. Hyundai might try to market their cars to be equal to Honda or Toyota, but even inexpensive USA domestic cars are more reliable than this Hyundai was. My 1992 Hyundai Elantra was an unreliable, buzzy little Honda wanna-be.

Faults:

1.Air mass meter (170000km)

2.Rear wheel bearing (3 times)

3.Transmission (220000km)

General Comments:

This is my first car and I really learn a lot mechanic knowledge from it.

Generally, the car is reliable except some little problems. It starts every time and help me cross Canada. I am pretty satisfied with it because I only spent 2100 CA$ to get it. Engine and electrical system are very good. But the suspension and transmission have more and more problems.

I didn't repair it after the transmission was gone. Not worth to spend 2400 in it any more. The ball joint had some play and rear suspension had noise also.

Suggest buy a manual one because the automatic transmission is really pain at ass.

Faults:

Battery went dead after 18 months.

Headlights blew (one side, then other side a month later).

Air conditioning leaked and refrigerant had to be topped up every 2 months, dealer could not figure out where the leak was.

Rear suspension started creaking badly when car was 3 years old.

Engine management system went wonky and car would not idle at a constant speed.

Car sold in 1996.

General Comments:

Good performance but poor cruising due to low gearing (3,300 rpm at 100 km/h in fifth), fuel economy suffers.

Ride and handling good, paintwork only average.