Faults:

Only thing I have replaced on this car since buying it was the alternator (one week ago).

Idles high in park (since owned).

Possible coolant leak I cannot trace (since today).

Airbag light is on (two weeks ago).

General Comments:

The car is pretty much a generic version of the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. I have driven all three mid nineties models of these cars, and prefer the way the Hyundai drives over the ones I mentioned.

It has an amazing engine/transmission combination that manages quick acceleration when needed to get on the freeway or dart into traffic in sticky situations. It also achieves the gas mileage rating listed. It is no sports car though, but can compete with other vehicles on the road today.

The interior of this car is one of a kind to me. I usually never notice things about interior or even care for them really, but the interior is in great condition. The body looks horrible now, but that is normal for a near twenty year old car.

I really like this car a lot, but I believe Hyundai does not build their vehicles to last. I understand it is a used car and all, but it was maintained and there are service records to prove it. I did some research and found out there is a recall for the air bag, but Hyundai customer service says my vehicle is not affected by this recall. It could be a major disaster waiting to happen. I am not really worried too much about the other issues listed, except for the coolant leak I cannot trace. Summer is just around the corner and it gets really hot out here.

Hyundai made a decent car (as in the engine, transmission, and interior). However, it was not built to be durable in other areas. If anyone owns this car and can tell me what I should look for with my coolant leak, please comment. I don't think it's a head gasket or head problem either, because there is no smoke, or coolant and oil mixing together at all.

Faults:

Some wheel bearings to replace, front pipe twice, tie rods or ball joint a few times.

Idle computer has been changed.

Otherwise, normal maintenance.

Timing belt job is quite expensive.

General Comments:

I still say wow about this car. Original engine in perfect shape, original transmission and clutch, original cold A/C, original radiator, muffler and rear drums. With good maintenance and a yearly rustproofing, it's the way to keep it running!

Overall, happy with this car. Major components are still working fine!

General Comments:

It is a nice car with low gas/mile consumption. Parts are so cheap and are all affordable. Much better than Honda civic and a lot smoother when you drive.

Faults:

My valve cover gasket started leaking around 100,000 miles, but I easily replaced it in 2 hour's time.

The transmission will sometimes refuse to go into gear when starting up in the cold.

Exhaust Heat shields have a tendency to corrode and fall off especially in wet areas.

General Comments:

After some care and an engine overhaul I was able to turn this car into a performer.

The handling is rather bad in this car, but with wheel/tire upgrades and suspension tweaking grip can be significantly increased.

Road and Engine noise is loud, but I couldn't care less.

In the right hands even a Automatic 1.8L can be transformed into a driver's car.

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

I bought this car from a salvage auction for $1400 and put another $1000 in body work into it.

It has been very reliable, great handling in turns. Drove it Seattle-Chicago twice and had no problems at all. Drives great in snow.

I gave it to my sister who needed a car in college and she crashed it a couple of months later.

Not quite as economical as the my wife's Honda Accord even though the engine is smaller.

I wish I still had it.