1997 Hyundai Elantra Consumer Reviews

Good for a while...

Written by: Abner11 on 04/07/2005

Vehicle

1997 Hyundai Elantra 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

Bought the car used in January 2003 with 36,750 for mileage. Had no problems at all for the first year - plus, and I drive A LOT. In August 2004 I had to replace the pulse generator and oil temperature sensor because the check engine light was coming on and the car was racing a little bit off the line. Cost about $400 at the dealership. Then came Christmas 2004 and all hell broke loose. Brought it to the dealer because A) the engine started racing again and B) the exhaust was awfully throaty. Dealership told me I needed a new transmission, a new front pipe and a new manifold because the existing exhaust pieces were rusted. Also, oil pan rusted through and let go, and head gasket blew.

Favorite Features

Comfortable, decent mileage, roomy enough for my needs, and I'm 6'2".

Suggested Improvements

The exhaust pieces and oil pan are very, very flimsy and will rust out in no time, resulting in costly repairs.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Good Car

Written by: Ech on 07/22/2004

Vehicle

1997 Hyundai Elantra 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

I had VERY VERY FEW problems with this car. It still runs well. It is a steal for the price.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Very Happy

Written by: MHnwd on 04/14/2004

Vehicle

1997 Hyundai Elantra 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

I purchased the SE model new in May of 97, and have been very happy with the overall performance. It's great on gas and very dependable. I have 85,000 miles and it still runs great. It has a strong little 4 cyl and the 5 spd makes it fun to drive. No major problems, only routine maint. It has exceeded my expectations and I have got my money out it!

Favorite Features

Body Style

Suggested Improvements

Windows fog up easy in the winter

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No Complaints Here

Written by: T-S on 02/19/2004

Vehicle

1997 Hyundai Elantra 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

Bought this car brand new in December of 1997. Car has run well and has 133,000 miles and still runs fine. The drivers side door handle broke at about 90K, and the windows fog very easily. The inserts for closing the door on both rear doors pop out often. Mechanically it has held up very well. Change the oil every 3,000 and other maintainance as needed. Overall I am very pleased.

Favorite Features

5 speed manual transmission & peppy little 4 cyl engine.

Suggested Improvements

Better interior quality.

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Happy

Written by: TMiller on 12/13/2003

Vehicle

1997 Hyundai Elantra 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

I bought the car new. I had a problem with the overflow leaking. I think that it was the dealers b.s. though. Their has always been a problem when I fill the gas tank; it puts out a strong gas odor. I have brought it in and of course they don't know what it is. I have had 4/5 new gas caps. I too have a problem with the door handle. The car has been from NY to FL a dozen times and to GA a few too. I have another car now; (due to a growing family, it doesn't hold more than 2 car seats) but the elantra still bails me out in any snow storm. Or any other time I need it and is now driven on a more part time basis by my other half.

Favorite Features

A great car in it's class. It is great in the snow. It got hit in the front corner by a suv and did more damage to the suv. No injury to me.

Suggested Improvements

The cup holder is in a bad place. The door handle needs better construction.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Great Little Car!

Written by: ckn on 11/03/2003

Vehicle

1997 Hyundai Elantra 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

This is my 1st car right after college. I have driven the hell out of it (93,400 mi). I have lots of money to buy a new car but don't because this baby has never given me any real problems. Past problems have been a cracked gasket, broken door hinge, and the CD player laser sometimes messed up. Just now I broke my inside door handle and a fuse keeps blowing so I can't shift out of park (but you can override that). All these things are minor. I replace brakes every 40k mi. Gas mileage is between 25-29 mpg. Yearly maintenance/repair costs (for everything) are approx $500. Can't go wrong there! I saved lots of money w/ this car!

Favorite Features

Comfortable car, stereo speakers, REALLY peppy engine for a 4 cyl.

Suggested Improvements

Better quality interior parts.

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Excellent Car

Written by: cdbluejr on 10/08/2003

Vehicle

1997 Hyundai Elantra 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

This car is the best car I have ever had (I have had a few). Lasted 6 years without any major repairs. Needs engine work now (93,100). Heater quit working last year (summer, 2002).

Favorite Features

Rides great.

Suggested Improvements

Go back to this design. Don't like the newer models. This design had better crash ratings.

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Piece of Junk

Written by: dksm on 08/13/2003

Vehicle

1997 Hyundai Elantra 4 Dr GLS Sedan

Review

I bought this car back in Apr of 02 and it seemed like a good deal for the price. Everything worked great at first but then I started having some problems. First I had to replace the water pump in Jun-02, then a few months later I had to replace the radiator because the original one leaked in about 4 different places. For about the next 7 months I had no problems so I was thinking that everything would be ok, but then in Apr-03 one of the radiator fans went out. About 3 months later the AC stopped working because of a leak in one of the hoses. The AC worked for about month and now it has stopped working again. There is leak somewhere else in the AC system.

Favorite Features

None

Suggested Improvements

They should build these cars more reliable. I would never buy another Hyundai and would advise anyone out there not to buy one.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Elantra

Written by: ceceipe on 05/27/2003

Vehicle

1997 Hyundai Elantra 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

Clutch had to be replaced after 60000 miles. Speedometer broke after 60000 miles. Seats are not comfortable. Fuel Economy is ok.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Cheap to Buy, Expensive to Fix

Written by: autumn on 03/18/2003

Vehicle

1997 Hyundai Elantra 4 Dr GLS Wagon

Review

Car is comfortable and responsive, rides well, and looks good, but when it got to 70K it seemed to start falling apart piece by piece. Trans was replaced at 8,000 miles, then rebuilt at 83K. New battery: 68K. Starter replaced at 70K. Door handle replaced at 75K. Put on new tires after old ones wore out after 30,000 miles, new ignition cylinder at 85K. Speedometer cable and assembly now need replacing, too. Also, the trim surrounding the rear window is starting to fall off. I have been very diligent about maintaining this car as required, yet it still seems to need excessive repairs. I should have bought the manual trans version.

Favorite Features

Attractive looking, small size, power windows and locks, comfortable on long trips. It has a good stereo system, too. It is very roomy inside; can carry one bike inside, two on roof and 4 on a back rack. Will carry 5 passengers comfortably.

Suggested Improvements

Better transmission, trim and door handles which fit better and don't fall off. Higher quality components.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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