1999 Hyundai Elantra from North America

Summary:

Best car I have EVER owned!

Faults:

The front driver's side regulator went.

Both back window regulators went.

Front left strut broke (after my son nailed a curb with it) LOL.

That is honestly ALL that is not of regular maintenance that has gone awry with this car. I think this is one of the most reliable cars I have EVER had!

General Comments:

My son and I have both owned this car since 2005. It is without a doubt the most reliable car I have EVER had. Knock wood, I haven't had any real problems with anything but the window regulators. Everything else that had to be dealt with was self inflicted... LOL. I personally change his oil every 3,000 miles. I use Fram filters and 5/30 Valvoline oil all year round. He uses about a quart of oil every 750 miles. Nothing for a car of this age. He doesn't burn it. I have no idea where it's going because there is no leak. I put the bolt on tight enough to stop any leak.

It kicks butt pulling out into highway traffic, getting up to 80mph very quickly. Right now the muffler is going, but jeez at 154k+ miles it should be by now!

The car handles quickly, its suspension is tight and responsive. I try not to bang gears, but it's so quick it's easy to... LOL.

I really love this car. I see the new ones and they are like YUCK!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th September, 2014

1999 Hyundai Elantra from North America

Faults:

My driver's side window stopped working. I replaced the switch, and it worked fine after that.

My back seat, driver's side window falls down by itself. I have to push it back up and wedge it with a piece of cardboard, so it doesn't continue falling down while I'm driving.

Check engine light stays on, and I gave someone a jump start, and my alternator went bad a day later. Had that replaced, and the check engine light is no longer on.

Other than those problems I've had, the car has been great and reliable.

Sometimes the car won't turn over. When that happens, I take out the key, lock the doors, unlock them, open the door, and start it, and that usually helps. I think it's a security issue, but I don't have a remote starter or keyless access installed, so that's rather confusing. If anyone might know what it is, please email me at mmike2231@aol.com.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 19th September, 2012

1999 Hyundai Elantra from North America

Summary:

A car that could have been OK if the manufacturer had dealt with obvious defects

Faults:

Window regulators break regularly. I have replaced 8 since purchase. (2 breaks per window so far - drivers window is iffy and rear driver side just broke again).

Driver's visor broke.

Driver's visor clip broke.

Blower motor makes a high noise and vibrates.

Front left roars.

Many problems with check engine light that the dealer told me meant nothing (my gas cap not on correctly. I've never had this problem before in 35 years of driving).

General Comments:

This has been the worst new car purchase I have ever made. The window regulator problem alone would make it HIGHLY unlikely that I would EVER buy another Hyundai.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th August, 2011

1999 Hyundai Elantra GL 2.0L from North America

Summary:

Good car for the price

Faults:

Rotors replaced (extra labor to remove). Replaced both axles, wheel bearings, tie rods, and ball joints. Springs were sagging and replaced with new ones. Engine misfires detected - spark plugs replaced with used wires.

Leaking coolant hose that had to be refitted and clamped again (90 bend - cut to fit hose).

Rusted power steering return line replaced.

Transmission never had OVERDRIVE (known issue).

Transmission - replaced TPS and speed sensors.

Problems with aluminum housing of tranny. The threads do not hold enough torque on pan, causing pan leak. Tried re-tapping with no luck. Broke off two spots in the back trying to tap, and ended up just bolting the pan to the case there. Not good! Needs a new transmission case to fix!

General Comments:

Good overall car for the price. Cheap build quality, but engine is above average for its class. If you can find an Elantra with less than 150,000 miles, then it should last a few years with little trouble.

Wheel bearings seem to be the biggest problem on these. They need to be replaced often (every 30,000 - 50,000 miles).

Just make sure you don't remove the transmission pan. I only removed it once to change filter, and must have torqued the bolts too much, causing the threads to seize/loosen over time. Better off just using the drain plug for replacing fluid.

Suspension can be tough, so I recommend paying extra for good struts and downsize tires with thicker sidewalls to absorb bumps better.

Excellent snow traction! Surprised me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th April, 2011