Used 2003 Hyundai Elantra Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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Can't beat the value!
I bought this car without a trade in and got out the door (including taxes, tags, ect...) for 13988.98. It is the 5-speed with a moonroof, and I love it. Corolla was 2k more and had less options, same with the civic. You just can't beat the value. Not to even mention the industry leading warranty.
Glad I bought it
Great car for a great price! I wanted a work/commuter car that's comfortable and gets decent gas mileage without shelling out a lot of money. Elantra GLS is all that and more. Smooth ride, nice engine and smooth shifting automatic, decent handling, spacious, average 28 to 29 mpg. Leather, sunroof, aluminum wheels, front/side air bags, heated mirrors! And the bonus is the GT hatchback stands out in the crowd. I wonder why anyone would pay $2000 - $3000 more for a corolla/civic. It's giving my 92 Protege LX a run for my best buy ever.
Not even a SAAB
I have owned a SAAB 900 five speed. I loved it. I still like them. Yet, I would call the Hyundai Elantra GT a "Korean" SAAB with one up: a ten year 100,000 mille warranty! The GT is fun to drive, the gas milage is great and I love the interior! The purple lighted instrument cluster with fiber optic indicators is really great.
Best in class
I bought the car with 56,000 miles on it. The miles are all highway miles as the guy drove it to work everyday. Bought right after he traded it in. Now it has 59,000 and I had no problems whatsoever even though it had been used heavily. I'm sure it'll last me way above 100k especially considering it's a 2003.
ELANTRA GT
BEST VEHICLE EVERY HAD HOLDS 4 LG ADULTS WITH COMFORT.GAS MILAGE OUTSTANDING 32MI ON HIGHWAY AT 80 OR BETTER.RECCOMEND RADAR DETECTOR.NEVER FEEL SPEED.HATCH BACK HOLDS MORE THEN SUV`S SON` HAS LEXUS RX 300 WE HAVE TO USE MINE WITH 3 ADUTS 2 CAR SEATS/ LUGGAGE TO GO AIRPORT.WITH SEATS FOLDED IT IS STATION WGN .ALREADY TOOK HOT WATER HEATER.A DISWASHER. REFRIGERATOR IN IT HATCH CLOSED.GREAT SUSPENSION LIKE SPORTS CAR .
Great Little Car
We were looking for a resonably priced car that we could purchase with cash and avoid having a car payment. For the money, there's not any other car even in the same league as the elantra. If you can get over the name, this is one heck of a car.
Elantra GT Wow!!!
I am amazed at this car for the money!! I got it for very close to the TMV and have not been able to find anything wrong with it yet!
Fantastic car
I've had a great time in this car so far. It handles very well in the snow and the stereo system is great! Shocks and suspension are good. The tires weren't balanced right, but that got fixed and I didn't have to pay for it, I don't know if that was the dealerships fault or Hyundai's.
Amazing
For the money this is the best car you can get. Some of the options/standard features are not even available on cars in it's class and also in more expensive classes.
$ for $, Best Buy Out There
I have been extremely pleased with the reliability and versatility of this little car. Very tall friends fit comfortably in the front or rear seats; very long packages (9 feet) can be carried with the rear seats folded down. And its reasonably fun to drive. It's no Porsche, but for $13,500 out the door, I could buy five of these for one Porsche. On top of everything else, the dealership gave me ten free oil changes.
What a Great Find!
What a Great Car! After looking at the competition, this one won Hands Down! Powerful 4cyl engine, full power accessories, Leather!! very comfortable, Great handling, quiet inside, nice sound package, and the AC doesn't have to go past the first notch (In California!). Great design. Fun to Drive. And the Price!! the competition can't touch it.
A wonderful car
It's been a wonderful car. Drives well, comfortable, good mileage, and a GREAT bargain! I'd replace it with another if the need arose.
Best Sedan For 15 Grand
It is an excellent car to drive. It has some awesome features like cd player, sunroof,and many more, I cant wait till i get it when i turn sixteen. Its one of the best sedans for under fiveteen g's.
its a winner
The engine in this car is amazing. Doesn't burn a drop of oil, even at 135,000 and the oil is still not very dirty (dark) at 5000 mile oil changes.
What A Surprise!
There's been an amazing change in Hyundai vehicles. My Loaded 5-speed Elantra GT(5000 miles so far)is a champ, with few indications of a cost about half of an Altima or Passat. Amazingly, except in pure Driving Joy (read: Fahrvegnugen)it's inexplicable that even a Jetta costs 5-8K more then an Elantra GT. The only drawbacks were the salesman (unpleasant)and the engine(slow as a horse headed for the glue factory)
Quick, fun, economical, no problem
After driving this car for a year, I have no complaints and still have some fun everyday, even if it's just pulling some G's on a freeway cloverleaf. Handling is quick and tight, very little understeer, and in good balance with the modest power. This car has good horsepower/weight ratio, so you're never left in the dust. Also, great utility- I can carry an upright bass or set of drums easily. Overall mpg over 30 mpg.
