2004 Hyundai Elantra Review

The latest version of the Hyundai Elantra shows that this South Korean automaker continues to improve its entry-level cars to attract young first-time auto buyers and motorists of all ages who want a reasonably priced, well-equipped economy car.

Car companies especially like young customers because many such people tend to stick with a specific brand for a long time if satisfied with it -- eventually moving up to costlier, higher-line vehicles.

Hyundai is staying on its toes with models such as the Elantra because it knows stiffer small-car competition is ahead from auto giants such as General Motors.

Many buyers of economy autos don't want to look like they're driving a bland model, so small-car styling is becoming more important. Hyundai thus has given the 2004 Elantra a slicker look with a new grille, hood, headlight assemblies, bumpers, trunk lid and taillights. The GT version gets a new lower rear spoiler.

The interior of the new Elantra also looks more upscale. Its instrument panel has been updated with separate speedometer and tachometer faces, new vents and a new center console, along with new interior colors and fabrics.

There also are new power controls for door locks and sunroof, and new recessed child seat anchors with plastic snap-up covers.

Some cars no longer have standard ashtrays. But Hyundai didn't forget smokers, providing a redesigned ashtray with a removable liner for easy cleaning and service.

Responsiveness and fuel economy of the Elantra's 2-liter, 138-horsepower engine has been enhanced by the addition of continuously variable valve timing, which also lowers emissions.

A five-speed manual transmission is standard, and a four-speed automatic is optional.

The $13,299-$15,649 Elantra is sold in GLS and sportier GT trim levels. The GLS and GT come as a sedan, but the GT also is offered as a more versatile four-door hatchback.

Hyundai offers one of the industry's longest warranties, which includes 100,000-mile powertrain coverage. lt also undercuts rivals by loading its lower-priced cars with equipment.

Even the entry GLS versions have such items as air conditioning, tilt wheel, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette and power windows, locks and mirrors.

Safety items include standard front side air bags. Anti-lock brakes with a traction control system cost $525.

The GT versions start at $14,849 and add leather upholstery, cruise control, upscale audio system with CD player, sport suspension, alloy wheels and all-disc brakes, besides a rear spoiler.

Options include the $700 sunroof. Cruise control is $200 extra for the GLS.

Hyundai succeeded in making the Elantra -- the larger of its two subcompact cars -- look more expensive than it is. The quiet interior also looks good and has easily read gauges and fairly large controls. Front bucket seats are supportive when snaking through curves, but some drivers might wish their seat moved back more and that the steering wheel tilted higher.

There's decent room for four 6-footers, although the rear area doesn't have much room to spare.

The trunk is roomy, with a low, wide opening -- and seatbacks flip forward to increase the cargo area. However the interior of the trunk lid has an unfinished look and is an example of cost-cutting.

The small engine works hard, but provides lively acceleration. However, the Elantra needs downshifts from overdrive fifth gear to third or fourth gear for good 65-75 mph passing times. The car shifts decently, but the light clutch has a long throw.

The automatic transmission is responsive, although it soaks up some power.

Elantra owners shouldn't have to make many fuel stops because estimated economy with the manual gearbox is 26 mpg in the city, 34 on the highway. The figures are 24 and 32 with the automatic.

The Elantra is nimble, thanks to fairly wide tires and front and rear anti-sway bars, which control body lean in turns. The sportier GT has a firmer suspension with thicker bars for sharper handling.

Although small, the Elantra has a fairly long 102.7-inch wheelbase that works with an all-independent suspension to provide a good ride. The brake pedal is rather soft, but has a nice linear action to help provide good stopping distances.

The Elantra is a good alternative to rivals such as the costlier, slightly more refined, Honda Civic and Ford Focus, but resale value is a question mark.

2004 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

Prices
$13,299-$15,649

Likes
Slicker styling. Lively acceleration. Nimble. Nicely equipped. Easy with fuel.

Dislikes
Rather tight rear seat. Long-throw clutch. Questionable resale value.