Used 2004 Hyundai Elantra Sedan Consumer Reviews
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easily a 300k+ car
I'm a mechanic, and i have had this car since 180k. the engine is solid, no internal leaks except the valve cover gasket. The transmission with proper or improper maintenance, can last about 250k with little to no problems. the engine has original head gasket, intake gasket, and exhaust gaskets. the only common problem that I've seen is that the rear engine mount has a tendency to tear, causing shuddering during acceleration. the electronics are solid, no computer failures and I have not needed to replace the starter or have any problems starting. the aptitude needed to operate things inside the car is very simple. it has comfortable air conditioning that can last a long time with proper maintenance. I have gone on long road trips in this car and you could be able to stay in the drivers seat for a little bit over an hour and a half. the interior has no tears, stains, or sun damage, a simple vacuum can be able to make the car look like brand new. the steering wheel has a tendency to fall apart at about 150k, but it still works! also, the visibility is great! I have minimal blind spots, and great visibility. The acceleration is pretty decent too. I can be able to get to 60 mph in under 10 seconds with excellent control. I have had it up to 110 and it is pretty stable at high speeds. This car is the best car that I've ever owned for it's low pricing, and I will be buying this car again once my current elantra runs into the ground. Update: now at 286k and still going strong! Update of an update: the car has kicked the bucket at 302k miles. Head gasket and piston rings were failing, and blue smoke was being emitted from the backside of the car. All in all, that car was one of the longest lasting cars that I’ve ever bought.
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Hyundai Elantra
I was in an accident with my 2004 Hyundai Elantra and although it was totaled, there is nothing bad I can say about this car. The other guy ran a red light and I t-boned him at 60 mph. The airbag deployed and my seat belt did not break. This accident was three days ago and I'm just sore. No broken bones. I was at the emergency room for about 30 minutes and was told I was fine and could leave. My Hyundai Elantra saved my life and that is why I'm taking the time to write this review. I highly recommend this vehicle for its comfort, safety, size, and pretty much everything else about it.
Such a good car
I bought this car new back in college. 8 years and 100k miles later I'm finally about to give it up for something larger. The biggest repair I've ever had to do on this car is replace the battery. Other than that, every day this car has started right up and performed great. It's been all over the country and even got me through the mountains without a problem. I couldn't ask for better gas mileage out of a car with such good acceleration. I did install an aftermarket stereo a few years ago to support my Ipod but the factory stereo was fine besides that. It's going to be hard to say goodbye!
My wonderful car
I bought this in 2004 and it is the best car I ever had. I still have this car low maintenance no problems and passing it down to my daughter. I'm sad because it's 2016 and I can't find another that suites me. Best car and I even have the 2003 Santa Fe. I will keep these best ever made.
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I was pleasantly shocked
This is my first car and I love it. It handles very well, the best out of all the ones I test drove. It has 102k miles on it, so I replaced the timing belt and some other items, but other then that it runs amazing. Has never left me stranded. The acceleration is very good, for the size of the motor. Also this car goes amazing in snow. When we had our blizzard where we got 6 in. I was going around 4wd drive trucks that were stuck in the snow. Overall it is a great little.
The best car I have ever owned, and a good friend.
I just turned over 302,000 miles on my good friend. It has never let me down or left me stranded in 12 yrs of service (2 miles on odometer when purchased). Starts every time, runs almost like brand new, fast and reliable (5 speed manual). Yeah I take care of it (oil change every 4000 miles "No matter what"). Everything else has been routine maintenance brakes, rotors, tune up (once a year) it costs less than $20 for spark plugs (get NGK's G-power) an air filter and a PCV valve. I replace the spark plug wires every other year at a cost of about $45. Follow the manual (especially on the timing belt) this is an interrupt engine and you will kill it (dead) if that belt breaks. The book says 60,000 I do mine at 75,000 (but I drive about 27,000 a year). The front struts are original (this has been a problem issue with others), I replaced the back shocks at about 190,000 but I do haul stuff sometimes (lots of room to haul stuff for a car). The front bearings have been replaced and one of the backs. Anyway I have spent less money repairing this car (total) then you would spend in a weekend at mardi gras in New Orleans. Great gas mileage 34 mpg average, I got 46 MPG on a stint through New Mexico when the car was a child with only 58,000 miles on it (say 40+ a lot back then). Now that it is broken in I get 33 in the summer and 28 in the winter. Still does not use hardly any oil (less then a 1/2 quart between changes 4000 miles). It did use some at one point, before I changed the valve cover gasket (230,000 miles). I have been through one clutch at 165,000 and it will probably need another one at 330,000 (oh well $380) (Don't take it to a dealer they will charge you $1000, that's because it is so rare they do this kind of repair). This car is an amazing piece of machinery (get the stick, if you can find one). 0 to 60 in 7.8 sec (6500 rpm of course). Quarter mile in 15.7 at 93 mph (not bad for 138 hp). Top speed 127 mph (it gets there reeeal slow after about 114) never been able to get passed 127 (ahh well). This car is great and will probably rust out before the engine goes (I am thinking 500,000 Plus). If they made it as an all wheel drive it could be the best automobile ever produced (but then it would have some kind of issue with the all wheel drive system that killed it at 140,000 miles). I mean it is not a Subaru or an Audi.
