2003 Hyundai Elantra GLX 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

A piece of junk

Faults:

Car lurches when accelerating.

I have great difficulty shifting gears.

What I thought was plastic trim turns out to be tape that has peeled off several times, requiring vist to the service dept.

Right rear wheel rests way up into the wheel well making the back of the car on the drivers side sag.

Paint job is horrible, you can peel the paint off with your finger nail.

Car smells like burning plastic everytime it is driven--making several people sick to their stomach.

Cruise control does not work and required a visit to the service dept.

General Comments:

The acceleration of the car is slower than a turtle.

I've had the car for 3 months and it is ready for the junk heap.

I do not feel comfortable taking it far away.

Handles so badly that it's dangerous.

Sound system is worse than a transistor radio.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th March, 2004

24th Jul 2004, 14:39

Let's see, from what I gathered from your review is that the car is a standard...right? If the car lurches and you have difficulty selecting the right gear and smells like burning plastic or rubber, it sounds like you need to go to driver's training and learn how to drive a standard!!! You are probably burning the clutch, or it needs a new one. Also, if tape is being used in the interior trim of the car, it sounds like you didn't buy a new car. No car company, not even GM would use tape in the interior of a new car when they are about to sell it.

8th Apr 2005, 09:20

Man, what did you do when you bought this car? Did you even bother to test it? It is not like Hyundai will ring up over the phone and ask if you want to buy a car. Your review is pointless and for God's sake use the 10 year warranty that it came with. It sounds like you need to trade your car in and get an Automatic, it will do for simple drivers like yourself.

26th May 2007, 21:46

How about release the emergency break?

29th Jun 2015, 03:48

Sounds like you are someone who needs an automatic tranny my friend!

2003 Hyundai Elantra GLS 2.4 from North America

Summary:

Very impressed, especially the price

Faults:

Did have a recall on brake hose, dealer had to add a clasp to prevent hose rubbing on wheel. Dealer was quite responsive on this.

General Comments:

Very good acceleration, did test drive equally equipped auto and it was not nearly as responsive.

Handling is very good, holds turns very well, tends to get you too confident.

Recent trip of 230 miles each way gave 36MPG on mostly freeway, but 55 miles of back roads.

Engine power band comes on strong just above 2400 rpm, accelerates extremely well until about 3500.

Well instrumented and equipped for the price. Rear seats fold down flat to allow long objects to be carried. This can be VERY handy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th February, 2004

2003 Hyundai Elantra GLS 1.6 from Serbia

Summary:

Excellent balance between price and quality

Faults:

A little signs of moisture in front lights are appeared on the cold weather.

General Comments:

Great car for price I payed. Lot of extra equipment, and you have everything you need for safe and fun ride (ABS, trip computer, automatic air condition device, power steer, power windows, etc.). Nice driving properties. Cabin is roomy, but interior materials could be better. For her price Elantra is the best choice in the class of similar vehicles on the Serbian market. I am truly satisfied.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th January, 2004

2003 Hyundai Elantra GT 2.0 CVVT DOHC from North America

Summary:

You don't have to go broke to reward yourself with a great car and great value

Faults:

None to date.

General Comments:

This is an excellent value for the money. 2004 GT 5DR all options, auto transmission.

Kenwood stereo system (WOW) blows away any stock system I've ever heard, including BOSE systems.

Handles as tight or tighter than my 1994 Pontiac Firebird, and feels just as quick.

Perforated leather interior is sweet. I'm 6'2 230 and I have no problem fitting in this car, even with sunroof.

Has very large cargo area without folding the seats down. Has almost as much room as my Chevy Astro behind its rear seat (Chevy about 40cuft, GT about 30cuft).

Good looking vehicle too, almost like the late Saab Viggen 5dr.

Great gas mileage, 34 mpg on a recent highway trip.

My 3rd Hyundai, definitely not my last.

So do you still want to purchase a $18,000.00, no power, no option, cookie cutter everyone else has one Civic or Corolla... Didn't think so.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th December, 2003