2002 Hyundai Elantra Review
2002 Hyundai Elantra Review





+43
Used Elantra for sale
Get More For Your Trade-In
2002 Hyundai Elantra appraisal values can range from $466 - $1,589.
Find out what your car is really worth in minutes.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Solidly built, powerful engine for its class, plenty of standard features, ultra-low price tag.
Cons
- Funky front styling details.
What’s new
Hyundai's Elantra sedan was redesigned last year, but the big news for 2002 is the release of the GT version, an all-new five-door hatchback that boasts such upscale standard equipment as a leather-trimmed interior, European suspension tuning, four-wheel disc brakes, 15-inch wheels, foglamps and a CD player. In September 2002, Hyundai announced that it had misstated the horsepower ratings for all of the models in its lineup -- the Elantra is now rated at 135 hp, rather than 140. To compensate, the company is offering owners (of 2000 models and newer) three options: 10 years of roadside assistance, 6-year/72,000-mile basic warranty coverage or 12-year/120,000-mile powertrain coverage.
Edmunds says
An undeniable bargain at first glance. If the Elantra turns out to be as reliable as Hyundai's warranty suggests, we see no reason to buy the Japanese competition.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.85 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$192/mo
Elantra GLS
vs
$201/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Already a winner in our opinion, the amazingly competent Elantra got a complete overhaul last year, adding interior space and exterior size, along with a full load of standard equipment, without a substantial boost in the price. Stickering for less than $13,000 and sold in a single trim level with a handful of options, the refined Elantra competes head-to-head with the best in the compact sedan class, beating everyone on price if not overall quality.
Elantra's 135-horsepower 2.0-liter DOHC engine provides decent acceleration. A four-speed automatic transmission is optional and features fuzzy-logic software to optimize shifting and hold a gear on hills, but we'd go with the less expensive manual transmission to extract maximum acceleration and value.
A four-wheel independent suspension, multi-link with an antiroll bar at the rear, makes for smooth, stable handling, while the speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering system communicates improved road feel to the driver. Four-wheel disc ABS is optional, as is traction control.
Inside the Elantra, consumers will find a roomy cabin with supportive, comfortable seats front and rear. Extensive use of sound-deadening materials helps quiet this formerly buzzy compact car. Equipment levels are impressive, with power windows, locks and mirrors; side airbags; air conditioning; a cassette player; and 15-inch wheels standard. Options, aside from the ABS and traction control previously mentioned, are limited to a power moonroof, CD player, cruise control and a smattering of port- and dealer-installed goodies.
Hyundai introduced the Elantra GT as a mid-year addition. Configured as a five-door hatchback, the GT is designed to appeal to those who might have purchased the discontinued station wagon model, as well as buyers who desire the utility of a hatchback configuration. The GT gets rear disc brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, alloy wheels and a host of other standard items such as leather seating, a CD player and fog lamps.
Elantra also comes with an outstanding warranty. Called the Hyundai Advantage, this buyer-assurance program is a great incentive to buy a Hyundai over one of the many other compact choices on the market. Consumers receive an awesome 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. If the car is sold within those first 10 years, the new owner will still be entitled to the balance of a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Also part of the program is 5-year/100,000-mile corrosion coverage and a limited bumper-to-bumper warranty for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Additionally, the program offers free 24-hour roadside assistance for 5 years, which includes towing and lockout service.
Attractive, well-equipped and backed up by one of the most extensive warranties in America, Hyundai has a winner in the upgraded and redesigned Elantra. Though it likely won't match the refinement or attention to detail found in segment leaders like the Honda Civic and Ford Focus, the savings to be found up front will certainly sway buyers for whom every penny spent up front counts.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Hyundai Elantra.
5 star(74%)
4 star(19%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(2%)
302 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Best Car I've owned
inlinewhine,12/30/2011
GT 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Bought this car Feburary 2003 with 7k miles on for $11,300 and still own it into 2012 and don't plan on selling it. It has 106k miles on it now and the only problems i've had with the car were the e-brake cable boot came off when driving in snowy conditions and the cable froze. Warenty covered it. My blower motor quit working on low speed which was also replaced under warrenty. My map … sensor failed at 98k miles and the vehicle died. it started up 20 minutes later and was able to make it to a repair shop.
I am hard on vehicles and I will admit I bought this vheichle for the warrenty. I drive it hard everyday and it keeps on running smooth averageing 33 mpg.
5 out of 5 stars
an absolute beast
jameyjame,04/04/2016
GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
what can i say?, this car has been stupid reliable. 14 years old and i have literally put less than $2000 into the car. snow? rain? beast mode.
3.63 out of 5 stars
Good if there's no rust
pmak1,01/31/2015
GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Had this car only a short time due to an unfortunate accident but put 15000km in that short time and the car was very reliable only problems were the the radio/cd player died and the rust ate through the left lower control arm. So if your looking at getting one just look for rust around the suspension.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Takes my beatings, and keeps on ticking!
washadair,01/25/2014
GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Bought new, and never babied! It gets neglected and abused! So the fact that it's still going strong, with nearly 230,000 miles on it, and hasn't needed any major repairs, is AMAZING! Oil changes done when I get around to it, often after 10-15k miles. Never brought it in for scheduled maintenance, but did get a complete Tune-Up once or twice. Original clutch lasted for over 200k miles! … The radiator and thermostat were replaced the year prior. A few things have worn out, or about to: Driver's door won't lock (bad relay switch) making key fobs useless; the motor for the driver's power window is slowly dying; can't change time on clock; high-beams turn on randomly when using the turn signal.
