Used 2005 Hyundai Elantra Consumer Reviews
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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!!!
- GLS 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $3,99535 mi away
- GLS SedanMSRP: $6,995395 mi away
- GLS SedanMSRP: $7,477666 mi away
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:
I own a unicorn
So far its a neat car. I think the exterior styling is top notch. It doesnt appear to be trying to look cool. Nice wheels, and contrasting body moldings. Look at the back of the car at night with the tail lights on. No lie, it has a smiling face. Alot like a Jack-O-Lantern. You'll think I am nuts until you look.
Best car I have bought
What can I say. The best car in price range. Hyundai has come a long way!
My First "New" Car
I'm very happy with our New Elantra (so far) Just waiting to see how it will handle this winter in the Ice and Snow. With the rising price of gas...I can't complain yet about fuel efficiency..but then again I've had it about four months and have not hit the 1000 mark.
Great car!
Value! It's inexpensive, yet comes loaded with features. I haven't had any problems thus far. I was surprised to have leather seats, an MP3 player, power windows, rear window defroster, etc for the price. The car is one of the more roomy ones for it's class. I'm a tall and bigger person and although I'm not able to spread ou like in a luxury or larger car, I'm still comfortable. Trust me, I've sat in the other cars in the Elantra's class and price range and they all seemed to have less room for the front seats. I highly recommend the Elantra. It was my first major purchase (I'm a college student), and although I was very scared of the commitment, I didn't have any buyer's remorse.
Great Value
I bought this car because I needed something cheap to get me through college. I am so pleased with my purchase. It's a basic car, but the warranty makes me feel comfortable having it for the next however many years. My only complaints are that the keyless entry does not come with a trunk release, and that a CD player is not standard. Also, sometimes I find that I have to absolutely slam the trunk before it will latch, so check that out when you're looking.
Nothing better for the price
If you are looking for a sporty, economy car, this is it! The others in its class don't even compare, especially on price and warranty. At 6'5" and 230lbs, I just do fit (more headroom if I'd not gotten the sunroof), but what a great commuter car.
Maybe a Glitch?
We bought the Elantra used with about 22,000 in the summer of 06 - it had previous been a rental car (Hertz?. The cars has performed flawlessly until it blew a head gasket at 68,340 miles. Since I was the second owner - the warranty expired at 60,000 miles. I asked Hyundai America to at least partially compensate me for the repair since I think it was a fluke and they just blew me off. Perhaps it was the last one off the assembly in on a Friday afternoon. The gas mileage has always been a bit lower than I expected - less than bothe the Corollas and Civics that I have owned. I am guardedly optimistic about the car since everyone else that has them say they are great.
The Best Car I Ever Had
This is the second car I have purchased from Hyundai. I had a 1997 Elantra, that recently traded in.The only problem I had with that car was the rransmission and that was in 2002.
we love hyundais
We absolutely love this car!!!In fact this is our 3rd hyundai. We recommend hyundais to our friends.. When we look for a new car we don't look anywhere else.
Best car I ever purchased
At the age of 50 I have owned my share of cars, THIS is the BEST car I have owned. It hugs and holds to the road in down pouring rain with no problems, I anticapte NO problems this winter with the snow. The warrente was the orignal reason I first started looking into a Hyundai, one I test drove it I was hooked. I HIGHLY recomend this car, it is GREAT!!!!
A fun car
When I bought the Elantra I was looking for a fairly sensible yet fun car. I am delighted to say that I found one. It handles smoothly and doesn't slouch on the highway.
First Hyundai Experience
I have always bought American for no good reason but I took a chance on the Elantra Hatchback because I needed a practical family car. I love it! For the price, I have a great car with a sunroof, quasi-leather seats that fold completely flat in the back, and a fun drive. I recommend it and have had no problems after a few months of ownership.
Great Car
I got my 05 Elantra last month, and have put over 700 miles on it. It is a great car-much better than any of its competitors. Purchase price was $11,600, and it is the best value for the money. It has a peppy engine that has a nice growl, and handling is similar to a Jetta. Its very agile around tight corners, and really holds well to the road. I would strongly suggest this car, and think the world of the great warranty!
Love to drive it!
