2001-2006 Hyundai Elantra: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2006 Hyundai Elantra
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2001-2006 Hyundai Elantra ▼
- Price Range: $1,900 - $8,800
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2001-2006 Hyundai Elantra and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Fuel economy
- Maneuverability
Cons
- Acceleration (w/automatic transmission)
- Cargo room (sedan)
Vehicle Highlights
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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | 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 Score: | 44 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2001-2006 Hyundai Elantra. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2001-2006 Hyundai Elantra.
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.
Our road test for the 2001-2006 Hyundai Elantra includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2001-2006 Hyundai Elantra and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2001-2006 Hyundai Elantra is right for you.
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.
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | 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 Score: | 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.
Our reliability study for this generation Hyundai Elantra includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Hyundai Elantra .
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:
A shift flare (engine racing between shifts) may be corrected by reprogramming the transmission control module. (2001-02)
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)
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 |
Our price chart for this generation Hyundai Elantra details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2006 | |||
| Elantra GLS | $8,500-9,300 | $7,700-8,400 | $4,400-4,800 |
| Elantra Limited, GT | $9,000-9,800 | $8,100-8,800 | $4,700-5,100 |
| 2005 | |||
| Elantra GLS | $6,700-7,500 | $5,900-6,600 | $3,100-3,500 |
| Elantra GT | $7,300-8,000 | $6,600-7,200 | $3,600-3,900 |
| 2004 | |||
| Elantra GLS | $5,200-5,900 | $4,400-5,000 | $2,100-2,400 |
| Elantra GT | $5,700-6,300 | $4,900-5,400 | $2,300-2,600 |
| 2003 | |||
| Elantra GLS | $4,100-4,800 | $3,400-3,900 | $1,400-1,600 |
| Elantra GT | $4,500-5,100 | $3,700-4,200 | $1,600-1,800 |
| 2002 | |||
| Elantra GLS | $3,200-3,900 | $2,500-3,000 | $800-1,000 |
| Elantra GT | $3,600-4,200 | $2,900-3,400 | $1,000-1,200 |
| 2001 | |||
| Elantra GLS | $2,600-3,200 | $1,900-2,400 | $500-700 |
| Elantra GT | $3,000-3,600 | $2,300-2,800 | $700-800 |
|
|
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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.
Specs for this generation Hyundai Elantra include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
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 | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
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. |
|||||
Built In: South Korea
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Hyundai Elantra include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
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%. Sideimpact 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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2001-2006 Hyundai Elantra directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
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.
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