2001 Hyundai Elantra GLS review from North America

I hit a curb the first week I got the car to avoid some moron who almost sideswiped me. Both passenger side wheels were dented and needed to be replaced. They were $180 each for just the rim at Hyundai!! I opted for 4 nice new alloy wheels from Sears for the same price as the 2 black steel wheels from Hyundai. - p.s. The police officer at the scene said I would have been better off if I had let the guy hit me, because he would have been paying for the damage. WORD TO THE WISE - Don't put to much effort into avoiding minor accidents if you have the right of way.

The engine seems to have about 70 HP while driving with the A/C on.

Cabin is noisy at highway speeds.

Each of my headlights have been replaced 4 times. Both brake lights replaced at 75,000 miles.

Original brake pads replaced at 50,000 with ceramic aftermarket pads ($120) which only lasted to 72,000 at which I used Hyundai pads and resurfaced the rotors. ($190)

Wiring harness inside the driver door somehow corroded after 60,000 and caused all the dash lights to go out ($500+). Corrosion not covered under warranty - even with extended warranty.

Driver seatbelt likes to go limp and get stuck between the door panel and the body. The seatbelt has been replaced twice FREE of charge, but is now limp again and has since broken holes in the door panel from being closed in the door because it does not retract.

Paint looks horrible. Lots of tiny scratches and nicks nad a very dull finish. Clear coat seems to be peeling just below the windows along the rubber. My 22 year old Toyota's paint job is holding up better.

I have an appointment at Hyundai later today. On today's list:

- Airbag light is on.

- Mysterious humming & vibrating coming from engine compartment.

- Hesitation when starting up.

- Front driver side wheel bearings.

- Loud thud when first starting to accelerate.

Alternator replaced at 40,000 (FREE).

Clutch replaced at 70,000 ($700)

Including the 2 from the curb mentioned earlier, I have had 11 flat tires (screws, glass, potholes). The first 7 I replaced with Goodyear Eagles ($90 each), none of which lasted for more than 10,000 miles. My 4 most recent tires are a generic brand made by Michelin (named General, I think), which have lasted for almost 40,000 miles ($40 each).

Power windows are very sluggish. Especially if rolling more than one at the same time, it can take almost 5 seconds.

Parts that are simple to replace in other cars (bulbs, battery, etc.), Hyundai has managed to make somewhat inaccessible. For example, the battery needs to be removed to replace the driver side headlights. The whole brake light assembly needs to be removed to replace the bulb there. A ratchet extension is required to take the battery out since it is bolted down.

22mpg city & 27mpg highway.

Okay, now the positives:

Acceleration with the A/C off is excellent for a 4-cylinder car.

Supportive seats comfortable on long trips.

Plenty of head & leg room. (I'm 6')

Tight turning radius good for U-Turns.

Handles very well with little or no tire noise on turns.

The look of the car is very attractive, inside and out.