1999 Hyundai Elantra SE 2.0 from North America

Summary:

Average reliability, nice performance, nice looks

Faults:

Seat material frayed - warranty.

Paint came off power window buttons - warranty.

Throttle position sensor failure - warranty.

Rear vent glass channels rusted - warranty.

Premature tire replacement.

Brake switch failed - transmission wouldn't get out of Park - out of warranty.

Transmission replaced under warranty for erratic downshifting.

Center exhaust flex pipe rotted - out of warranty.

General Comments:

I really like the Elantra, but I feel this model was designed just before Hyundai started building the better cars they build today. Reliability has been average at best and I have the dreaded feeling of "what will go wrong next" with this car.

Engine power is very good for this vehicle class, and handling is tight and sporty.

Fuel consumption is not very good - I average between 300 to 400 kms travelled on a tank.

I think it looks better than the current generation Elantra, but it is not as good of a car.

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

Review Date: 3rd March, 2004

1999 Hyundai Elantra GLS 2.0 Four from North America

Summary:

Great performance and value, but dismal reliability

Faults:

Exhaust manifold replaced.

Driver and passenger interior door handles broke, replaced.

Throttle position sensor replaced.

Front Rotors turned, replaced, turned again.

Driver side power window fell off track into the door.

Cruise control computer replaced after 3 attempts by dealer to fix.

Engine developed a violent shake at idle around 45000 miles that was never resolved despite 3 trips to the dealer.

Spark plug wire failed causing the engine to fire on 3 cylinders.

Horn worked intermittently, finally broke once and for all and was replaced.

Fuel pressure regulator replaced after I started smelling gas upon startup.

General Comments:

The Elantra with a manual transmission is surprisingly powerful.

I loved my Elantra, but it was too problematic to keep around.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th January, 2004

1999 Hyundai Elantra from North America

Summary:

We got less than what we paid

Faults:

My car has overheated 3 times within 14 days. 5 of those days the car was in the shop getting fixed.

Car has been in the shop every couple months since we bought it.

General Comments:

This is not the first time the car has had problems. However these recent incidents have lead us to concluded we either bought a lemon or Elantras are not good cars. We are currently searching for new cars and the Tiburon has caught our eye. However we are too concerned that it is Hyaundai that has the problem and not that our car is a lemon. The car drives fine when its working. Very upsetting though when the car breaks down late at night on back roads when your cell phone has no service. This car is now endangering my life and will be gotten rid of as soon as we are financially able to buy a new car.

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

Review Date: 22nd May, 2003

27th May 2010, 10:47

You do know that a Tiburon and Elantra have the same drive train and motor, and are pretty much the same car except the Tiburon has bad wiring problems.

1999 Hyundai Elantra 2.0 from North America

Summary:

Got more than I paid for!

Faults:

Paint went bad quickly, but was not an issue because warranty covered it. Seatbelt button fell off and warranty covered it. Driver's window actuator went bad, but warranty covered it. Wheel bearing went bad, but warranty covered it. Exhaust system thingy started going bad, but warranty covered it. Driver repeatedly left lights on overnight requiring battery replacement. Shakes at 110MPH.

General Comments:

Considering the way I drive this car, I'm sincerely shocked that it still runs. I keep up with all scheduled maintenance and give it love. Of course, I've driven a Ford before so I know how much trouble a truly poorly-built car can be. This is a nice first car, second car, or kid's car.

On the downside, over long distances, even the lumbar support doesn't help with the hard seats.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th April, 2003

16th May 2012, 23:37

Why would you go 110 mph with a 2.0 engine?

17th May 2012, 15:49

Anybody who refers to a part as an "exhaust system thingy" should not be going 110mph, even on a track. If you are reckless enough to drive at those speeds on public roads, PLEASE stop at the nearest police station and ask them to cut your driver's license into very little pieces, and start taking public transportation.

2nd Jan 2013, 13:07

Doing 110 in a Elantra? If you get in a wreck at that speed, the car is gonna fold like an accordion.