I like it !!!
Elegant, excellent, reliable...fun to drive. She has also a "look". I have noticed other drivers turning their heads..what is that? a SAAB? The car runs great and if you know how to use the shift, even with autotran, you can pass others if you need to. I like it, and my wife likes it. It's loaded with the features like leather, sunroof, cd player, etc.not to mention 4 disc breaks, heated side mirrors, rear wiper... I like it..
Great Buy
No problems whatsoever thus far (besides the recall). A great car for a great price. Reliable, fuel efficient, and stylish. Hope it has longevity too!
Nice for the $$$
Great car for the $$$ & beast basic warranty... Can't beat that.
Great Car for the Money
After testing lots of other vehicles in this class, Elantra offered more bells and whistles than any others. I use it as commuter car and get reasonable mileage, very comfortable ride. Can easily fit tall folks comfortably in front and rear seats. Has lots of storage. Nothing better on the market for the money! I am so glad I went with this one.
Great Car
THis is a wonderfully reliable car for the price. I love my Hyundai! It is a wonderful car, but the transmission can be a bit sluggish. But hey, for that price, I can totally handle that!
Beware of Hyundai
I would STRONGLY advise against purchasing a Hyundai. I purchased a new 2003 Elantra hatchback last July, and 18,000 miles later, the clutch failed. I was just informed by the dealership the clutch is NOT covered by the warranty, and I'll have to shell out $900 to get it fixed. I've been driving other various manual transmission cars for 20 years with no problems. The Hyundai is a poorly made vehicle, and the much vaunted warranty is total sham, if not fraudulent. Again, I would stay away from Hyundai!
One Of The First
I actually bought one of the first ones in Sept. of 2001, but there was no option for that year on the above form.
A Heckuva Deal
Dollar for dollar, this economy car beats all the rest. Amenities galore, the fun quotient is up there! With a shape resembling the old Saab 9-3, you will be pleased with the practicality of this car. I am totally happy with my purchase;however, a turbo would be much appreciated!
sofarsogood
Now nearing 5.5years ownership, and 75,000 miles. A/c compressor went at 73,000 I live in Florida and a/c gets used a great deal. Got rear-ended by an 18 Wheeler truck, took quite a shot and the car survived. 5,000+ in repair. Have had 3 left headlight bulbs and 1 set of fog lights go. 1 thermostat. Get 31-34 mph highway 23- 27 in town. I never use Hyundai for the 30-60,000 servicing. Had the a/c repaired locally. On 3rd set of tires.
It has sold me on Hyundai
I now have just over a year in and I still love the car. No complaints worth mentioning. I went with the Hyundai after 10 years in SAABs (you can't tell them apart when they pass you fast!) and while it is not a SAAB, it's not $30,000 either. I will certainly buy Hyundai again.
8/17/03
VERY FUN TO DRIVE. MY WIFE ALWAYS WANTS TO TAKE IT.
very satisfied
I have owned my 2001 GT since mid 2001 and have 23750 miles on it. The only trouble I have had is two light bulbs burned out, the first one was replaced incorrectly by a service writer at the dealer. I replaced the second one.[no problem since] I average 27.4 in the winter and 31+ summers. I would like a softer ride but the car handles excellent, so I guess I can't have everything!
saab twin
Is this car a Saab, yes I tell strangers. This car is fun. Plain and simple. I get looks from everyone. The 4door hatchback GT is stylish, $15k sticker for this Saab lookalike and it's loaded with leather seats. Champagne tastes on a beer budget is possible!!
like the car
I got a really good deal from the dealer. I wasn't going to buy that day, but the deal was too good. Other cars I looked at, didn't have all the features of this car for the money. This car was fully loaded and for the size, has good back seat room. The styling is nice.
awesome car for the price
I absolutely love this car. I test drove all the competition and no other maker could offer so much for the Hyundai price and I actually prefered the looks and handling of the Hyundai over the higher priced competition. The hatchback is awesome and has a ton of room when the back seats are folded down, like a mini SUV. The car is very fun to drive, all my friends are impressed. It handles as nice as the Subaru WRX but about 5K less in price. Has way more horsepower than a Honda Civic and a much better look. Hyundai has made a believer out of me and I highly recommend the hatchback.
Dependable
I've had this car 2.5 years and it has been as reliable as my Miata. Warranty work has included a new battery, driver's side visor clip, and mirror covers on visors (I live in the desert and the car sits outside in very hot weather, so the interior plastics are very challenged on this car.) Replaced original tires around 20,000 miles. Gas mileage averages 22-23, and has topped-out at 33mpg (at a constant 75- 85 mph). I am convinced this car will last forever. The build quality, fit and finish is excellent (the "trunk" area could use a bit more attention however).
Great Car
Absolute Great Buy. No Qualms.
Almost Perfect
I have mostly good things to say about this vehical Very reliable,Well equiped a bargin for the price!!
