EDMUNDS.COM 2004 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Between its low cost, solid performance, numerous features and long warranty, the Elantra presents one of the best values on the market in the economy class.
Pros
Solidly built, powerful engine for its class, plenty of standard features, ultralow price tag, long warranty.
Cons
Poor offset crash test score, antilock brakes available only as a package option.
What''s New for 2004
The Elantra received a slight refresh for this year in the form of a new hood, deck lid, front and rear bumpers, grille, headlamps and taillights. Interior revisions include a redesigned instrument cluster, vents, center console and climate controls. The engine has been fitted with continuously variable valve timing, and it is now sold in SULEV or ULEV configurations (depending on the state in which it''s purchased) which offer horsepower ratings of 138 and 132, respectively. The base GLS model now offers remote keyless entry as standard equipment, while GT models now have a Kenwood CD/MP3 audio system as standard.
Overview
Introduction:
Already a winner in our opinion, the amazingly competent Elantra got a complete overhaul in 2001, adding interior space and exterior size, along with a full load of standard equipment, without a substantial boost in the price. The refined Elantra competes head-to-head with the best in the compact sedan class, beating everyone on price if not overall quality. For those who still have their doubts, Hyundai continues to back the Elantra with an industry-leading five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. To keep things interesting, Hyundai began selling a five-door hatchback version for the 2002 model year. Called the GT, this Elantra features four-wheel disc brakes, firmer suspension tuning (for a sportier ride), alloy wheels, leather seats, a CD player, cruise control, keyless entry and 18.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats in use. This combination of features apparently went over quite well with buyers, as Hyundai introduced a GT version of the sedan last year. For 2004, the company has made a number of updates inside and out to keep the Elantra fresh-looking in the ever competitive economy car segment. Although the Elantra is not without a few faults (ABS is buried in expensive option packages, and the car''s frontal offset crash test performance was troubling), we think you''ll find it to be quite a likeable car on an everyday basis. Cabin accommodations are simple yet comfortable, and all of the controls are easy to find and use. Further, the Elantra caters to commuters, providing a smooth ride on the highway and no-fuss handling in the parking lot. If you''re shopping for a capable, affordable economy car, a stop at a Hyundai dealership would definitely be worth the time spent.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Elantra sedan is available in GLS and GT trims; the five-door hatchback comes in GT trim only. Standard equipment on the GLS is generous by economy car standards and includes side airbags; air conditioning; power windows, mirrors and locks; remote keyless entry; a height-adjustable driver seat; a center armrest with storage; and 15-inch alloy wheels. Among the factory options are antilock brakes, cruise control, a CD player and a sunroof. Everything is sold in packages, and it''s sometimes difficult to find a car with the exact features you want. GT models add four-wheel disc brakes, sportier suspension tuning, alloy wheels, leather seats, cruise control, foglights, a Kenwood CD/MP3 audio system and a rear spoiler (different designs for the sedan and hatchback). Antilock brakes and the sunroof remain on the options list; the latter is a stand-alone option, but you have to get the sunroof if you want ABS.
Powertrains and Performance:
The Elantra is one of the more powerful economy cars on the market. For 2004, its 2.0-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine has been fitted with continuously variable valve timing; the vehicle is now available in ULEV and SULEV configurations. ULEV Elantras are rated at 138 horsepower; for SULEV versions, the rating drops slightly, to 132. Out on the road, this Hyundai has ample zip for its price tag. Drivers have their choice of either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.
Safety:
Side airbags (for front occupants) are standard on all Elantras, and antilock brakes are optional. In government crash testing, the Elantra earned four stars out of five for protection of the driver and five stars for the front passenger in the frontal impact category. In side-impact tests, the Elantra received five stars for protection of the front occupants and four stars for rear-occupant protection. In 40-mph frontal offset crash testing, it earned a "Poor" rating (the lowest possible), largely due to late front airbag deployment.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Inside, every Elantra has a simple layout -- though not exciting, the switchgear is high in quality and all of the controls are right where you expect them to be. GT models have a more upscale flavor with leather trim on the seats, steering wheel and shift knob, as well as purple nighttime illumination for the gauges. The five-door hatchback offers 28 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats in use and 37 cubes when they''re folded.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The Elantra excels at point-A-to-B driving where a comfortable ride and light, easy handling are assets. In GT form, the suspension has slightly thicker front and rear stabilizer bars and firmer shocks and springs, giving the Elantra a somewhat tauter feel on curvy roads; the trade-off is that a bit more harshness invades the cabin when the car hits a bump.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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