The list of features is very impressive in this price range, especially the side airbags and the GT's leather seats and fog lights. I got mine for 13,000 with sunroof and ABS. Test drive one if you are considering one. All the controls are where you expect and it makes you feel right at home. The GT has a very nice ride. Quiet, and smooth, but not completely soft, so it feels pretty agile. The leather and side airbags really raise eyebrows in the segment.

Acceleration could be better for a "GT," although comparable (slightly better) to other economy cars. Braking is very good. Handling is Good and can be significantly improved with cheap modifications, unlike the acceleration. The hatchback practicality is excellent, and although you can look at the car and figure out if you like the styling, I think it's one of the best looking designs around. Very Saab 9-3ish.

Mine had a loose radiator hose and had to be towed back to the dealership the next day, but that's the only problem so far (18months). Apparently 1 problem per car is the average for Hyundai nowadays, which is very low. I think they're tied for first place with Honda in initial quality.

The 2003 Elantra I have has 170,000+ miles on it.

The only part I ever had to replace was the radiator which sprung a small leak. Other than routine maintenance (oil/filter/transmission fluid, spark plugs, brake-pads and rotors), which I do myself, I have not replaced ANYTHING else, including the timing belt or water pump.

Probably foolish, but now I am anxious to find out how long it will last. :-)

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.