It Rocks
I compared this to the Nissan Sentra, Mazda Protoge5, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Chrysler Neon, and others. Nothing even came close in terms of value for the money. I have only had the car for a few days, but so far, I'm very pleased.
No Problems
Have had this car for over 3 years. Light usage, mostly in town, some trips. Have had no problems..nada. Guess I'll take it in at 30k for checkup. Have not replaced any lights,but will check them all out after reading other reviews. A very fun and reliable car.
cant beat it
bang for the buck! other than the fact that it could use 4o more horse power the gt is impossible to beat. (most cars costing 5 grand more could also use more power) leather,all the bells @ wistles, 4 wheel discs,5 door hatch, unbeleivable warranty. im very sattisfied
Crash Revue
Well for any of you who might wonder, this little car can take a shot. I was rear-ended by an 18 wheeler tanker.I had to stop for a #$#*&% that pulled a u-turn in front of me and I made a successful stop. Good breaking with the GT (I don't have ABS). Just as I was thinking "close call", WHAM!! I took a shot from the rear. I mean a SHOT. 6,500$ worth of damage. No damage to me. Not even any aches the next day. It hurt when it happened and I was dazed a bit. I am waiting to get it back hopefully this Friday.
Great Value
Finally a small car that is a blast to drive. This car (2003 Elantra GT 5 spd) bridges the gap between $20,000 plus smal sport car and value oriented customers. We purchased the car below Edmunds TMV price. The car is loaded. We couldn't be happier. We don't feel like we had to settle to get a car in the price range we were looking for. We feel like we got a better value than we were looking for.
Euro-hatchback
Even though down in PR we don't get some of the features(No leather seats, Michelíns, Moonroof, fog lights, cruise control) you get on the Mainland, my Elantra GT it is still a super buy, with better feature content for $1500 to $2500 less.
Hyundai? yes it is
this is a good car and hyundai become more and more great
Fun Little car
I feel for what I paid this cars a steal.Its fun to drive and useable. This car is great on gas.I have not had any problems yet and have almost 30k.
A Review
Great car for the price
great fun and economical
This little car has been a delight to drive. Love the five speend and enjoy the peppiness of it. With the manual we get 33 hwy and that is good.
Consumer's Choice
I did loads of research before buying this car as a cheap, reliable commuter. Looked at Civic, Corolla and other imports. For the money, I could buy new with a better warranty and more features with the Elantra than I could ever get with any of the others. GT 5spd hatchback with all the options. With the backseat down I can fit in a loveseat with the hatchclosed. I used this car as an installer for interior window treatments. I once got 32 boxed 2" wood blinds into the back with the hatch down. Could not believe it! I am 6'3" 255lbs and I have no problem getting in and out, or with an adult sitting behind me when I drive. The size of this car is deceptive. So far, very happy!
Couldn't be happier with my selection!
I don't think i could have selected a more suitable car. this car is fantastic. i get 2nd looks on the street and get asked, "is...is that...a HYUNDAI?!" hehehe. versatile, comfortable and mated to the 5-speed create a great combination to make this car fun to drive!
Jos's Car
I am 62 year old man and have owned 8 new cars in my lifetime. A VW, Chevy, Mercury, Toyota, Mitsubishi and this Hyundai is the best new car I ever owned. The design is smart, well done, clean and safe. It is also the best price car I ever bought and with the most conveniences included in standard price.
Okay car, but I found better
OK car overall. Nice interior - instrument panel and blue lighting were nice, but pleather was cheap. POOR GAS MILEAGE! About 18 MPG - Lower than sticker. Brake pads had to be replaced constantly. The auto trans was not that good, never had any probs with it, but it coulda shifted smoother. Engine had a rattle to it when accelerating up hills - had it checked out, but was told that the noise was normal and didn't seem to effect performance. Also when turning steering wheel, it made a scratching noise. Overall, the car had a few rattles and noises that were minor which didn't effect the performance of the car, but were annoying since they were constant.
A Bargain and Fun to Drive Too
It's been a joy to own and drive. The things you get for the price is hard to believe, even 4 years later. The hatchback styling is very Saabish and practical. The trunk is large (fits four tires perfectly) and with the seats folded, it's huge (10+ tires, full size desk, etc). The space, ride and quietness surprises everyone. Although the stock handling doesn't live up to the GT emblem, a Tiburon rear sway bar takes minutes to swap in. Reliability has been better than I expected - about one trip per year to the dealership and it's never left me stranded.
Fun unless you crash
The $ I paid, styling, and options make this a great car. Initially, my only qualm was concerning the hp. Hyundai released a report stating that they miscalculated the hp and the EGT only has 134 hp instead of 140. I bought this car because of its hp and felt cheated when I found this out and was not eligible for compensation. But, I just recently got into an accident and pretty much destroyed the front end of my car. The Integra I hit suffered negligible damage, but my bumper, grill and hood are going to have to be replaced. I was only going 30mph, too. Its a great car and I still love it, but I wish it had more hp and was built more solidly.