New Car Review of the 2004 Hyundai Elantra GT
Base MSRP Range: $13,299 - $15,649
Base Invoice Range: $12,241 - $14,399
MSRP As Tested: $15,587
Versions: GT, GLS
Vehicle Category: Compact Sedan
Engine Location: Front Engine
Drive Wheels: Front-Wheel Drive
Optional Engine: 2.0-liter, Dual Overhead Cam, 16-valves, Inline-4 cylinder, 132-horsepower at 4,500rpm and 133lb-ft torque at 4,500 rpm.
Transmission As Tested: 5-Speed Manual, 4-Speed Automatic.
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): Manual 26/34, 4-speed automatic 24/32, 5-speed automatic 21/30.
Standard Safety Features: Driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags, optional ">Antilock Brake System.
Competition: Kia Spectra, Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Honda Civic,
Review
The 2004 Hyundai Elantra is one of the best vehicles at the best price gracing American roads today. Hovering just under the $15,000 price tag, this is a passenger vehicle that not only gets great mileage but is functional as a family car.
Driven this week was the Elantra GT, which is the sportier model that has a host of options that make it worth every penny you
ll pay. There are three models to choose from: the Elantra GLS, Elantra GT four-door and the Elantra GT five-door.
European styling is the key here, with the Elantra looking more like a foreign car than an American-bred one. The new design is more refined, making this Elantra look more expensive than it really is.
There's a new hood, front fenders, bumper, headlamp assembly and a revised grille that features horizontal bars. I think it looks sporty as well.
Slipping inside the front driver's seat, you'll notice new instrumentation and a new center console. There are pronounced heating and cooling controls as well as new controls for the door locks.
Hyundai has added a 12-volt power source to the front instrumentation. Leather seating surfaces are standard, as well as power door locks, power windows, power mirrors, cruise control, tachometer, trip computer, keyless remote entry, variable intermittent wipers, rear window defroster and wiper, tilt steering column and floor mats.
Like I said, value.
The 2.0-liter dual overhead cam 16-valve engine features continuously variable valve timing for better control of engine emissions. The engine is more than adequate for a vehicle of this size. I never had a problem getting it going on the freeway or around town.
Standard is a five-speed manual transmission. Unless you do a lot of freeway driving, opt for the automatic for a little more comfort. But if you're a control freak and need that power over your vehicle, but all means take that five-speed manual and have a lot of fun with it. It's not only responsive, but can provide a little bit of excitement if that's what you want.
By the way, the engine is rated at 138 horses. More than enough to power a vehicle of this size.
This Elantra is a little bit larger than its previous model, offering a little more headroom and more rear seat leg and hip room. It's also 2.3-inches longer in its wheelbase than the previous model.
I was duly impressed with the quiet ride and comfort it provided. Usually in smaller vehicles, you'll find you'll feel every imperfection in the road surface -- and there are so many on Michigan roads -- that at times, the ride can be downright uncomfortable. I never felt that way in the Elantra.
The driver's seat is adjustable and is larger and more comfortable that last generation. The front seat belts are adjustable, too, which really helps those of us who are tall.
I found all controls and knobs to be easy to understand, easy to operate and a joy to play with. Side airbags are standard, as are driver and passenger front air bags, of course.
There are child safety door locks, child seat anchor system and automatic locking retractors and an energy-absorbing steering column for your safety.
I never mention this, but I just have to in Hyundai's case. All vehicles Hyundai sells in the U.S. come with bumper-to-bumper coverage for five years or 60,000 miles and power train coverage for 10 years or 100,000 miles -- one of the best in the automotive business. There's also 24-hour roadside assistance at no extra charge for five full years, no matter how much mileage is on your vehicle. Not bad.
In Conclusion
I've recommended Hyundai vehicles to two individuals -- a good friend and a cousin -- and both of them have been pleased as punch to own one. Maybe you should go take a look and see if you'll be pleased as well.
Ratings (1-10)
- Style: 7
- Performance: 6
- Price: 7
- Handling: 7
- Ride: 7
- Comfort: 7
- Quality: 7
- Overall: 6.8
More Data
Where Built: Korea
Major Options: Traction control, antilock brakes, power sunroof.
Seating: 5
Number of Rows: 2
Length in Inches: 177.1
Warranties: 5 years/60,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 10 year/100,000 miles extended powertrain, 5 years/ 100,000 miles corrosion protection, 5 years/unlimited miles free Roadside Assistance.
Weight in Pounds: 2,635
Cargo Capacity in Pounds: Not Available
Gross Maximum Vehicle Weight in Pounds: 4,340-4,450
Towing Capacity in Pounds: Not Available
Gas Tank Capacity in Gallons: 14.5
Destination Charge: $540
