Used 2005 Hyundai Elantra Consumer Reviews
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Happy with my Elantra GT
I bought my second Elantra, and so far I am extremely happy with the car. Everything I could ask for is there, and improved compared to my previous Elantra. Before I bought it, I test-drove a few different cars, that is the one I like the most. Hyundai, keep up the great work!
my elantra
Overall, I love my Elantra. At first I was skeptical of Hyundai, but I have been pleasantly surprised and impressed. It took me a while to get used to the brake feel- no feedback, feel was not progressive, so they were difficult to modulate. This was just a matter of getting used to the car, the brake feel is not a continuing issue.
- GLS SedanMSRP: $4,79997 mi away
- GLS SedanMSRP: $6,995263 mi away
- GLS 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $3,995655 mi away
Buy something else
The warrenty is worthless. They just say sorry we can't fix it. The engine rattles very bad and I guess we just have to live with it. The service man said that we have to use premium gas if we want any Hyundai to run normal. That didn't help either.
05 Elantra GLS
This is an excellent car for the money. The warranty is exceptional as well
Very Impressed
This car has a quality feel to it. Very smooth shifting automatic,good pick up and turning circle. Firm comfortable leather seats. Switch gear for climate control and turn signal has the feel of Toyota quality. Windshield washer nozzles spit out 3 streams each.Ice cold A/C. No wind noise on the highway.Sporty handling. Bright brake lights(I can light up the persons face sitting behind me at a stop light) For the weekend mechanic oil filter and spark plugs are easily accessable. NOW THE BAD: It took 3 trips to 2 different dealships to fix the leaky moonroof. Front and rear passenger seats need to sit higher for more thigh support.Mushy brakes. Overall a great bargain.
not for the long haul
Great little commuter car, 32 mpg, not a car for long trips. Seats poor quality, even in the "upscale" GT model. The car has been reliable with 32K in under 10 months.
Excellent Warranty
The car is solidly built. I moved around a lot and the car still stand up well after 5 years. The warranty is great. They found problems with the CV boots, cylinders, and all 4 shocks, they replace them all for free! This car is going to last a few more years!
Problems!
I have had numerous problems with my car. I researched it thoroughly but seemed to overlook the fact that all the good quality reviews were INITIAL. after 2 months of having my car the problems continued to roll in. Now a little over a year old, it seems like i have a new problem every month. I am also not impressed with the service workmanship i have received.
love it
I absolutely love my car, even though it isnt the expensive sporty car that I wanted, I got more than expected for my money. I bought it since my dad is the mechanic at the dealership and he believes that Hyundai's are truely remarkable and reliable cars. The comfort rating is top among even cars in the $30,000 range. I love my elantra!
2005 Hyundai Elantra
This car was a good buy, and great gas mileage for not being a hybrid. The only thing I have detected so far is that the trunk lid sounds tinny when being closed. Good car, nice design, and great service from dealer.
Buyer Beware
i owned a 2005 elantra and it caught fire after 4 months 4000 miles. it was determined by the columbus fire department to be a defect in the car and then later determined by nationwide's fire specialist to also be a manufactures defect. the dealership and hyundai in fountain valley california have done nothing to resolve the loss of my vehicle. hyundai motor finance company through which i financed is still making me pay for a car that obviously is unreliable and a lemon. buyer beware and check out NHSTA.com.
i couldn't be more happy
I've been driving my Hyundai Elantra 2005 with 80,000miles on it. still feels like new! great value for great car.
2005 Elantra
I compared & test drove many many vehicles including the Kia Spectra before purchasing the Elantra. For a communter car, the overall quality, reliability and pricing made this a no brainer. The only complaint I have is the gas mileage during local/city driving. I get great mileage on the highway but the city/local mileage seems to suffer severely. But I guess I should not complain too much because the gas mileage is way better than my Chevy Suburban. I did not get the $300 CD Player option, instead purchased an Alpine/Kenwood system & installed it myself for the same price. Overall I think this is an excellent value when everything is factored in.
