2000 Hyundai Elantra: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Elantra restores its uplevel GLS model for 2000 and shelves the entry-level GL trim. Hyundai's "senior" subcompact sedans and wagons are somewhat larger and costlier than its entry-level Accent subcompact. Elantra also uses a larger 4-cylinder engine linked to manual or optional automatic transmission.
Elantra comes only in GLS trim, which had been dropped during the 1999 model year. A split-folding rear seatback and power windows, mirrors, and locks are standard, as is a rear-window wiper on the wagon. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard; antilock brakes are optional. Hyundai's basic warranty is among the industry's longest: 5-years/60,000-miles bumper-to-bumper, 10-years/100,000-miles powertrain.

COMPETITION

This crowded segment is best represented by two exceptional cars--one a Best Buy and the other a Recommended. Our Best Buy is the Honda Civic, which offers a wide range of bodystyles, engines, and equipment levels. Civic is a solid car that has good performance, a nice ride, and is very civilized.
Topping the Recommended list are the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. They easily could be Best Buys as they are better than the Civic in many ways. However, they are also the most expensive cars in this segment. Other Recommended choices include the no-frills Chevrolet Cavalier and Dodge Neon, the slightly-upscale Chevy Prizm and clone Toyota Corolla, and the roomy Mazda Protege.
If you are looking for a Budget Buy we recommend you stay away from the Hyundai or Daewoo models and take a look at the Ford Escort.