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1996-2000 Hyundai Elantra Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Hyundai Elantra. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Hyundai Elantra.
1996-2000 Hyundai Elantra Review
At 100.4 inches, the wheelbase of the front-drive subcompact was two inches longer than the prior Elantra's, and six inches longer than that of the mini Accent. Sedans and new station wagons came in base and upscale GLS trim, all with standard dual airbags. Antilock brakes were optional only for GLS versions. Sole engine was Hyundai's 130-horsepower, 1.8-liter 4-cylinder with dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. Both 5-speed manual shift and a 4-speed automatic transmission were available.
Year to Year Changes
1997 Hyundai Elantra: Except for revised interior fabrics, Hyundai's midlevel sedan continued as before.
1998 Hyundai Elantra: Elantra saw no changes for 1998.
1999 Hyundai Elantra: Elantra got modest nose and tail restyling, and replaced the 1.8-liter 4-cylinder with a 2.0-liter unit. The GLS model was dropped, but GL could be ordered with antilock brakes.
2000 Hyundai Elantra: After nearly a year's absence, the uplevel GLS model returned, but entry-level GL trim was gone; so GLS was the sole model.
1996-2000 Hyundai Elantra Road Test
Pros Cons
Fuel economy Passing power (automatic)
Optional antilock brakes Small trunk opening
Dual airbags Noise
Passenger room
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Hyundai's second-generation Elantra took a giant leap forward in roominess, quiet running, and all-around competence on the road. Not only is this version quieter than the prior Elantra at highway speeds, but the engine becomes raucous only when pushed hard. Acceleration is good with either transmission, and passing power is brisk in around-town driving. On the downside, the automatic transmission shifts abruptly at times, and passing power above 60 mph is meager. Fuel economy is good. We averaged more than 25 mpg. The suspension absorbs most bumps neatly, providing a stable highway ride. Unfortunately, you must cope with an abundance of suspension and tire thumping. Steering feels a trifle loose, but an Elantra handles competently, maneuvering nimbly with good grip. Brakes have a solid pedal feel, but a panic stop in an Elantra without ABS produced plenty of tire squeal and even a threat to swerve. Visibility is clear in all directions. Head and leg room are generous in front for medium-sized adults. Backseat space is adequate, with acceptable head and leg room, but not enough width to hold three occupants comfortably. Sedans have passable trunk space, but a small opening, so loading of bulky items could be easier. The split-rear seatback on the GLS model folds for additional cargo space. The station wagon's rear seatback folds to create a flat cargo floor.
Value for the Money
Value-conscious shoppers might want to take a close look at this latest, greatly improved Elantra, which flaunts a friendly demeanor. Though not flawless, moderate secondhand prices can make it tempting.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Hyundai Elantra sedan 5-speed Rating
Performance 4
Fuel Economy 7
Ride Quality 3
Steering/Handling/Braking 3
Quietness 4
Controls/Materials 4
Interior Room 4
Room/Comfort (rear) 3
Cargo Capacity 3
Value within Class 5
Total: 40
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
1996-2000 Hyundai Elantra Reliability
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission: If the transmission slips or will not go into fourth gear, the end clutch probably needs to be replaced. (1996)
Automatic transmission: Automatic transmissions may flare between second and third or downshift poorly. There is a modified transmission-control module available. (1996-97)
Check-engine light: Check-engine light illumination on SOHC models might be caused by a problem with the transmission control module (TCM). Repair includes replacement if the TCM. (1996-99)
Hard starting: Hard starting may be due to a cracked in-tank fuel line. (1996-97)
Timing belt: Noise from the timing belt due to belt walking off of pulley and rubbing timing cover requiring replacement of the idler pulley. (1999-00)
Transmission problems: If transmission sticks in 3rd, shifts poorly, or has harsh 1-2 shift, the pulse generator may need to be replaced. (1996-2000)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $565
Alternator $315
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $810
Brakes $170
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $295
Constant Velocity Joints $355
Exhaust System $355
Radiator $390
Shocks and/or Struts $595
Timing Chain or Belt $195
NHTSA Recall History
1996-97: Evaporative emissions control system can apply excessive vacuum to fuel tank, resulting in minor tank distortion; small crack could develop, allowing fuel to escape.
1996-97: Wipers may not operate, due to contamination.
1999 w/automatic transmission: Pressure control solenoid-valve seals can allow transmission fluid to leak, resulting in slippage.
2000: Intermittent low-speed engine stalling occurs if the mass airflow sensor electrical signal is interrupted due to engine vibration transmitted to the MAF sensor-connector wiring harness.
1996-2000 Hyundai Elantra Prices
Prices Good Average Poor
1996
Elantra $1,200-1,500 $700-900 $100-200
1997
Elantra $1,300-1,700 $800-1,100 $200
1998
Elantra $1,500-1,900 $1,000-1,200 $200
1999
Elantra $1,800-2,400 $1,200-1,600 $300-400
2000
Elantra $2,300-3,000 $1,700-2,200 $400-600
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
1996-2000 Hyundai Elantra Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification 4-door sedan 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 100.4 100.4
Overall Length, in. 174.0 175.2
Overall Width, in. 66.9 66.9
Overall Height, in. 54.9 58.8
Curb Weight, lbs. 2458 2619
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 11.4 63.0
Standard Payload, lbs. -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 14.5 14.5
Seating Capacity 5 5
Front Head Room, in. 38.6 38.6
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 43.2 43.2
Rear Head Room, in. 37.6 38.9
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 34.6 34.8
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Powertrain Options and Availability
Early Elantras carried a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder with dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder, rated at 130 horsepower. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard, and 4-speed automatic with electronic controls optional. In '99 Hyundai dropped the 1.8-liter in favor of a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. It made 140 horsepower and offered the same transmission options.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in
Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy
Consumer Guide Observed
dohc I4 1.8 / 110 130 122 5-speed manual: 24/32
4-speed automatic: 23/31
5-speed manual: --
4-speed automatic: 25
dohc I4 2.0 / 122 140 133 5-speed manual: 24/33
4-speed automatic: 22/31
5-speed manual: --
4-speed automatic: --
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test 1999 Elantra
Front Impact, Driver 3
Front Impact, Passenger 3
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built In: South Korea
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
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