2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring from North America
Summary:
A winner in most of the categories that matter
Faults:
Suspension knocks.
Creaks/rattles.
Seat tearing.
Steering wheel peeling apart.
Mirror cover on visor breaking off.
General Comments:
We bought this car several years ago for my wife to drive. She mostly drives to and from work, which is about 10 miles round-trip. I feel like its boxy but not tipsy shape makes it a safe car for her.
The route this car is driven on consists of some of the worst roads in the area. We're not talking potholes, but instead, craters. As a result, this car has had to be serviced due to repeated suspension damage.
The car was originally a rental vehicle in Canada before coming to the US. We test drove, and purchased, the car in the wintertime. Come summer, we found out that the car was never equipped with A/C. We honestly didn't know you could still order a car in 2010 with no air conditioning. We took it to the dealer to find out why the A/C wasn't working. They broke the news that the car wasn't equipped with it. Too late, we couldn't return it. This has seriously ruined our experience with it (I know, we should have checked first, but really, who knew cars were still made without A/C?).
The styling is truly bizarre. Odd dimensions, weird proportions, strangely-shaped body panels. It's ugly. We did not buy it for the looks. We bought it because of the price, low-mileage, and feeling of safety.
For whatever reason, the driver's seat is ripped. I don't think the upholstery is of high quality. The steering wheel had a stress crack upon purchase, but didn't seem like a big deal. A few years later, it has split apart and is peeling away. Poor materials.
Inside, it's well laid-out with great cargo room and spacious seating.
Gas mileage is very good, typically requiring 1 fill-up a week.
We have not experienced any major mechanical failures. Just suspension problems related to our crappy roads. The car does make creaking noises and the interior components are cheap.
Despite its looks, this could have been a great package. It actually is a great family car for those who don't want the bulkiness and poor gas mileage of a van. For some reason, they sold very poorly. I think I've seen every one in my area by now. It's well-priced, economical, and useful. I guess it was just too weird looking for most tastes.
Pity about the lack of air conditioning. A little more money spent on the final product could have gone a long way.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 30th August, 2017
10th Nov 2010, 20:25
I am considering an Elantra, and would like to know if the car was noisy on the freeway and on rough surface roads? It is hard to find an economy car that is quiet. Thanks.