2001 Hyundai Elantra GT from North America - Comments

One of the wheel bearings failed at 43,000 Km. Replaced under warranty.

Wiring came loose behind the door panel causing an annoying vibration. Fixed under warranty.

The seats in my car are very supportive and comfortable over long distances.

The Elantra is also very versatile thanks to the car being a Hatchback. It also has the largest trunk/boot in it's class (Focus, Golf).

I have to say that the ride is a bit bone jarring over rough surfaces because of the European Spec suspension, but it handles competently and safely. However it does tend to roll at little to much for my liking when cornering.

I do however have a concern regarding the quality of the paint finish. It appears very thin and scratches extremely easily even compared to my last car which was 10 years old. Does anyone else share this concern?

Another problem with the car is it is quite thirsty compared to similar cars from Honda and Toyota.

I just wish I had bought the standard transmission instead of the automatic. The automatic is only 4 speed and it definitely hurts the performance somewhat.

Overall I like this car. It's been completely reliable to date apart from the minor problem with the wheel bearing. My dealer has been exceptional to date. Not many dealers offer courtesy cars just for servicing related matters. Basically I would recommend this car to anyone.

This is my 5th Hyundai. I have the Hyundai Elantra GT. This car is great for maneuvering, stopping, and pickup. Wherever I go people come over to the car and want to see it. The only thing I find that happens is that you need to get your tires balanced and aligned more than other cars. Still I would not trade this one in for another. As long as the car holds up, she stays with me. I hope that in the future you will design this car more.

I would also like to see Captain chairs, for more comfort.

Thanks Hyundai

Happy Hyundai Owner.

Wanted to add some additional comments about my car. We are now at 130,000km and I am now seeing some issues although the car is still generally going strong. Here are the issues.

The engine seems to have developed a wheezing noise when the engine is cold. This wheezing noise goes away when the engine has warmed up. Can anyone tell me what this might be?

I agree with many of the comments here about the paint. It's extremely weak especially with the black paint.

My dashboard has developed a kind of creaking noise again when the car is first started. It too goes away after the car has warmed up.

I also have a rubbing noise when the car is driven in a straight line for a period of time and goes away when I turn the steering wheel slightly in either direction. Any ideas here?

Hope someone can help.