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130,000K miles, and it's perfect!
This car was bought for my eldest brother when he started college. He got this car in '11 with 101K miles on it. Since then, another 30ishK miles have come and gone, and it's as fresh as ever. It does show it's age (fuel tank has hairline fracture in it, has needed a lot of engine parts replaced recently) but for a car driven like this one, it's not bad at all! The manual gets better MPG's than our 40K mile '06 auto elantra, and it looks just as good! Just one problem with this car, and that's the trunk. It's large, but not as larger as the hatch's. Overall, a great 1'st car (especially for $4995!) Only problem right now is a missing trim piece that fell off due to bad glue!
2004 Hyundai Elantra redcrimson
Has been a great reliable car!!! Would most def buy another Paid $5000 with 50,000 miles and now it's has over 100,000 miles and still a great car!!!!
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2004 Hyundai Elantra
I purchased my elantra 5 years ago second hand with almost 40k on the clock. In the time that i have been driving this vehicle it has performed very well. Trips to Queensland and other parts of N.S.W. and on quite a few occations towed a trailer or a caravan with this car with no faults at all but only recently replaced the starter moter. had all the servicing done accoding to the log book and had the timming belt relaced . and now in may of 2011 i have only done 125,000. ks I did have a bit of trouble with the remote to unlock and lock the car as the warrenty was comming to the end and was charged for the recharge of another remote . but inall it has been my best car yet .
The Elantra is the Best!
The Elantra outperfroms all cars in it's class except one, The Toyota Corolla. The Elantra does not outperform the Corolla but ties it! The Elantra has a higher top speed then all cars in it's class! Since I;ve been driving my car, it gives me a reason to drive. The interior is welcoming and secured. The exterior has a sexy European look. Since Oct. 2000 I have never had any problems with my 2001 Hyundai Elantra. Not only do you get more than just an ordinary car, but you also get an unordinary warranty! 10years/100,000 miles on the engine!! Now, that's tight! Pick the Elantra, it is guaranteed to be the best choice in the class!
best car I ever had
Brought July 2004 have how done 240,000 km always been reliable and very cheep to run just changed normal thing tires,brakes,radiator and clutch. I would buy another Elantra when I can afford it.
Love this car
I have an Elantra GT. It is very dependable. Looks cute. Average maintenance. Replacing the radiator was the only major repair since I bought it in 2012. The clear coat is now breaking up.
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Farewell, old friend
Someone once told me machines don't have a soul. I disagree. My Hyundai took me to work and happy places, safely and always got me home. We logged 131K miles together, and it just got to the point where it got tired. Life had been perfect except for a battery at 100K. Now, at 131K, We needed new struts,shocks, breaks, timing belt, water pump, CV joints, tires and headlight glass. With all that mileage, how much longer could we go on before something big broke? I took the repair money and bought it's cute cousin, the SOUL. I know the Kia and Hyundai family are as one, so I am looking forward to more far off trips to enjoy. Thank you, Blue Hyundai, for taking me to and from safely.
