2004 Hyundai Elantra Review and Specs

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.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

A big time lemon!!!

Written by: John N on 10/12/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	5	Fun-to-Drive:	4	Build Quality:	1
Comfort:	5	Interior Design:	5	Reliability:	1
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	5

Vehicle

2004 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

Review

This car gave me problems practically from the get go. The air conditioner went out literally 8 times in the 5 years I owned it!!! The first 6 were covered under warranty, but after the warranty expired, the dealership refused to stand by their work and fix it for free. Also, both cv joints went, and the cooler system needed major repairs. All of this before 80,000 miles, and I was meticulous with the maintenance. I never missed anything. I will never buy a Hyundai again.

Favorite Features

The warranty, because with Hyundai, you'll need it quite often.

Suggested Improvements

Make a more quality vehicle. There was simply no excuse for this car having all of the problems it did.

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Great Little Car for Everybody

Written by: nr1989 on 09/05/2009


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	9

2004 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Bought this car a few months ago from a lady who rarely drove it, only 9,000 miles in 5 years. Bought the car for my Grandmother, she likes the compact size because it is easier for her to drive and park. Have taken the car on small tips and 2000 mile trips, it is comfortable and will drive all day without a problem. Car has a lot of power, even my 20 something friends who have driven have commented on how quick it is. I never thought I would buy a foreign car, but this little Hyundai is great for everyone.

Power from a 4 Cylinder, Classy upholstery, smooth and quiet engine.

Separate seek/tune knobs, alloy wheels

Some Problems but overall a decent car

Written by: Former Truck Guy on 08/28/2009


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	7
Comfort:	7	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	5
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	6

2004 Hyundai Elantra GT 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

I bought this vehicle used in August of 08 to replace a wrecked vehicle. It is fun to drive. I average 28 miles to the gallon. I have replace two headlights and have had numerous break problems with both the rear brakes and the E brake. Hyundai has not been kind about repairs.

Power moon roof and manual transmission

Brakes and headlights. This could be just maintenance issues.......time will tell.

good little car

Written by: robert on 08/17/2009


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	9

I have had my car for 4 years and put 150000 miles on it I am on my 4th set of tires found out not all tires work on this car have had a brake caliper stick right front that wore that pad out quick it was fixed under warranty just drove to Indiana from texas and back 2000 round trip and on a couple tanks of gas got 41 miles per gallon I have enjoyed this car and would buy another for the price been very dependable never left me stranded on the road like some other cars have

driving -handling lots of fun sound system dependable

not good in snow i agree with another review almost dangerous price for repair parts outrageous rotors and calipers might as well own lexus

Simply a Great Buy

Written by: Careful Buyer on 06/26/2009


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	7	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	9

2004 Hyundai Elantra GT 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

I researched plenty b4 buying my Elantra because I wanted a problem-free car (a real challenge when buying used). The '04 Elantra is highly rated by many car reviewers. Having owned mine for 6 months and driven 12,000 miles, I want to share how wonderful owning this car has been. I bought this car with 52K mi on it. It is a loaded 5-spd GT Hatch. I like the styling inside and out. I have not had a single mechanical problem. I have had to replace one headlight bulb and it was easy. If the biggest complaint about a car is changing headlight bulbs, common sense told me it is a smart car to buy. And the gas mileage? 35 MPG combined; that's 450 mi b4 the fuel light comes on! Worth every $ I paid.

Styling; the hatch especially does not feel like an "econo-box". Cup holders! MP3 playable CD player! Trip computer! Fun gear shifting! Leather seats. Versatility of a hatch configuration. Dependable. AWESOME GAS MILEAGE even with 4 adults, luggage AND the AC blowing.

Seats could offer more back support. Lots of road noise above 70 MPH.

2004 Hyundai Elantra Consumer Ratings & Reviews