2001 Hyundai Elantra: Road Test
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2001 Hyundai Elantra ▼
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- MSRP: $12,499 -$14,799
- Invoice: $11,504 -$13,617
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Our road test for the 2001 Hyundai Elantra includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Hyundai Elantra from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Hyundai Elantra, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Hyundai Elantra help you decide if a 2001 Hyundai Elantra is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| GLS, man. | GLS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 3.7 |
Test manual-transmission sedan did 0-60 mph in 8.4 sec, brisk for a subcompact. Automatic-transmission versions have only adequate pickup, though the transmission is reasonably smooth and responsive.
FUEL ECONOMY
| GLS, man. | GLS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6.8 |
Manual transmission Elantra averaged 25.9 mpg vs. 22 mpg for previous-design test examples. We haven't yet measured fuel economy with automatic transmission.
RIDE QUALITY
| GLS, man. | GLS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
Surprisingly composed for a low-end subcompact; absorbs most rough stuff with ease. Jiggles some on freeways, but not severely.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| GLS, man. | GLS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
Dull but competent despite a chassis biased toward ride comfort. Elantra corners with stability and good body control. Our non-ABS test car showed moderate dive and good modulation in hard stops, but also early left-front-wheel locking.
QUIETNESS
| GLS, man. | GLS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.6 |
Better than prior Elantras, but engine makes unpleasant high-rpm snarl and tire noise noticeable on coarse pavement. Test sedan had a minor wind leak from driver's door.
CONTROLS
| GLS, man. | GLS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Ordinary but well done. Steering wheel may not tilt high enough for some. Visibility fine in sedan, a bit better in sloped-tail hatchback. A few cheapo plastic bits spoil basically nice cabin decor. Test sedan had a buzz in the steering column area.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| GLS, man. | GLS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.3 |
Not midsize-car spacious, but 6-footers will have no complaints, though tall drivers might like more rearward seat travel.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| GLS, man. | GLS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3.1 |
Another pleasant surprise. The cabin too narrow for three adults, but there's good head and leg room for two, plus adequate foot space. Narrowish rear-door thresholds don't severely impede entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| GLS, man. | GLS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 3.3 |
The sedan trunk isn't of class-leading size, but is quite roomy. Upcoming GT combines hatchback versatility with 4-dr convenience.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| GLS, man. | GLS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
In features, comfort, and even road manners, Elantra is a budget alternative to the class-leading but costlier Honda Civic and Ford Focus. But cars from this South Korean automaker haven't earned a reputation for long-term reliability, and their resale values are low. We're not convinced the generous warranty and low purchase price offset those two negatives.
Total Score
| GLS, man. | GLS, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 46 | 42 | 42.8 |
Total Score: 44
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