Test Drive: 2011 hyundai Elantra GLS

[Stew]

Well, as I mentioned in my test of the Cruze and Civic, the Elantra was on my "to-drive" list. I finally got a chance to take one out yesterday.

Model: GLS, automatic transmission. $18600

I have to say i was really impressed with this car.

Exterior: The look they have given the Elantra is certainly a love it or hate it affair. It is basically a baby Sonata. While I have not been a fan of the new Sonata, the look seems to work far better on the Elantra in my opinion.

The interior: All I can say is WOW! It is simply beautiful. Materials are first rate, all gauges and displays are easy to see and read, it had tons of room and easily matched the Civic on knee room. All of the important controls fell easily into hand, and it had radio, cruise, and bluetooth controls on the steering wheel. It also had tilt and telescoping to match the other players, though it seemed to have a bit more range for the adjustments than the Cruze and Civic. Speaking of the steering wheel, one of the best feeling wheels out there. The only real con is the the back of the seat seemed a little hard.

Features: It easily tied the features in the Cruze and Civic. It had all the power stuff, cruise, CD/MP3, Satellite radio, bluetooth, keyless entry, AC, ABS, Stability control, traction control, a slew of airbags, height adjustable driver's seat, etc, etc. Was only missing the sunroof from the Civic, but there is a 3k difference in price.

Drive train: While the engine didn't feel as high rev happy as the Civic or down low torquey as the Cruze it had plenty of pep. The transmission was a gem and made the most of the power it had. Part throttle up shifts were buttery smooth, while full throttle downshifts were lightning quick with no hesitation. It had no issue dropping 1, 2, or even 4 gears at a time when needed. Probably one of the best tuned autos in the class. Even the manual shifting was quick and immediate. In Motor trends latest test they said the engine was noisy, but after taking it on an extended drive, it is not noisier in this regard than any of the other 4 cylinders.

Handling & Ride: Like the rest of the small car group the Elantra is not your old rickety car that has no pretensions of ride or handling in it's bones. The ride is very good and the car is very solid. Steering was well weighted and had no issues with inputs. It did get a little shimmy through the platform on some rougher bumps, but generally it was solid. One area were I noticed it is kind of lacking is in road noise. It was more tire noise than anything, but it was pretty pronounced. Overall quietness is still good, but not quite as good as the Cruze.

Pricing: The amount of features you get and the high quality interior for 2-3k less than the competition, it is one hell of a deal! You can even get a leather lined Limited with sunroof, heated front AND rear seats, sunroof fog lamps and a nice set of 17 inch rims for around 20,600 sticker.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Exterior styling, high quality interior that could serve duty in a car costing twice as much, easy to see and read gauges, solid driving feel, roomy interior, smooth and eager drivetrain, excellent transmission, pricing, 40 MPG hwy, excellent warranty, and Hyundai Assurance, which, starting in May, even adds resale assurance

Cons A bit of tire noise, front seatback slightly hard, could use a few more ponies.

Overall: To sum it a very nice, high quality machine with very few drawbacks, exceptional fuel mileage and a bargain price. Defiantly worth a look for anyone in the market and now at the top of my list.

As an observation: It seems that all the manufacturers have stepped it up! These are not the penalty boxes of old, but rather high quality driving machines that are no pain to drive everyday.

[JETG]

It is a "hyundai" nuff said for me. I would never buy a Hyundai or a Kia.

[jcamaro]

Originally Posted by JETG

It is a "hyundai" nuff said for me. I would never buy a Hyundai or a Kia.

You don't like reliability, afford ability, long warranty, or excellent gas mileage? Hyundai has really come a long way. The only downside to a Hyundai is resale value. And that's only because of ignorance like this.

On to the review, I agree with the styling of all the new Hyundais. It's either you love it or you hate it. I like the new look of the Sonatas except for the front grill. Something about it disturbs me. The new Elantra definitely has a unique look to it. The interiors are where they shine. My 2009 Sonata has a nice array of features and I got the base model. Bluetooth, MP3 CD, satellite radio, iPod usb, etc. I really like Hyundais for their family friendly features and space. Our back seat has room for 2 full size car seats and room enough in the middle to store stuff or seat a skinny person... But I don't plan on buying another one for a while because next I want a Camaro!