I smell lemons
Thank goodness for the warranty. I bought this car used with very low miles and a good service history. I have a brake problem that can't seem to be solved. On my 5th master cylinder and still have mush brake pedal. (Maybe that's not the problem guys!!) I've also had to have the rack & pinion replaced and the noise it was making prior to replacement is back. All of this with less than 35k miles. I do not abuse this car and it should not be having these issues. I will say that the dealerships have been good about doing the repairs. I see that it's on the recommended used cars list. I guess I just got a bad one but NEVER AGAIN!
My second
This is my second Elantra. My first was a 2001. I didn't intend to buy a car when I went on the lot, but the value and improvements in the interior got me. I did have some trouble with the gas mileage at first, but switched from ethanol to regular unleaded and my mpg has increased to approx. 28 in town, and 34 on highway. I have had quite a few headlights go out, which was also a problem with my 2001. Solution seems to be to replace both at the same time. Minor work has been done..mostly cosmetic rather than repairs.
Commuter Car
I bought this car as a disposable commuter car. I commute 75 miles per day. Wow, I am very pleased with this car. It gets 40 mpg on the highway and 30 mpg around town. The car has power and I drive on average about 75mph comfortably. I am extremely pleased with this purchase and the car for the money! I am thinking this will be a great kid car when I am done with it.
not this one
bad engine, repaired multiple times, windshield leaks, sunroof leaks, poor choice
Bad Clutch
For the money it is a decent car. Currently has 43K Miles and like so many others have reported the clutch went out and is not covered under warranty ($1,200 repair) it also has problems with the head lights going going bad. The dealer also said the radiator clamps were leaking at 43K and the belts need to be replaced. I bought this for my daughter and I drive a 1998 Ford F150 with 125K and have never had to do antything other than change the oil, brakes, battery & tires. It surprises me that I am facing so many costly repairs in just 3 years with the Hyundai Elentra.
my review
had 3 in the last 3 years, no major mechanical problems
Love it!
This was my first car, and I love it! It came with tinted windows, a sunroof, and leather seats. It is black, and very sleek looking. It looks like it costs way more than it actually is. Great gas mileage. My friends are jealous that I have such a great car. Very reliable. I also love the fact that if I leave my keys in the ignition, and I open the door and try to lock it, it automatically unlocks itself so that I never leave my keys in the car. Overall a very nice car for a very nice price.
Can't beat the Elantra for the price!
Purchased for comute vehicle. Other cars; Corvette, GTO, GS430 & Denali so you see I expect a lot out of a car. The Elantra is a great performer, has a lot of standard equipment and good gas mileage for it's class. If you have a lot of driving, want good performance at a very reasonable price do not overlook a Hyundai. The Elantra is a very easy driver and I highly recommend it!
My 1st Hyundai Elantra
This car, considering it's initial cost, is about THE best value on the road. It's very economical (getting a solid 34 mpg overall). The enterior, exterior, overall body quality work is absolutely excellent. I would put this vehicle next to a Honda Civic any day. That includes all the rest of it's competing vehicles as well.
Great Value Good-looking Car
Still a satisfied Hyundai Elantra customer after 3 years and 22,500 miles. This car compares with Honda Civic for reliability, drive, and economy. Good looking grill and body, finish has held up like new. I live in arctic Michigan and this car has never skidded off the road during the worst sleet and hail storms. FWD holds the road if you drive sensibly during snowstorms. With high gas prices I definitely appreciate the Great fuel economy. Car came loaded and included the moonroof, and boasts the most comfortable front seats I ever experienced in a foreign car (4 Toyotas). Front bucket seats adjust at least 5 ways. The HB excels in visibility. Never had any mechanical problem.
Great value for the auto cost
The car has great lines and is fun to drive. The 10 year thing is great for us retired folks.......
