Faults:

Drivers side tail light inoperable after putting small motorcycle trailer on. Took to dealership, found crappy splicing job done by the sub-contractor that put on the hitch and electrical harness. Not Hyundai's or dealers fault, the fixed it fine though. Gave me free gas!!!

2001 and 2002's were sold on basis that the engine was 140bhp. Its only 135. Hyundai called me about it. I guess any car maker is allowed tolerances up to 4% in engine specs! my car was only 3.7%

Oh, well, its still the same engine. And 135 is still better than a lot of others.

General Comments:

This car is probably the best overall everything you need vehicle I've ever driven!

It's a great combo of economy (gas mileage) and sportiness. It handles very well, and it turns on a dime with very little turning radius. 15" aluminums with 195/60HR/15 Michelins. It gets around on snow and ice extremely well, with or with out traction control. ABS is a nicety.

Loads of room! Comfortable seating, Leather, Cold AC, Hot heater. Most people don't realize that AC WILL drag down any small engine a little bit when on, this car is fairly acceptable.

The 2 liter DOHC 16valve engine is peppy and red-lines at 6500 RPM. I got the 5-speed. The clutch is a late grabber, unlike my old ford. Somebody made a big point to me about small 4 bangers. You really can't enjoy a 4 banger with out the manual tranny. I test drove the auto, but I cost an extra 800 bucks, and an auto you just can't race well, although it was pretty smooth. 4 wheel disc brakes... on a compact car...ya...you can't even hardly find that on car that cost 30 grand! The brakes feel great.

The whole car is a looker. I don't know what else to say, its really the perfect car. It came with a dozen extra features that other cars didn't have and with a price tag of much less, and don't forget the better warranty. If you have any questions about is, please email me:

jp286@lycos.com.

Faults:

Only problem was a faulty rheastat switch on the heat/air conditioning system. It was identified immediately by a senior technical when I stopped by to inquire about the problem; although the part was not in stock, dealer had it overnighted & then installed it while a waited the next day (it took only one hour). Absolutely everything else has been excellent.

General Comments:

Outstanding engineering, design, build quality, dealer service and value. On the fast track to overcoming Honda & Toyota for overall quality, character (easy-to-like), and reliability.

Exceptional features per dollar, but based on my 17,000 mile ownership experience and long-term ownership of other very high quality cars (Honda, Toyota, Volkswagon, Volvo) this may become a classic.

Not a BMW, Mercedes or high performance car, but reminds me most of the kind of personal (but not necessarily quickest-off-the-start) European roadsters that were so popular during the 40's, 50's and 60's. My GT has much nicer amenities (leather, great sound system, power everything, cruise, electric sunroof, incredible space versatility..5-doors) plus a 60,000 bumper-to-bumper and 100,000 mile drive train warranty.

And at a price not only less than any comparable car sold today, but, after considering cost of inflation over the years, less than most of those earlier models probably proved to be!

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

This car is a great car to have. Has great safety features and plenty of standard features, leather interior, 6 speakers, front and side air-bags, etc...

Has 135 hp @ 6000rpm goes from 0-60 in 8.8 sec which is pretty good for a hatchback of this size. Though the Elantra is a bit small looking on the outside its actually really comfortable on the inside. Love the trunk space!

Only problem I have is that it doesn't have a tape player only a CD player + FM/AM Radio.