I traded in my 2003 Elantra for the 2005 Elantra GT, four door. The GT is well worth it. I like the leather seats but think they should be heated. The car is comfortable on the road and in town. On the road it rides like a much larger sized car. It takes curves like a sports car. Its roomy and well laid out on the inside. I've added HID headlights, a Wheelskins leather steering wheel cover and an exterior temperature monitor.
Helpful Hints
The car performs well, but is slow on take- off. I can hear air at the windows when driving fast. One sensor had to be replaced in 5 years of ownership. Would purchase another because of warranty.
A Standard Setter for the Genre
After driving US, Euro, and Japanese cars for 40 years, I came to understand that you go with the manufacturer who is trying hardest. For now, that seems to be Hyundai. The Elantra has begun to come out of the shadow of it's big sister - Sonata - to earn well deserved praise. After driving this car for several months, now, I have found only one mistake: When you drop the automatic shift lever down to the stop, it lands in third gear, rather than Drive. This can result in straining the engine, on the highway, unless you notice it. Otherwise, the design features appear to be literally flawless. It's tame, comfortable basic transport, but it wants to frolic. It may surpirse you!
Fun things do come in small packages
The car is small, yet big. It is a comfortable car on long trips and surprisingly it holds alot of luggage, bags and whatever else you want to bring home from vacation. Fuel economy on this car has been great. I drive a mix of highway and city and I have been getting between 29 and 31mpg, On trips, I have been getting 34.5mpg. It is fun to pull in to the gas station, fill up and leave, while the SUV guy is waiting and waiting and waiting to hit the full mark.
Overall good car for a small family
We have owned Hyundias for several years and enjoy the cost free driving and the small car look. They have great room inside and trunk space. If you're looking for a low priced, good quality car with great coverage and low insurance payments this is the car for your family!
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 Second Elantra
My first Elantra was a '97 which I bought new in Michigan. I drove it for 8 years and spent less than 600 dollars for repairs during the 8 years. When it came time for a new car to drive around town I chose another Elantra. No one sells a better car for the price. I sold my old car to a neighbor who could not be more pleased (neither could his 16 year old daughter who drives it.) The car is loaded with premium features for a bargain price. It is comfortable, reliable, and economical. What more could you possibly ask from a car which cost under $12,000 including tax and delivery? I could use a CD player instead of the standard tape player but for 200 bucks that was easy to fix.
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!
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.
Great Buy!
Excellent car, highly recommend to everyone. Only complaint about the car is it only gets 27 MPG on the highway regardless how you drive it. Will buy Hyundai vehicles from now on!
I'm Young Again!!
I love my Elantra! At 59 years of age, it's great to feel young again! I feel like I'm driving a sports car! The white pin-striping the dealership adds at no extra charge really sets off the Rally Red color and black trim! (I call it my racing stripe! LOL!)
Elantra Over Civic? Yes
Decided to try the Elantra over Civic based on general good feel of Elantra in test drive and about $3,500 less cost than Civic. Get as good or better millage and the only complaint is that I felt the wiper blades were not right - dealer replaced on drive in to service in about 25 minutes. So far, I love the good feelings of saving $$ and gas and overall performance is A+++++. Great radio also. Highly recommended.
an unexpected surprise
I have owned my car for a mouth and I can say that it is very easy to drive. It doesn't matter if it's snow, ice, rain covered roads - this thing can do it. I really looked this car over and was surprised by how much is done to it. I could not find any flaws in the paint or any rust on the suspension or exhaust. I live on a 5 lane highway with a 55mph limit This car can get me up to speed right out of my driveway pretty good. I'm happy it has an independant rear suspension (Honda didn't). The seats leave a little to be desired but If they were too comfortable you'd fall asleep at the wheel. Excellent buy!
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.
Best Car in Class for the Money!
This is my second Elantra GT and I love it the amount of and more importantly the quality of the features you get - above most manufacturer's. To top the list, the best warranty I have ever seen. Great company; very customer oriented. I love the semiannual newsletter from Hyundai. Both my dealer and Hyundai have been great and follow up in a profesional manner.
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
I love it!
