2003 Hyundai Elantra VE from North America - Comments

No serious problems with this car.

Noticed that the paint is quite thin. It doesn't take much to scratch or chip the paint.

The sheet metal is also quite thin so it doesn't take much to dent this car either.

Aside from the above notes, this car has proven itself to be a good everyday running car. It has ample power and tight steering. A real gas miser!

The cabin is well designed and aside from the seats being a little stiff, it is quite comfortable.

Advice to prospective buyers: Fork over the extra bit of cash and get the VE: power group upgrade includes A/C, power heated side mirrors, power windows, cruise control and more!

Man you went from an olds to an elantra!

That's a downgrade my friend and the same downgrade that I will be making. I also have an olds, an '89 cutlass cierra which is the best domestic car in my honest opinion if your are looking at power/price/fuel/economy. I love my olds.

I want a brand new car and I was thinking hyundai cause of the price and quality for the price. I also think hyundai is on the start of becoming the next honda. my question is, "does the elantra have ample power in the reserve". I am so use to driving a 180 HP olds that when I drive my friends civic I am disappointed cause of lack of power.

Please give me an update of your car as well as how you like the power (HP).

Thank you in advance.

Yes, the Olds was a nice car. But the repair bills were piling up and when the head gasket blew, I gave up on it.

As for the Elantra, well I've put 31,000 KMs on it since I bought it in April. No problems whatsoever. I have no reason to believe that this car will give me any problems either. I haven't experienced any of those annoying problems that you encounter with some other new cars (squeaks and rattles, etc.)

Your concerns about the power are justified. Although this car has only 135 HP (138 in the '04 models), it is important to note that it is also smaller and lighter than the Oldsmobiles. I don't have any problem peeling her if I want to (manual transmission) and passing on the highway isn't an issue either. Most of this car's torque is in the higher RPMs. Meaning that she's pretty gutless until you get up to highway speeds. But that's where you want it, right?

If you don't like the Elantra, I've heard plenty of good things about the Sonata. Apparently it is well made and has quite a bit more under the hood than the Elantra or Tiburon.

Now seems to be the time to buy a Hyundai. As you said, they seem poised to become the next Honda. They're reputation is keeping sticker prices low, but they're working very hard to compete with the likes of Honda and Toyota. Translation: You get the high quality of a reputable car manufacturer for the price of a cheap domestic.