2001-2006 Hyundai Elantra Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

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.

2001-2006 Hyundai Elantra Review

Redesigned for 2001, the larger of Hyundai's two front-drive subcompact cars grew slightly and gained a fresh look, but retained its previous powertrains. Front side airbags became standard. No more wagons were produced, and the base sedan disappeared, leaving only a GLS sedan. The Elantra's wheelbase grew by 2.3 inches, overall length by 3.1 inches, and height by 1.2 inches. Curb weight and interior dimensions changed little, though head and leg room shrunk slightly in the rear and increased a bit up front. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine remained the only possibility, though it got new engine mounts. A revised exhaust system promised reductions in noise, vibration, and harshness. Elantras could have a manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic transmission. Wheel diameters grew an inch, to 15. Shock absorbers were upgraded from hydraulic to gas-filled. Antilocking all-disc brakes were now a standalone option, but the regular non-ABS system stuck with rear drum brakes. Standard features included air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, a cassette stereo, tachometer, tilt steering wheel, manual six-way driver's seat, front-seat lumbar adjustment, intermittent wipers, and a split-folding rear seat. Child-seat anchors were installed, and front seatbelt pretensioners had force limiters. Options included cruise control, a 100-watt CD stereo, and a sunroof. Competitors included the Dodge/Plymouth Neon, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Mazda Protege, and Nissan Sentra. A GT four-door hatchback joined the sedan during the 2001 model year. Hyundai's warranty was one of the industry's longest: 5 years/60,000 mile basic, 10/100,000 powertrain.

Year to Year Changes

2002 Hyundai Elantra: Elantras came in two forms for 2002: the GLS four-door sedan and GT four-door hatchback. Both had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and manual or optional automatic transmission. GT models featured a sport suspension, alloy wheels, and leather upholstery. Front side airbags were standard. Antilock braking with traction control was optional; four-wheel disc brakes were standard on the GT and included with ABS on the GLS.

2003 Hyundai Elantra: For 2003, Hyundai expanded its lineup, adding a GT four-door sedan to complement the GT hatchback. All Elantra models continued to use the same powertrain.

2004 Hyundai Elantra: Elantra gets a new grille, taillights, interior console, and interior controls for 2004.

2005 Hyundai Elantra: Hyundai adds a base-model hatchback for 2005. For '05, GLS and sportier GT trim are offered for both body styles. The new base GLS hatchback gets the GT's sport suspension.

2006 Hyundai Elantra: Hyundai's best-selling car gets an uplevel Limited version and adds more available features for 2006. A Limited model sedan joins the GLS version for '06; the sporty GT sedan is discontinued. Hatchbacks return as GLS or GT versions.

2001-2006 Hyundai Elantra Road Test

Pros	Cons

Fuel economy	Acceleration (w/automatic transmission)

Maneuverability	Cargo room (sedan)

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

In performance, maneuverability, and ride comfort, the Elantra scores reasonably well for a car of its caliber. Manual-shift models have accelerated to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds, which is brisk for a subcompact. Automatic-transmission versions have only adequate pickup, though the transmission is reasonably smooth and responsive. Fuel economy with manual shift averaged 25.2 to 25.9 mpg. Ride quality in any model is surprisingly composed for a low-end subcompact, and suspensions absorb most rough stuff with ease. Some jiggle occurs on freeways, but not severely. The GT's sport suspension makes little difference in ride comfort. Steering/handling in the GLS is dull but competent. An Elantra corners with noticeable body lean but good stability. Without ABS, one sedan showed moderate dive and good modulation in hard stops, but also suffered early left-front-wheel lockup. The GT's sport suspension again makes little difference. The Elantra's engine makes unpleasant high-rpm snarl, and tire noise is noticeable on coarse pavement. Instruments and controls are ordinary but well laid out. The steering wheel may not tilt high enough for some drivers. A few cheap-looking plastic bits spoil the basically nice cabin decor. Although an Elantra is not midsize-car spacious, six-footers will have no complaints, though tall drivers might like more rearward seat travel. A height-adjustable seat is standard. Visibility is fine in the sedan, and a bit better in the sloped-tail hatchback. Another pleasant surprise is rear room/comfort. Though too narrow for three adults, head and leg room are good for two, along with adequate foot space. Narrowish rear-door thresholds don't severely impede entry/exit. The sedan trunk isn't of class-leading size, but is adequately roomy. The GT combines hatchback versatility with four-door convenience.