Great except for gas economy for size
I bought it new and now have 162 K on it. Nothing's been required beyond standard maintenance. I have never had any problems with it and it is fun and comfortable to drive (and I am 6'10"). I have owned a 1972 Fiat 124 sedan (auto), 1982 Toyota Tercel (stick), 2001 Honda Accord (auto), 1974 VW Rabbit (stick), diesel 1980 VW Dasher (stick), and a 4-cyl. 1989 Dodge Spirit (stick!). I would rank this Elantra up with any of them ... except for gas economy. The fuel economy is disappointing, but to fair, it does get what the sticker said it would (around 30 hwy). That was like worst of its class that year. (The 2011 Elantra is best! Oh well.) I love my Elantra.
A big time lemon!!!
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.
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auto has had many repairs (under warranty), but still have had to go into the dealer to have the reapirs done and it take the servic department several hours at a time. I would never recommend this car to anyone. Save yourself the trouble.
Not all it's cracked up to be.
I bought the Hyundai Elantra after what i thought was sufficient research. The dealer and Hyundai billed it as comparable in quality to Toyota & Honda. That is a joke. I had rust on the rear vent windows and other places pretty quick. I take pretty good care of my cars too. I don't spoil them but I don't neglect routine maintenance and cleaning. I've had no end of issues with the headlights burning out. I've had to replace them both 4 times now (8 new headlights) and you can't do it yourself unless you've already got the tools. It's a pain.
Love This Car
I bought my 04 Hyundai "used" as a lease vehicle previously. This is the most reliable car I have ever owned. I like all of the standard features that on other models would cost extra. I have had to replace the radiator at about 90K, replaced the back brakes and rotors at about 100K, and have needed to replace headlights about every 6 months. The biggest inconvenience has been replacing the headlights, but this pales in comparison to the overall reliability of the car. I recently totaled this car (not due to the car!) . One thing that concerns me is that the airbag did not deploy in my head on collision. But I like this car so much that I am looking for another Elantra to replace it.
Nice car, but could be better.
Bought a 2004 GT new and with the car approaching 5 years old, I'm overall satisfied with the car, but... Doing the suggested, periodic maintenance has been a huge headache, mostly focusing on the dealerships. The prices for the 30k, 60k, etc. check- ups are horribly overpriced and the dealerships don't even perform what the owner's manual suggests they do. You'll take your car in for a repair (like a PCV valve) and it's 10 minutes of sales talk before they tell you they haven't even looked at the car. I've even had them tell me I needed a grossly overpriced cabin filter replacement only to find it missing a week later when I did it myself. Thievery or the car didn't come with one.
Do Not buy a Hyundai
Do Not buy a Hyundai! They do not stand behind their products! Warranty sounds good until you go to use it !! Hyundai dealership scammed me all the way !! After they they screwed me the salesman hit on me and tried to .. too !!
Some Problems but overall a decent car
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.
Most reliable car I've owned
Bought this car used 40k on odo that was in an accident and salvaged title. However it turned out to be the most reliable car that I owned. I never babied it and changed the oil every 6k or so with conventional oil. This thing never let me down. Always started up with no major repairs for over a 100k miles that I drove it. Only repairs were brakes, a battery, a flex pipe, power window motor and 02 sensor. Didn't burn oil and ran solid even in harshest winters. The transmission started to occasionally and slightly slip only after I had it flushed. Hind sight I would have just had the tranny fluid changed instead of flushed as many good mechanics say that flushing can cause slips and it did for me. It was zippy fun to drive and got good gas mileage. I would not hesitate at all to recommend this vehicle based on my experience. I would def buy another especially the GT hatchback. Great cars that can rival a Honda or Toyota imo. These can be 300k cars. Big fan!!
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Hyundai
I have had this care for almost 5 years. I haven't had a single problem with it other than minor things like oil changes, tire rotations, things like that. It was cheap and affordable...Hyundai's are by far the best car for the money.
Still going after 5 years
I got my Elantra just a little over 5 years ago and its still going. I purchased the extended 100,000mi/10yr bumper to bumper warranty. Ive had to have my air bag sensors (both driver and passenger)and Kenwood CD player replaced. Ive also replaced my headlights a few times. Didnt have to pay for any of it! I leave my headlights on ALL the time so burning them out is to be expected. Over all Im am super happy with my Elantra. I drive between 20 and 30 miles every day on average and get great mileage. Maintenance is a little pricey (in for my 60k,today ouch!) but the dealership is reliable and friendly (same guys in the service department since I got my car!)