Good buy for the money and reliability
This is my second Elantra, both 5spd manual, the 04 model got all the newer details just right,i.e., dash construct, console style, and AC features. Very happy with the overall car and drive experience, fits long and short trip needs. Roadside assistance has also been a very nice feature when keys get locked in by mistake. Power feels good and is responsive, but I miss the gas mileage I used to get with my Toyotas. Can't see why I can't get that yet with these cars... So, overall scale of 1-10, 8
No complaints here
I bought a brand new 2005 elantra in 2005 for 2 reasons: good price and good warranty. Since then i have put 123K miles on it, changed the oil every 10K or so, and bye and large have beat it up. It hasn't flinched. At about 120K the brake pads wore out so i replaced them and decided to change my belts at the same time. Other than that no other work has been needed. I have gotten more than i ever expected out of it. Throw in the fact the excellent gas mileage makes that IRS per mile deduction go real far, and I'm a satisfied customer.
Poor Customer Support
Interior quality poor. Service poor. Too many times told "Ordinary wear & tear." Leather seat back started to deteriorate within 3 months. Inside door seals tear in short time. Outside door weathrstrip has measles. Told it was ordinary wear & tear. Front & rear brakes replaced at 24K. Headlights went bad within short time, dealer replaced. Thermostat went bad & blew radiator, dealer fixed. Car overheated again, dealer stated radiator cap loose. Floor mats deteriorated & dealer replaced. Bulbs out on dashboard since 6 months old, dealer claims they are not covered. Currently starter grinds early in morning only and A/C makes vibrating noise, dealer found nothing.
Great Little Car!!!!!!!!
I love this car. Perfect size for a sporty sedan. Great 5-speed gearbox. Short throws in the shifter. Solid feel and great handling. Best value I could find for the money. It's just fun to drive. Engine is smooth and has sufficient power for the car's weight.
Bill's review
I drive 46 miles to work every day, so I need a vehicle that gets good mileage. So far I have gotten 37 mpg, which is just under what I got with my 97 Saturn SL2. It's fairly comfortable, and the gauges are in plain sight. The odometer/trip meter button is kind of awkwardly placed.
Spiffy!
Great looking, comfortable, quiet on the highway. Sunroof very solid. I'm getting about 30MPG after 1000 miles of mostly highway driving. Test drove both automatic and 5-speed. 5-speed is more responsive. In the very hot months of July and Aug., the a/c works like a charm!
Good Buy
Purchased Jan '05. One of the best experiences from dealership. Logged considerable miles on vehicle now. Few complaints. Like the hatchback design, can move alot of odds and ends with little trouble. Getting ready to purchase a '09 model. Solid value. Thank you Hyundai for building a car people can believe in!
What a pleasant surprise!
On our list we originally had the Vibe/Matrix, Impreza, PT and Cobalt; the Elantra was a last-minute addition due to a good review I read; never would have considered it otherwise. We in time narrowed our choice to the Vibe and Elantra, and back to back there is no comparison between the two. The Elantra rides much better (my fillings are still resetting from the Vibe test), has a bigger and more useful trunk, has great leg room front and back, and gets virtually the same MPG. The 5-speed shifts nicely, and all controls felt intuitive. And... a fully equipped GT was less than a near-base Vibe. Add to that a five year full warranty, and you've got one great car.
Most bang for the buck!
