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2007 Hyundai Elantra Full Review
Date Published: 6/26/08
2007 Hyundai Elantra Review
Hyundai redesigns its best-selling car for 2007 with fresh looks, added size, and more standard safety features. Elantra now comes only as a 4-dr sedan. Against the 2001-06 models, the '07 is about 2 inches wider and taller on a 1.6-inch-longer wheelbase. Interior dimensions are little changed, as is weight. Models ascend through GLS, SE, and Limited. All use a 4-cyl engine with a manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic. ABS is standard instead of optional, but traction control is no longer offered. Curtain side airbags, previously unavailable, join front side airbags as another new standard. All Elantras have height-adjustable driver seat, power windows, remote entry, satellite radio, and MP3 player plug-in. Air conditioning, cruise control, and CD player are optional for GLS, included otherwise. Standard leather upholstery and heated front seats are Limited exclusives.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 100 inches or longer.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic and Mazda 3. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, and Mazda 5.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Versa, and Pontiac G5.
News
The newest Elantra is just starting out, so little change should occur in the next few years.
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2007 Hyundai Elantra Road Test
Pros Cons
Fuel economy Acceleration
Instruments/controls
Build quality
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

SE, man. SE, auto. Class Average
5 5 4.6

Only SE models sampled so far. Acceleration adequate with either transmission, but far from snappy. Hyundai says 0-60 mph takes 8.8 sec with manual, which is a slick, precise shifter, though some testers found clutch action vague. Automatic smooth, responsive.
Fuel Economy

SE, man. SE, auto. Class Average
7 7 6.5

Test SE with manual transmission averaged 26.8 mpg. Hyundai recommends regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality

SE, man. SE, auto. Class Average
6 6 5.3

An asset vs. many class rivals, abetted by stout structural feel. Absorbs most small bumps easily, but floats some over large humps and dips at highway speed.
Steering/Handling/Braking

SE, man. SE, auto. Class Average
5 5 5.8

Suspension allows some cornering lean, but tires furnish good dry-road grip. New electric power steering is quick, but feels a tad light. Fine stopping control, brake-pedal feel.
Quietness

SE, man. SE, auto. Class Average
6 6 4.4

Engine a bit noisy at high rpm, but is never unpleasant. Some wind rush around exterior mirrors. Road/tire noise impressively low for class.
Controls

SE, man. SE, auto. Class Average
6 6 5.9

Large, clear gauges. Climate, audio controls simple, handy. Plush cloth upholstery, attractive plastics. So does classy blue dashboard lighting.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SE, man. SE, auto. Class Average
5 5 5.6

Adequate head and leg room, though taller folk may want more of both. Seat/steering-wheel adjustments enhance driver comfort; SE, Limited include telescopic wheel. Good visibility all around.
Room/Comfort (rear)

SE, man. SE, auto. Class Average
4 4 4

Adult-size head and leg room. Entry/exit slightly tight for larger adults. Height-adjustable head restraints, fold-down center armrest are comfort pluses.
Cargo Room

SE, man. SE, auto. Class Average
3 3 4.8

More trunk space than class norm, but slim opening, sickle-type trunklid hinges compromise utility. Standard 60/40 split folding rear seat, but backrests don't lay flat, leave only small pass-through for long items. Generous small-item storage via numerous bins, slots, cubbies.
Value within Class

SE, man. SE, auto. Class Average
6 6 6

Elantra matches any class rival for refinement, space, and comfort. And it beats most for safety with standard front side airbags, curtain side airbags, and ABS. A robust feel, attractive prices and Hyundai's strong warranty also make Elantra well worth considering.
Total Score

SE, man. SE, auto. Class Average
53 53 52.9
Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score
42
Average Score
52
High Score
60
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2007 Hyundai Elantra Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 11/14/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
GLS 4-door sedan, manual $13,395 $12,658 $600
GLS 4-door sedan, automatic $14,395 $13,603 $600
SE 4-door sedan, manual $15,695 $14,675 $600
SE 4-door sedan, automatic $16,695 $15,610 $600
Limited 4-door sedan, manual $16,695 $15,443 $600
Limited 4-door sedan, automatic $17,695 $16,368 $600
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
GLS
Powertrain
2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/driver-seat height adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, digital clock, tachometer, visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, rear defogger.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
195/65HR15 tires, wheel covers.
SE adds to GLS:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, AM/FM/CD player, digital-media player connection, satellite radio, trip computer, illuminated visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, 205/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels.
Limited adds to SE:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Preferred Pkg.
GLS
$1,500
$1,350
Air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/CD player, digital-media player connection, illuminated visor mirrors, fog lights.
Preferred/Moonroof Pkg.
GLS
$2,400
$2,160
Preferred Pkg. plus power sunroof.
Premium Pkg.
SE
$1,150
$1,035
Power sunroof, heated front seats.
Sun and Sound Pkg.
Limited
$1,300
$1,170
Power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning
GLS
$900
$810
Cargo tray
GLS, Limited, SE
$70
$56
Floormats
GLS, Limited, SE
$85
$63
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Mud guards
GLS, Limited, SE
$75
$65
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2007 Hyundai Elantra Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Hyundai Elantra 4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 104.3
Overall Length, in. 177.4
Overall Width, in. 69.9
Overall Height, in. 58.3
Curb Weight, lbs. 2723
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 14.2
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 14.0
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 40.0
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 43.5
Rear Head Room, in. 37.6
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 35.0
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc I4
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.0 /121
Horsepower @ rpm. 138 @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 136 @ 4600
Availability Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
 
5-speed manual 28/36
4-speed automatic 28/36
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Hyundai Elantra 4-door sedan
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain 10/100,000 --
Bumper-to-bumper 5/60,000 --
Corrosion 7/unlimited --
Free roadside assistance 5/unlimited --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: South Korea
Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

Tester's Comments
Vehicle Evaluated:  2007 Hyundai Elantra
Trim Level:  SE
Arrival Date:  04/09/2007
Engine:  dohc I4
Bodystyle:  4-door sedan
Transmission:  5-speed manual
4WD/AWD:  No
Base Price:  $15,695
Price as Tested:  $15,780
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  2131
Mileage at End of Test:  2442
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  11.591 gals.
 

Major Options:  Carpeted Floor Mats

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  26.83 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Ed Piotrowski The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has everything a person could want in a car. This Hyundai Elantra has everything a person needs. It's pleasant to drive, rides nicely, gets good gas mileage, and has a thoughtfully designed interior that feels surprisingly upscale. The SE model can even be equipped with heated cloth seats, which is something few vehicles offer. Bargain pricing and Hyundai's strong warranty make Elantra a must see.

Rick Cotta Elantra is about as friendly a small sedan as you can find. The ride-biased suspension is only perturbed by really rough pavement, the dashboard layout is handy and intuitive, storage bins abound, and the interior can accommodate adults without crunching. Its cargo-carrying ability is hampered by a rear seatback that doesn't fold flat and uncovers a restricted opening, but otherwise, the Elantra is a thoroughly pleasant, if slightly bland, mode of transport.

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