Great Value for the Price
I would like readers of my review to keep in mind that I think very highly of this car because it has a lot of features and refinement for the money. However there are some negatives. The styling is rather bland both inside and out. The fuel economy is not as good as it could be compared to other commuter cars like the Civic and Corolla. The leather seats are not as comfortable as they could be. The car's value comes in when talking about the powertrain and build quality which are both very smooth, tight, powerful, and quiet. The car gives the driver the feeling that it will last for a very long time. I would recommend this car to anybody who values quality and price.
watch out for that warranty
they fail to tell you how much is excluded from the warranty and non warranty repairs are very expensive
My Elantra GT
I have had my Elantra now for 9 months. Everything I researched about this car has proven out since I have bought it. Peppy engine, well appointed interior, great sound system, handles road noise well, and the best set of tires on economy class car I have ever seen. I looked at Civics, Toyotas, and Ford. The Ford product came close but the warranty on the Hyundai can't be beat.Oh did I mention a fully loaded (leather, wood grain dash, ABS, Traction control, Upgraded sound system, Michelins at 195)Elantra GT was still 3 G's less than every other car in its' class. And none had these options.
Cheap car/ Poor quality/Bad Service
My current milage is only 10,000, but when I stopped by Hyundai repair center to fix my brake sound and steering wheel vibrating, they chrged me about $600, which is out of warranty. It's very funny. I'll never buy Hyundai any more and don't recommend anybody. Please don't buy Hyundai.
Hyundai still makes bad cars
The steering column started squeaking at 160,000kms. Never had that problem ever before with any other car. This problem is not covered in the warranty, and have learned other drivers have faced this problem. The car is too light and need to put in bricks to stabilize it on the road else it drifts. Didn't matter how many times it was checked over, its like the centre of gravity is off on this car. The car has too many blind spots. This car has had more problems with it then my 1997 fort escort with 345,000kms on it.
Zip, Zap but no Zoom
Just recently bought it 2nd hand with 82k on it. I loved its light body and they way it moves around city. I drove 2 heavy cars before, 96 Camry and 2000 infiniti both v6. This car is feather light. I love it driving around city where it is more fun. It zips and zaps around corner. Heavy driving is boring with this car, where heavier car excels for it comfort. Good mileage. Younger generation will love this car it feels like i am driving a go cart. Highly recommended it will put smile on your face.
Airbag
Airbig woun't stay on on the passanger side. Hyundai has put a light for the passanger side seat. You have to have 50# for the airbag to activate. When you drive my car it goes on & off Sometimes it stay on. I have only had it 3 weeks and in the shop 4 times. Its now a lemon the law says they have to replace the car. The dealership gave me a new one off the lot and it did the same thing. Hyundai had a man to work on it and he said it was ok NOT! So The dealership called Hyundai no answer yet. Thanks for your time John
Driver's side window in door lock
I have a 2004 Hyundai Elantra I have had trouble with the lock working for all the doors window going up and down I have replaced the window I have replaced the part for the window so it works when it wants to if not I have to walk around the car to lock the doors had it fixed it Ricart when I first bought it had it fixed it three other garages and it's doing it again they need to recall
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Terrible Car
Terrible Car, Terrible Warranty. Do not buy this car because of it's warranty. The car breaks down on a daily basis and the warranty covers a very small amount of the cost to repair. I will never buy any hyundai again!
My 2004 elantra GT
i bought a elantra GT last month,i looked at the civic and the sentra. Both were 1,500 to 2,500 dollars more. The fit and finish on my car is excellent, i have yet to find any defects inside or out.
3 New Hyundais and Counting
This is my 2nd Elantra and 3rd Hyundai. Purchase a 1998 Accent for my daughter in college. The first time we drove into the driveway and stopped the front signal light assembly fell out and dangled by the wires, I thought, oh no, what a mistake. The car has more than 100,000 trouble free miles on it now and is being driven 1,000 miles a week now, WOW. Just put my 01 Elantra up for sale with 100,000 trouble free miles after buying a discounted year end 04 Elantra for a mere $10,500, includes moonroof, upgraded stereo, side airbags, and a 5 speed this time. The best bang for my buck. A Lexus it is not, but dependable, efficient, comfortable, and inexpensive it is!