Value for the Money
In features, comfort, and even road manners, an Elantra is a budget alternative to the class-leading (but costlier) Honda Civic and Ford Focus. Cars from this South Korean automaker haven't earned a reputation for long-term reliability, but their resale values have been low. That can actually be good news for used-car shoppers.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Hyundai Elantra GLS w/automatic transmission	Rating

Performance	4

Fuel Economy	6

Ride Quality	4

Steering/Handling/Braking	4

Quietness	4

Controls/Materials	6

Interior Room	4

Room/Comfort (rear)	4

Cargo Capacity	3

Value within Class	5

Total:	44

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.

2001-2006 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.

Clutch: A squeak or squawk when the clutch pedal is pressed or released requires revised bushings for the release shaft. (2001-02)

Electrical problem: The electrical connector in the door(s) may corrode, especially where salt is used on the roads, causing failure of the speakers, power windows, power locks, etc. (2001)

Engine noise: Although not a failure, the valves can get noisy on the 2.0-liter engine and should be checked and adjusted as necessary every 60,000 miles.

Poor transmission shift: The shift from park to reverse or drive is harsh in many models, but if it is extremely harsh, a revised transmission control module may be required. Likewise, harsh shifts in other gears may also require a new module. (2001-02)

Poor transmission shift: A shift flare (engine racing between shifts) may be corrected by reprogramming the transmission control module. (2001-02)

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	$880

Alternator	$390

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$1,110

Brakes	$260

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$400

Constant Velocity Joints	$1,240

Exhaust System	$775

Radiator	$365

Shocks and/or Struts	$850

Timing Chain or Belt	$190

NHTSA Recall History

2001: Side-airbag satellite sensors might be improperly manufactured, resulting in airbag-warning-light illumination and nondeployment of side airbags in an impact. Dealers will replace the affected parts.

2001-03: Rear brake tubes could contact steering box. Contact could cause wear and corrosion that could result in brake failure. Dealers will reposition brake tubes and apply anticorrosion material to tubes in areas where contact might have occurred.

2002-03: Fuel tank assembly valve may not close properly; in a rollover, fuel spillage may occur.

2002-03: Valve on fuel tank assembly may not close properly; if vehicle rolls over and valve is not closed, fuel spillage may occur.

2004: The fuel vapor hose clamp may be facing the wrong position and could result in spillage in the event of a crash. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.

2004: During offset frontal barrier impact test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, fuel spillage occurred as a result of fuel tank damage, which stemmed from a mispositioned vapor tube hose clamp ear.

2004-05: Occupant classification system in right front seat may mistakenly classify a child restraint seat as an adult passenger, allowing the front or side airbag to deploy in a crash.

2005: Threaded portions of steering gearbox inner ball joint assemblies may contain internal cracks; breakage would lead to loss of steering control of one wheel, whose tie rod assembly would no longer be attached.

2001-2006 Hyundai Elantra Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

2001
Elantra GLS	$3,300-4,000	$2,600-3,200	$800-1,000
Elantra GT	$3,700-4,300	$3,000-3,500	$1,100-1,200

2002
Elantra GLS	$4,000-4,600	$3,300-3,800	$1,300-1,500
Elantra GT	$4,400-5,000	$3,700-4,200	$1,500-1,800

2003
Elantra GLS	$5,100-5,800	$4,300-4,900	$2,000-2,300
Elantra GT	$5,600-6,200	$4,800-5,300	$2,300-2,500

2004
Elantra GLS	$6,400-7,200	$5,600-6,300	$2,800-3,200
Elantra GT	$7,000-7,700	$6,200-6,900	$3,300-3,600

2005
Elantra GLS	$8,000-8,800	$7,200-7,900	$4,100-4,500
Elantra GT	$8,700-9,400	$7,800-8,500	$4,500-4,900

2006
Elantra GLS	$9,800-10,700	$8,800-9,600	$5,100-5,600
Elantra Limited, GT	$10,500-11,400	$9,500-10,300	$5,600-6,000

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.

2001-2006 Hyundai Elantra Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	4-door hatchback	4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	102.7	102.7

Overall Length, in.	177.1	177.1

Overall Width, in.	67.7	67.7

Overall Height, in.	56.1	56.1

Curb Weight, lbs.	2635	2635

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	--	11.0

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	14.5	14.5

Seating Capacity	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.6	39.6

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	43..2	43.2

Rear Head Room, in.	38.0	38.0

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	35.0	35.0

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Hyundai's dual-overhead-cam, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produced 140 horsepower and worked with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The engine's horsepower rating dropped by five in 2003.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

dohc I4	2.0 / 121	135-140	133	5-speed manual: 25/33 4-speed automatic: 24/33	5-speed manual: 25.2 4-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

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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Also in the 2001-2006 Hyundai Elantra Review:

Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai Elantra Road Test

Hyundai Elantra Reliability

Hyundai Elantra Prices

Hyundai Elantra Specs & Safety

Hyundai Elantra Photos

Hyundai Elantra Full Review