I had to be talked into buying this car against my wishes, but I love it. The car is smooth, reliable, has wonderful design (everything necessary is within reach) and the warranty CANNOT BE BEAT! I bought this car used with only 10,500 miles on it and had a bearing go within the first month. No problem. I took it into the dealership and they fixed it and changed the oil just for good measure while they had it at no charge! I didn't believe the warranty could be that good or that reliable, but it is. Am getting ready to trade mine in for a new one because of how fast I put miles on it (and that is the only reason). Yhinking I might try the Sonata this time. It is a wonderful car!
Move over Civic and Corolla
I have had this car about a week and love it for a compact. It has more driver's legroom, rides better, has more power, steers better, and just overall is a nicer car than my '99 Civic was. Top it off with a much better warranty than Honda or Toyota offer and for thousands less.
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.
The Elantra
My wife & I went to the local dealership with every intention of trading in our old Accent for another new one. The dealership offered us an Elantra for the same price, so it was a no brainer to upgrade. Everything about the Elantra is so much better than the Accent, it's just a different class of vehicle. Good room and fuel economy are its major selling points, with no problems after five months and five thousand miles. Overall, no real complaints, though I would have liked a sunroof and/or anti-lock brakes.
Great Value
Bought in Mar of O5 and now have 11k miles on it. Car has been flawless. Traction control great on icy roads. Starts great in below zero weather. Gas mileage consistently between 27 and 33 mpg. Handling is nice not to stiff and rides much nicer and quieter than my 02 Honda civic. Stereo good. Cannot see why anyone would pay the extra money for a Honda which is several thousand more with less equipment. Warranty is unbeatable and overall quality seems to be great. I would recommend this car to anyone that is looking for a great car at a great price.
Buy it -- worth it
I just recently purchased a Elantra GT and so far no complaints, I bought the car with 86 miles, and so far it's up to 2,266 and I have not had one complaint (from me or friends). This car is a must! I will be purchasing from this company from now on.
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.
Great car especially at the price
My Chevy s10 pickup died without warning and I needed a car in a hurry and for little money. I wanted a new car but had used car money. I found the Elantra, researched it and made the purchase. I never had any problems in 70K+ miles; the only things I did were brakes (one set of pads) and tires. For the price you get a good ride, some luxury and very cheap to drive (fuel and maintenance).
Elantra is Solid Car
Build quality is pretty good, some refinements missing. Example, light behind panel next to shift lever is BRIGHT at night and actually catches my eye and annoys. Won't dim with the dimmer knob like the rest of dash. Heater goes cold when idling at lights. Downshifts a little too easy, but overall good automatic. Good factory sound system. Seats okay, a little cardboardy. For price though can't really beat.
I Love This Car
This is a very nice driving car. I do alot of traveling and have had no problems with the heavy strain I put on the car. I'd buy another again, and recommend it to anyone.
Even better than I thought it would be
I love this car! I have been driving a '94 Geo Prizm around for a long time, finally traded it in for a pre- owned '05 Elantra GT 4dr sedan (manual transmission) with only 8400 miles on it, and I am in heaven. It is a great commuter car, plenty of pep, I get good gas mileage, and it loooks great to me, which is what matters. I have only had the car for 3 days now, and I like it more every day I drive it. I seem to find excuses to have to run errands just so I can drive this car some more. The handling also seems to be perfectly fine to me, as long as you don't compare it to a performance sports car. Now if Hyundai only made a small minivan or CUV for my wife . . . :)
First Hyundai
Have only had ownership for 5 days, but I am very pleased with the way the vehicle handles and rides..It is a very very good buy for the money. My wife and I both enjoy the vehicle. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who asks.
Move aside Honda
One of the nicest compacts out there. Rides better and has more room and pep than my Civic had. But my 3 negatives are: (1)Squeaks developed going slowly over speed bumps after 8 mos. (2)I have yet to get over 20 mpg and I drive slowly and do not accelerate suddenly. I do drive solely in town however. (3)The rear window fogs when it's rainy and humid unless the AC is full blast.
Great Car to have
good reliable transportation with personality
My GT
I have mostly enjoyed my Elantra GT (we have another GT, and '03 model). I live in the mountains of West Virginia, and do a lot of driving due to working 45 miles away. My GT is fun to drive on the twisty roads, and returns excellent gas mileage. The stereo works great and keeps me entertained enroute. My only complaint is that I have some vibration on braking, due to warped brake rotors. I am surprised at this, with only 12,000+ miles.