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Side Impact TestPoor
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestPoor
People who viewed this also viewed
3.96875 average Rating out of 64 reviews. |
Starting at $22,550 |
See Inventory |
4.681818 average Rating out of 22 reviews. |
Starting at $19,090 |
See Inventory |
5 average Rating out of 13 reviews. |
Starting at $24,150 |
See Inventory |
More about the 2002 Hyundai Elantra
Used 2002 Hyundai Elantra Overview
The Used 2002 Hyundai Elantra is offered in the following submodels: Elantra Hatchback, Elantra Sedan. Available styles include GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A), GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M), GT 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A), and GT 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M). Pre-owned Hyundai Elantra models are available with a 2.0 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 135 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2002 Hyundai Elantra comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual. The Used 2002 Hyundai Elantra comes with a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. basic warranty, a 5 yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 10 yr./ 100000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What's a good price on a Used 2002 Hyundai Elantra?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2002 Hyundai Elantras are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2002 Hyundai Elantra for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2002 Hyundai Elantra.
Can't find a used 2002 Hyundai Elantras you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Hyundai Elantra for sale.
Find a used Hyundai for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Hyundai Elantra for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Hyundai for sale.
Should I lease or buy a 2002 Hyundai Elantra?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Hyundai lease specials
Check out Hyundai Elantra lease specials
Consider these recommendations
Related Used 2002 Hyundai Elantra info
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Dodge Viper
- Used FIAT 500e 2015
- Used Chevrolet Sonic 2017
- Used Pontiac G5 2000
- Used Hyundai Elantra GT 2015 For Sale
- Used BMW X5 M 2016
- Used Mitsubishi Eclipse 1997
- Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class 1994
- Used Toyota Camry Hybrid 2011
- Used Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 2018
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2022 3500
- 2021 Toyota Venza
- 2021 Toyota 4Runner
- 2023 Toyota 4Runner News
- 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata
- Lexus LS 500 2021
- 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT
- 2021 4 Series
- 2023 Audi A6 News
- 2023 Audi e-tron GT News
Other models to consider
- 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
- 2021 Venue
- 2021 Hyundai Sonata
- 2021 Hyundai Accent
- 2021 NEXO
- 2021 Elantra
- 2022 Sonata
- 2021 Hyundai Veloster
- 2021 Veloster
- 2022 Hyundai Venue
Research similar vehicles
- 2022 MINI Hardtop 4 Door
- 2023 MINI Clubman
- 2021 Audi S5
- 2021 Toyota Prius Prime
- 2021 Audi A5
- MINI Hardtop 2 Door 2022
- Volkswagen Arteon 2021
- Audi RS 5 2021
- Chevrolet Bolt EV 2023
- 2023 MINI Hardtop 2 Door
Recommended
- Used Chevrolet Avalanche Cedar Falls Ia
- Hyundai Palisade 2023 Features Specs
- Dodge Challenger 2015 Review
- Used Lamborghini Gallardo Baton Rouge La
- Audi RS 4 2008 Pictures
Other models
- New Audi RS-5 for Sale in Oneonta, NY
- New BMW X3-M for Sale in Duluth, GA
- New Toyota Camry-Hybrid for Sale in Los Banos, CA
- Used BMW X2 in Pleasanton, CA
- Used Ford Maverick in Tacoma, WA
- Used Lexus CT-200H in Matteson, IL
- New Volkswagen Tiguan for Sale in Mason, OH
- New Subaru Crosstrek for Sale in Manhattan Beach, CA
- New Mercedes-Benz Amg-Gt for Sale in Lynnwood, WA
- New Acura TLX for Sale in Blue Island, IL
- New Kia Soul for Sale in Newark, DE
- New Chevrolet Suburban for Sale in Beckley, WV
- New Honda Accord for Sale in Scottsbluff, NE
- New Mazda Mx-5-Miata-Rf for Sale in Thomasville, GA
- New Lexus RX-350 for Sale in Commerce City, CO
- New Acura TLX for Sale in Palmetto, FL
- New GMC Canyon for Sale in Vincennes, IN
- New Honda Passport for Sale in Ardmore, OK
- New Chevrolet Tahoe for Sale in Beaufort, SC
- New BMW M8 for Sale in Takoma Park, MD
- New Dodge Charger for Sale in Spring Valley, NY
- New Porsche 911 for Sale in New Britain, CT
- New Audi RS-5 for Sale in Sierra Vista, AZ
- New Toyota Rav4-Prime for Sale in Morrisville, NC
- New Land-Rover Range-Rover-Velar for Sale in Simi Valley, CA
- New Mercedes-Benz Glc-Class-Coupe for Sale in Cedar Hill, TX
- Used Cadillac CT4 in Roswell, GA
- New Audi A6-Allroad for Sale in Mount Pleasant, TX
- New GMC Sierra-1500 for Sale in Mission, TX
- New Lexus LX-600 for Sale in Bedford, TX