[FenwickHockey65]

The Elantra's styling makes me physically ill.

Hyundai needs to take a page from Buick...there's two reasons the sweepspears and swoopy styling of the LaCrosse and Enclave aren't on the Regal and Verano. 1) Regal/Verano started as Opels and 2) Swoopy, flowing styling doesn't translate well to smaller cars.

[JETG]

hmm does this not count for something "The only downside to a Hyundai is resale value".. compaired to the other cars he is looking at, it is a major consideration for a daily driver.

[Stew]

Actually Hyundais resale value is climbing at a huge rate. If I was just going for resale Value I would get a Civic or Corolla and be done with it. In this case, I have decided to keep my mind open, drive the cars, and choose the one that best fits me and seems like it will give me the greatest enjoyment, piece of mind, excellent MPG, and most importantly that I will want to keep.

[JETG]

Originally Posted by Stew

Actually Hyundais resale value is climbing at a huge rate. If I was just going for resale Value I would get a Civic or Corolla and be done with it.

I hear ya, as I said in the other thread, I bought a used Honda civic for a DD. I did it for resale, reliability ect. I just dont really care to much for Hyundais or Kias, I have heard more bad things than good for the. Kind of remind me of dodge back in the day, wasnt worth much when you drove it off the lot. Now they are better than they where. I use to own a Chrysler 300C SRT-8, while it was a good car to me, I was worried about it turning bad so I unloaded the car and resale was about what I bought it for.

J

Ps good luck on your decision, if it was me and I wanted no hassles I would buy the Honda hands down

[Scrappy Doo]

Another nice review stew.

I think you just need to pick a car and buy one buddy. LOL

[Stew]

Originally Posted by Scrappy Doo

Another nice review stew.

I think you just need to pick a car and buy one buddy. LOL

Thanks, and yeah I know LOL. I used to be very compulsive when buying cars and have decided to take my time looking this time. The problem is that none of the cars are sticking out as bad cars and none seem to pull signifigantly away from the others either. I still want to drive a Focus before I make my final decision, if the local dealer ever gets any in lol. It is probably going to come down to the best deal. Getting that is where the fun starts lol.

[Scrappy Doo]

Originally Posted by Stew

Thanks, and yeah I know LOL. I used to be very compulsive when buying cars and have decided to take my time looking this time. The problem is that none of the cars are sticking out as bad cars and none seem to pull signifigantly away from the others either. I still want to drive a Focus before I make my final decision, if the local dealer ever gets any in lol. It is probably going to come down to the best deal. Getting that is where the fun starts lol.

My local dealer got an order out 2012 focus in already. It's definitely leaps and bounds ahead of the 2010 model. He said that it would at least 6 weeks before they got another, unless he could work some magic on a dealer trade.


I'm searching for a low mile z06 right now. but i may wait for the zl1.

[Stew]

Originally Posted by Scrappy Doo

My local dealer got an order out 2012 focus in already. It's definitely leaps and bounds ahead of the 2010 model. He said that it would at least 6 weeks before they got another, unless he could work some magic on a dealer trade.


I'm searching for a low mile z06 right now. but i may wait for the zl1.

Yeah, the local dealer here is always pretty slow about getting new product. I don't think you could go wrong with either car. I'll admit I am somewhat smitten with the ZL1 and can't wait to see what they come up with to battle the Bos 302. i will have me a nice pony one of these days, what and when? No idea yet, right now I have to have fuel mileage and all weather capability, besides living in coal country what can happen to a nice car just driving down the road should be a crime haha. WOuld love to have the pony as a fair weather toy.

[ffrcobra_65]

Originally Posted by JETG

It is a "hyundai" nuff said for me. I would never buy a Hyundai or a Kia.

welcome to 2011!

[JETG]

Originally Posted by ffrcobra_65

welcome to 2011!

Hey just my opinion, doesnt mean they cant be good cars. But I wouldnt buy one, doesnt mean they dont make a great car for people that want that kind of car. I just wouldnt spend my money on one, hence why my camaro is my toy car and my DD is a honda civic.

J

[Mr. Wyndham]

Cruze or bust....