2004 Hyundai Elantra Reviews

I have had this car since new, and now at 53000kms I am told that I will need a $1400.00 clutch job. My last car, a 1988 VW Fox had over 247000kms, and I never needed a clutch repair. The mechanic at the dealership said that it could have been the way I was driving the car, and that a clutch is wear item, so he was not surprised. I told the mechanic to put the car back together, as I was not having anyone there touch my car, unless they were dropping the price of the repair significantly.

53000kms is way too early for a clutch to need to be replaced. I can't say that I feel better reading the horror stories that other people have posted about Elantra clutches, but at least I know it is a faulty clutch design, and not the way I drive.

So far the dealership has maintained that there is not a problem with the design of the clutch. Useless.

Stereo ate a CD - Dealer replaced under warranty.

Tires replaced at 80,000 KM.

Front brakes replaced at 80,000 KM.

Loaded for an entry level car. For $5000 less than a comparable Japanese car, I got air, power windows, cruise, and rear cup holders.

Car has proven to be a comfortable and reliable commuter car. Has started every time, even in -30 C weather without an engine block heater.

At about 115,000 a sensor went out that regulated the A/C, and that meant the fan was always on while the car was running. For a while, therefore, the A/C blew hot and cold.

This car is as good as any I have had, and I have had a Toyota Tercel, Dodge Spirit, VW Dasher and Rabbit, etc.

It has been EXTREMELY reliable, and continues to be so. Just recently at 118,500 or so, the engine light has come on, meaning some sort of exhaust issue, I suppose. Car does not run any differently.

Brakes well.

Shifts well.

Handles smoothly.

Adequate room for five kids/adults on short trips.

Gets about 32 mpg on highway. (My Tercel did better.)

Replaced the horn!

Right tie rod end.

This car and both previous Hyundais were ultra reliable.

My first brake job was at 185000 KM and only the front brakes needed replacing.

They should go back to a timing chain rather than a belt. It is an expensive job every 100000KM.

I am six foot five and 250lbs, and have plenty of room and can even wear a hat!

55,000 miles, first set of tires.

75,000 miles, front brakes.

108,000 miles, second set of tires.

108,000 miles, timing belt/water pump/accessory belts.

Oil: Mobil 1 full synthetic extended range.

Oil Filter: Purolator 14459.

This 2004 Elantra is my wife's daily driver. She has owned it since new, and in 4 years put 108,000 miles on it. While I was reluctant to even touch such a great running vehicle, I just invested in a timing belt service and a few misc items (timing belt/water pump/tires/belts/coolant).

This car has been rock solid reliable and a great car in most every respect! We bought the car for 10,250.00 BRAND new, out the door, AFTER taxes in 2004!

This is my/our 5th Hyundai. I currently own an 05/Elantra GLS 5 door as well.

The car is great in every respect. It's still rides great with a solid, squeak/rattle free body!

We are Hyundai owners for life!

At 69652 the car died at intersection and wouldn't turn over. Diagnosed by Hyundai service center and couldn't find anything. Car started up and ran the next day. So no repairs were done.

Less than a week later, the car died again. I had it towed back to the same service center. They found it needed to replace some faulty bearings, fortunately under warranty. They replaced it, and I authorized them to replace the clutch since they had opened it up anyway, and I just paid for the parts.

At 96500, I drove from my house to a local store. Soon after parking it, the car was on fire! Smoke was billowing from under the hood. I didn't open it in case there were flames. I had it towed to another Hyundai service dealer and will find out the problem.

Car has been maintained with every 3,000 mile oil changes, and a recent 90k maintenance check.

Loud idling.

With all the problems I've had, I won't buy another Hyundai again! I will pay a few thousand more for a more reliable vehicle.