2001 Hyundai Elantra Review

Like other South Korean automakers, Hyundai continues to move upscale with models such as its revamped 2001 Elantra.


This restyled third-generation Elantra is larger, with more comfort and refinement.


The subcompact Elantra is a step up from Hyundai's base Accent model, but below the automaker's Sonata and new XG300 models.


Hyundai had a poor reliability record, but its sales have been greatly helped by a new long warranty: five-year/60,000 miles bumper-to bumper and 10-year/100,000 miles for the powertrain. There's also a no-charge 24-hour roadside assistance program for five years.


The front-drive Elantra comes only as the GLS sedan because the base sedan and station wagon models have been dropped. The car costs $12,499 with a five-speed manual transmission and $13,299 with a four-speed automatic.


The Elantra is fairly well equipped. Standard are air conditioning, AM/FM/cassette, tilt steering column, manual six-way driver's seat, intermittent wipers, console, remote fuel door and trunk releases, rear defroster, split-folding rear seatbacks and power steering, windows, locks and mirrors.


The standard side air bags up front are unique in the subcompact car class, but anti-lock brakes are optional in a $1,150 option package.


Other popular extras include a power sunroof, cruise control, CD player and remote keyless entry. All are in option packages that cost from $400 to $1,150.


The Elantra's wheelbase--the distance between axles--has been stretched to 102.7 inches from 100.4 inches for a better ride and more leg room. The car also is 3.1 inches longer overall, slightly wider and 1.2 inches taller.


Those are significant increases for a small car, where even fractional size increases are used to improve an auto.


Hence, the 2001 Elantra has more headroom and additional rear leg and hip room. There's decent space for four 6-footers, although the center is too stiff to allow a third rear-seat occupant to be comfortable.


Hyundai has recognized that Americans are larger folks, so it has given the Elantra bigger seats. They offer good side support when the car is zipping through curves. However, the upholstery pattern looks odd.


The trunk is large, with a low opening. Rear seatbacks flip forward for greater cargo capacity, but the pass-through opening from the trunk to rear-seat area is only moderately large.


The new styling won't win prizes, although the Elantra has a more upscale, edgier European look. The aerodynamic body has plenty of glass area for good visibility and contributes to a quiet interior.


The dashboard contains easily read gauges, including a tachometer. The smooth controls are nicely positioned, and even front cupholders are designed to prevent spills.


The Elantra is smoother and quieter because of such items as a front subframe and hydraulic engine mounts.


The two-liter four-cylinder engine continues to produce 140 horsepower with its dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. But the cylinder block now is ribbed for more strength and reduced noise. Combustion chambers and cylinder head ports have been revised for better performance at lower speeds.


The Elantra has lively acceleration, especially with the manual transmission. It has a precise shifter but rather long-throw clutch.


The 65-75 mph passing time is good, but engine revs are high beyond 55 mph. For instance, the tachometer reads 3,400 rpm at 65 mph with the manual transmission. This makes it feel as if the car needs another overdrive gear for highway use, although the engine isn't loud at highway speeds.


Fuel economy is an estimated 25 mpg in the city and 33 on highways with the manual transmission, and 24 and 33 with the efficient new automatic. That transmission's electronic control optimizes shift patterns. For instance, it can skip a gear during downshifts for faster acceleration.


The steering is quick and linear for easy control. Handling is good, partly because the tire size has been increased an inch to 15 inches. However, no traction control system is offered.


The all-independent suspension provides a supple ride, and braking is OK. But the more effective four-wheel disc brake setup only comes with the optional anti-lock system.


New Hyundais once were marginal substitutes for used cars. With models such as the new Elantra, this no longer is the case.