Ok, first off, I've had way too many cars. Between my wife and me, we've owned 41 cars since 1994. I think I'm qualified to say this Hyundai Elantra GT is one of the best driving compact cars I've ever driven or owned. The leather interior is very comfortable and was made to last. Very nice leather steering wheel and shifter. The ride is 10 out of 10. No other compact car with a sporting attitude even comes close. I average 27.5 city and recently observed 30+ at 80mph+ with the ac on. Great headlights, awesome brakes, very good handling, and way more roomy inside than others. The Focus, Neon, Civic, and Mazda3 should take some notes. The 3 is overrated IMHO>
Just what the wallet ordered
Shopped Civic, Corolla, Focus and all others but none could give a total package vehicle. They might be equal or slightly better in one area but none could deliver everything and a great price, except Hyundai. Elantra was the only one that had ABS, traction control, gas mileage, leather, cruise, sunroof, hatchback, 6 speakers, side airbags, automatic, HUGE warranty, and best price ... $14,500 paid. I'm getting 30 miles to the gallon (highway driving) and the engine isn't even broken in yet. I'm 6'1" and the car has plenty of room for my legs. The storage space with the hatchback is good. Overall, I got more for my money than I ever expected when I started shopping.
Great!
This is an excellent car, handles well, well built, zero repairs in 30000 miles, corners well, good acceleration. It has 1/8 clearance inside, the paint on the bumpers is very poor about a 2 and the only real drawback. Best car I've owned.
Elantra Number Two
This is the second Elantra I have owned. I have had only one very minor warranty repair, a defective wiper blade. With the automatic, the power is only adequate to good with regard to off the line acceleration, but the vehicle can run all day on the interstate without any tiresome engine noise. The previous Elantra (an '02) had a 5spd and was much sportier to drive. Both were tight and squeak and rattle free. The GT definitely has the better suspension for handling with only a slightly firmer ride.
Awesome
I have owned my car for almost 4 years and I love it. I did alot of research and test driving of many cars and the Hyundai Elantra GT was the best car for the best value. I love almost everything about it. It has been very reliable and a fun drive. I will not hesitate to purchase another Huyndai in the future.
too many clutch replacement
I have replaced the clutch 2 times within a 6mo time. The original clutch was plastic and broke, the second clutch went out (broke) and now after 3 days it is out again. I am a single mother going to school to become a rn. I cannot afford the cost of replacing the clutch and never at the dealership. How can I deal with this?
Love the car
After totaling 2 Toyotas I wanted an car that looked,and functioned as well, but cost less. My Hyundai GT was it. The only problem I found were the tires that came with it they did not last a full year. It handles wonderful and has great get up for a small car. There is also plenty of room in the trunk for all my groceries. City gas mileage is approx. 22-24 miles per gallon. Of course my dealership's service dept is wonderful to me, just as they were with the two Toyotas I bought. My neighbors were so impressed, two of them bought Hyundais. That must say something about not only the car but the dealership.
Exceptional Car
This is a fine car in every respect: comfortable, maneuverable, fun-to- drive,and totally reliable. Our gas mileage has averaged 30.2 mpg since purchase in Feb. 2004. Build quality is excellent - no rattles or other unexpected noises. Everything works as expected. The blue-light instruments are very easy to see. The heater/ac system controls are direct and effective. The back is quite spacious. We folded down the easy-to-use rear seats, and now have plenty of room for our two medium-sized dogs. As for performance, the handling is confident with an incredibly tight turning radius. Comfortable, but firm ride (GT model) with good brakes. All in all, this is an amazing automotive value.
Downgrade and Happy
I "downgraded" from a Tiburon GT with the 6cyl 6spd. I needed a more sensible car with 4 kids, better gas mileage, and 4 doors. The Elantra fit the bill and I am very happy with it so far. The true test will be further down the road, but now I can fill up once a week, fit most of the family in, and still get good gas mileage to work. The car is leaps and bounds more comfortable than the Tiburon, but with the loss of handling and responsiveness. I currently prefer the comfort with my hour commute. Everything works as expected and the engine is well up to the task of moving the bugger.
Very happy!
