2002 Hyundai Elantra GLS 2.0 DOHC 16v from North America

Summary:

This car definitely gets the job done

Faults:

When I first purchased the car I took it on a small road trip to my parents' house, as this is my first new car. There was considerable vibration in the steering during highway driving. I took the vehicle back to the dealership. They explained that damage may have occurred during shipping when the wheels were strapped down. They replaced all four rims. This solved the problem for the most part; however there is still a small amount of vibration at high speeds.

The rear window glass was leaking into the trunk which took the dealership three times to repair. I was familiar with the issue, explained what needed to be done, but they insisted on doing other things first to try to fix the leak. Finally they did what I told them to, which was to take the window glass out and reseal the entire window, which solved the problem.

After owning the vehicle for about six months I noticed that the black tape on the door posts next to the windows was starting to peel. The dealership replaced it in a lackluster manner.

General Comments:

The cabin is well appointed. There is enough space for everybody. There is plenty of storage space between the door pockets, dual center console compartment, and the various small compartments on the dash.

This car has gotten excellent gas mileage. Our highway gas mileage never goes below 30 miles per gallon. On one trip last year the car actually got over 40 miles per gallon! Around town it averages around 25 miles per gallon.

This car is surprisingly wonderful in the snow!

At the end of the day, the car is still a Hyundai. My Taurus was dying fast and I needed a quick replacement. The Hyundai is a lot of car for not a lot of money. Compared to almost every other car in it's class it is much nicer and cheaper.

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

Review Date: 10th May, 2003

2002 Hyundai Elantra GTS 1.6 from North America

Summary:

The car is cheap, and I guess you get what you pay for.

Faults:

I recently took my car into the dealership for its 15,000 mile service. I did this at 13,000 miles so that I made sure it was done early and according to its warranty. The day after I got my car back these problems occurred:

The clutch started to crackle loudly and palpitate up and down while I was releasing it.

The gas pedal palpitated while I accelerated.

I then called the dealership and informed them of the problem. They were of no help and had no clue what the problem could be. On the way to the dealership:

The car began to make even louder noises! They now sounded like large pops in the gas pedal and in the clutch. Shortly after (within 5 miles) the car made a louder pop. The clutch stopped palpitating. Then the car completely stalled. The car is at the dealer now. They have no idea what the problem is.

General Comments:

I have had this car less than 8 months. It has 13,000 miles on it. So, needless to say, I would not by any means recommend an Elantra to anyone who would like to be driving a reliable car.

After all, what good is a warranty if they can't even figure out what is wrong with the car. However, the speakers are good for stock speakers and the cabin is comfortable... I guess that would be the plus.

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

Review Date: 21st April, 2003

26th Feb 2008, 23:56

No such engine as a 1.6 liter engine in

North America.. the 2 liter engine rocks. it's the same engine in Elantras, Tucsons, Kia Sportage, Spectrum. They have improved it with variable valve timing. Sorry people, these engines are bullet proof. Grab yourselves a book called Lemonade. Elantras which are equipped with 2 liter motors from 2002 and beyond are the best buys.