Faults:

The only problems I have had is that there was a switch in the clutch that needed to be replaced. If I didn't put the clutch to the floor the car would not start. The Hyundai "died" one day in a parking lot, but it turns out I wasn't depressing the clutch far enough and it had a defective switch. The only other issue I have had is that they had to replace defective front brake pads very early on. They were squeaking badly and I thought it was a bit abmormal (to say the least) since it had less than 2,000 miles on it when I had them replaced. Both were covered under warranty and were fixed with ease (and free of course) at the dealership.

General Comments:

I love this car. I owned the Hyundai for about a year when my mom determined her 15 year old Volvo (with over 200k miles on it) was becoming too much repair wise. With little convincing she bought an Elantra GTS (the hatchback) that is a year older than mine. She absolutely loves it. I will only drive five speeds (yes I'm an odd one! :) ) and it shifts great. The only issue I have had is it is occasionally difficult to get into reverse. Other than that the transmission is very reliable and easy to shift. I am very glad that I chose the Hyundai for my car. It's been very good to me, is very low maintenance, has excellent gas mileage and is very reliable.

Faults:

The black paint on our 2004 Hyundai Elantra is developing a bad spot where the paint is coming off.

General Comments:

It appears Hyundai has a black paint problem. We contacted the dealer about the paint coming off in spots, and we too got the story the paint coming off is due to bird dropping, tree sap, etc. It is funny our 2003 Hyundai Elantra is not having the paint problem, and both are exposed to the same environment. I appears Hyundai's three year paint warranty will need to be shortened if they do not want to live up to their warranty claims.

We contact Hyundai’s office that is to arrange their factory representative to review paint damage, but for the last two weeks have not had a response. Next step is to contact Hyundai's conflict office.

Faults:

It developed a antifreeze/coolant leak in 2005 at about 40,000 miles. I've had to take it to the dealer 3 times for the same problem. They have replaced the hoses once, and the clamps 2 other times, but it still loses about a quarter cup per week. Taking it in again next week. If that doesn't fix the problem permanently, I'll take legal action against the dealer under the MD lemon law. Other than this, no other engine/trans. problems, however, the paint isn't very good quality. It started to chip a few months after I bought it. I notice a few more chip spots every year now. Seems to be a common flaw with these models. Beware of this if you're a 'meticulous body' type owner.

General Comments:

Still has great acceleration, and drives well in all kinds of weather. It has never broken down or left me stranded. Could do better on the gas mileage around town (gets 23mpg, or 21-22mpg with the a/c running during the summer months), but does great on the highway (30-33mpg). I would still buy another one.