IMPRESSED
Great car, awesome handling, teriffic gas mileage! I have never recieved so much buyer satisfaction with any car I have ever owned. Compare other 5 door hatchbacks, include all the bells and whistles (leather, moonroof, cd, front bra, front and SIDE airbag protection) and you WILL NOT FIND A BETTER DEAL OR A BETTER VALUE! While all of my friends pay OVER $350/mo-$450/mo for their gas-guzzlers/clothed-autos, it makes me feel wonderful about the decision I made the day I decided to test drive the elantra GT hatchback. I fell in love with this car as soon as I opened the driver's side door.
Great Little Car for Everybody
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.
2004 Elantra
This car is AWSOME!!! Hyundai did a great job redoing the car and the standard features are a big improvement.
My favorite little car
I bought this little car in Sep 2001, to date have put over 30000 miles on it. Gas mileage is consistently over 30 mpg (due to a 100 mile a day commute). The comfort and performance are excellent for its class. I regularly recommend it to friends, two of whom have bought Hyundai products. I regularly get comments on its styling and questions about reliability and economy of operation. I'm 65 years old, and would willingly buy another Hyundai Elantra.
A great value...for a budget performance
Fun to drive. A load of features for the buck. Leather 4 whl discs. CD etc. Feels taughter and stops much better than our '03 GLS. But also feels heavier, and maybe not as fast. I have had 7 Toyotas and sell high-end cars for a living. There's a lot of merit in these cars...especially when we bought two (one GLS and one GT) for under 25k out the door.
Please Read
Ive had my Hyundai which now has 46k miles now for just under 3 years now. Up until this year I was absolutely in love with my car, until it started giving me problems. I've replaced both front and back brakes twice within a year. I've had my transmission fluid flushed (shouldn't have had to do this). I've had problems with it stalling, the RPMs jumping like no other. I no longer feel safe in this vehicle nor would I ever recommend it to a new buyer. I've had it to the dealer 3 times and no one seems to know whats wrong, and everything that they "think" is causing it IS NOT covered under warranty. Paid for a warranty that doesn't cover a thing. I'm highly disappointed & looking for a new car!
Great car!
I've had the GT for five years now, few problems, only one repair I had to pay for myself. Original clutch and front brakes. It's been fun to drive, economical and reliable. After 99,000 miles, I'm looking to trade on a Sonata, and I just wanted to say that anyone who buys one of these used, if it's been treated right, you're getting a great value.
Go Get One!!!
What a great car!! Great on Gas
Hyundai Elantra
I have a 5 speed manual trans... and I love it! The seats are comfortable, plenty of room. Back seat passengers have plenty of leg room. Easy to see out of side and rearview mirrors. Controls easy to reach. Comfortable on trips (3 hours +). Turns on a dime, plenty of acceleration. Truly enjoy driving it...
New '04 GLS auto sedan is just right!
Hyundai did their homework by slightly revising the '04 model with an updated interior that "works" just right! Instrument controls, seat comfort, stereo sound, quiet cabin, visibility, a/c -- all make for an excellent ride. The updated exterior is also just right and "works" to make this a sharp looking car! My wife and I are so impressed with this car over the corolla we traded in, we just can't believe we got such a nice car for the money! The review that Edmunds has given this car is right on target -- don't pass this one up if you're looking at a civic or corolla. Good job Hyundai!
WOW
This is my first Hyundai. Matter of fact my first car (I've always driven trucks). I love it!
2004 Hyundai Elantra ;)
21K in just under a year and she is running great. Running so nicely I just purchased a 2005 GT for my wife. All regular maintenace done and no problems with anything.
I love my car
I love my car. I wasn't sure about buying a Hyundai although I knew it had been selected as car of the year. However, my mechanic recommended it and I am super glad I listened to him. It is a fun car to drive, I can park it anywhere and gives me great mileage.
Great for the money.
What has been done to this car that is not a wear item: 1) Clutch interlock switch (so it starts). 2) Clutch Slave Cylinder (recently) Maintenance Items: 1) Timing Belt. 2) Front Brake Pads. 3) Tires. 4) Oil changes. 5) Antifreeze change. Super reliable.... I am in the rust belt, so I expect an exhaust pipe in the future.
Elantra GT
Handles like a sports car. Ride is a bit stiffer than an Elantra sedan, but to be expected. Peppy 2.0 liter engine. Adequate trunk space. Good stereo system. Leather seats are comfortable and durable. Moonroof seals well. All in all, well worth the money and a serious look.