This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. Granted, I've only owned it for a few days now, but I am yet to be disappointed. I can't hear the engine and cannot tell if it is even running. The drive is smooth and the steering wheel is very easy to handle. I feel like I am apart of the car when I am driving it. I previously owned a '99 Mazda 626 that I loved very much. But I have to admit that the Elantra is much more fun to drive and is easier to maneuver. Plus, the gas mileage is a whole lot better than the 626. There is a lot of trunk space and there is more back seat room than I would have expected for an economy car. I love the cup holders, CD Player and sound system!
a little bit of heaven
Although I would like to see the seat coverings more modern looking, the car drives fabulous. It's responsive and handles with ease and surety. It has all the bolts and whistles at a fraction of the costs we pay for Toyota and Honda. After test driving all three I picked the Elantra. It had a better feel than the other two. And you cannot beat the warranty.
Value!
I bought this car because my previous vehicle, a 2000 Ford Focus was totalled in a flood. I was going to test drive the Elantra back when I bought the Ford and should have! Though I haven't had this car for long, its already so much better then the Focus. As far as handling is concerned, the Ford has this car beat, but thats about it. I don't know of any other car with leather, sunroof, abs, traction control, etc. for the price. Definitely check this car out.
clutch problem
I have owned my 2005 Hyundai Elantra for 3 and one half years. It will be paid off in 5 months. At the 36,000 mile mark 2 weeks ago, the clutch went. I have had 5 other standard transmission vehicles which have had between 70,000 - 140,000 miles without ever having to replace the clutch. This clutch cost me $1,000 to replace and will probably cause me to look elsewhere for my next vehicle. It makes me wonder whether Hyundai spent enough time and money on this aspect of the Elantra and whether other owners have had this problem as well.
I have had 3 elantras
This is our 3rd Elantra. We also own a Sonata. We love our Hyundais. I recommend the 5 speed. This car is the best in its class for quality, price and overall performance. We love it!!!
Perfect do-all commuter
Hesitant as I was to buy a Korean vehicle, I am glad I did. I've only owned the car for 2 weeks now - but at 1200 miles now (I can finally use the cruise control!) - it's been flawless. There is nothing about this vehicle that I haven't expected (not the fastest engine) - and a few things that I have been pleasantly surprised about - (the A/C gets too cold?!?) - this car is built with quality in mind - and is right on par with it's competition; at a better price to boot. In order to get ABS - I opted for a model with the sunroof/traction control/ABS package- which adds about $1300 to the base price GT - worth it in my opinion - and you get a sunroof too! I see no reason not to buy this car.
Great Value
Test drove the Civic, Corolla and Elantra. All very nice cars but the Elantra has many more standard features, gives a bigger car ride and is overall a great value. The 138 HP 2.0 Liter engine is in a class by itself in this car category. Acceleration is very good and the engine is fairly quiet. Fit and finish on the car is excellent. Once you get over the bad history and stigma of driving a Hyundai from years ago, you will be favorably impressed and this probably won't be the last Hyundai you purchase. This car is simply a better and heavier car than the Civic or Corolla with a much better warranty. Gas mileage is less than its competitors, but worth it.
Exceeding Expectations
Before purchasing the Elantra GT, I had done extensive research on the many competitors in its category. I was surprised to find that it outperformed even the Corolla and Civic. After 7500 miles, I've decided that my choice was a good one. The Elantra is exceeding my expectations. It is sporty, economical, quiet and a very fun car to drive. The performance in the city or on the freeway has been exceptional. My one complaint is that the GT color options are limited. I would have liked a white GT.
Great car... with bad surprises
I bought my Hyundai Elantra in march 2005 and I was totally satisfied with it! This car has a great look, does not consume a lot of gas and has enough power to shift any slow vehicle on any road. Also, this car really has a lot of space (can make 5 persons very comfortable, including 4 men over 6'0). But... Bad surprises appeared during the winter 2008/2009: My clutch began to slip more and more. I drive a manual car since I am 16 (12 years from now) and I never had troubles with clutches. And have always been gentle with my Elantra. Now, after 80000 km (50000 miles), my clutch is done, and I have to prove my dealership I did not beat my car: