General Comments:
This is a good little car. It's not quite a Toyota or a Honda, but this car for sure takes 3rd place honors above all other compacts/subcompacts. It is very roomy for a compact, the engine is very smooth, VERY quiet in the cabin, the standard shift is smooth, and the car handles really well in the curves.
I can't comment on the gas mileage yet, but after a couple fill ups, I'll figure it out and post it.
The hatch and the doors feel solid and shut precisely, and have a nice sturdy feel.
The controls are easy to use, arranged well, and also feel tight and precise.
The seats are awesome. It's a really nice ride for a small car, and I think will be comfortable even on a long trip.
The rear seats fold down completely with the headrests removed, giving lots of space for cargo, when the rear seats are up, sitting in the back is not at all cramped or uncomfortable. The rear seats are as nice as the front seats.
Overall, I think this car is a best buy in its category. For the money, which is to say a couple thousand less than the Toyota Yaris, and a few thousand less than the Honda Fit, you cannot beat this car. If it proves to be reliable, this will be a great car. If not, I still have the 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty backing me up, and in talking to other Hyundai owners, I've heard absolutely nothing but good things about their dealer service.
17th Dec 2008, 21:51
Congratulations on a really great little car. Hyundai has come a very long way. My best friend bought a new 2005 and I have driven it quite a bit. They are definitely very smooth for a small, inexpensive car, and the power is plenty adequate for freeway merging and passing. After 60,000+ miles my friend has yet to have one single problem with his Hyundai. Lots of luck. You made a very sensible choice!!