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Used 2006 Hyundai Elantra Hatchback Consumer Reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
36 reviews

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Pros
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3.38 out of 5 stars

You get what you pay for.

Gina, 12/04/2005
2006 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
12 of 14 people found this review helpful

I bought the GLS hatchback when my old Chevrolaet Cavalier was near it's end (1990)158,000 miles. The GLS cost me 15,000 out the door. Well at first I thought I got a good car for a good price. I was so wrong. 4 days after I took delivery it died at a stop light. I called the dealer and they towed it to the shop. They told me the computor needed to be replaced. I got it back the and 1 week later it was dead in the morning, had it towed again. This time they blamed the mechanice for leaving a wire loose. The A/C stopped working on it's 2nd use, they told me the fuse was blown and replaced that. Then a few weeks later when raing the wipers stopped working, again they said a fuse blew.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

2nd Elantra

Kelly, 06/20/2006
2006 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I checked alot of cars before buying the Elantra 5 speed hatchback. I owned a 2000 Elantra SW that gave me no problems for 6 years, the brakes were still just over 50%. Our 2nd car is a 2003 Camry auto, so I wanted something sportier. I ended up with an Elantra hatchback standard, fully loaded. H rated tires, sunroof, suspension package, fast, maneuvrable; and with tinted windows, and disabler ignition thrown in for free by the dealer, This is one fun car. Surprisingly better made than the 2000 Elantra. The Camry is a nice ride, but the Hatch is fun and very nice looking. The trip computor says I'm averaging 8.4L/100 KM. Hopefully that wil improve as the car breaks in

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1 out of 5 stars

My Car Air Bags don't deploy MY Car still Unsafe!

Raul E. Garcia Sr, 01/05/2016
updated 07/14/2017
2006 Hyundai Elantra GT 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
10 of 13 people found this review helpful

2006 Hyundai Elantra , many years ago, I was involved in an accident, and the air bags did not deploy! dealer and manufacturer did not replace the car, 0r offer me a deal on a new one, I had to drive this piece of junk without air bags, very unsafe, they said that the new? cars don;t have this problem, but I found out that they do! many complaints, dealers don't caare, and manufacturer never, NEVER contacted me about it. They don't [non-permissible content removed] , Don't buy any Hundai, they are very unsafe. and you will not find a solution for it. Raul Garcia in Dallas Texas dealer is on 635 in Mesquite TX (junk, junk, junk). Ralph in Mesquite Texas

Safety
1 out of 5 stars
Technology
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Interior
2 out of 5 stars
Comfort
2 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
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4.63 out of 5 stars

Best car i've never owned

petarvn1, 02/27/2013
2006 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I know, the title is weird, but hear me out. My brother got one of these when he got a job. It was a mechanic owned, 35,000 original mile elantra with no problems with it (other than a CD that was stuck in the Stereo.) The car is very comfy to ride in the front, but rear hedroom is not too great for anyone over 6 foot. It's also a good looking car, for what it is. The car's achilles heel is the Slushbox they call an automatic. We happen to have an '04 manual as well, and it's MUCH more fun to drive. other that that, it's just a great comuter car. 5K miles in 5 months, with no issues. Maintenence is pricier than you'd expect though.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Long on Value

Elton, 05/23/2006
2006 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I already own a Ford Focus and have owned Hondas, Nissans, and Toyotas. The first year's mediocre performance of my 2005 Ford Focus SE made me look to an import. Honda, Nissan, and Toyota have priced themselves out of the budget market without providing that much higher quality and finish than Hyundai. I had reservations about Hyundai, but I did my research and was surprised at the reviews. I've now owned this vehicle for a month and have averaged 27 mpg in city (Atlanta) driving. I have not found any quirks with the car and am pleased that I have had no buyer's remorse. The car could use a few more horsepower, but with the 5 speed is still respectable. It may be dated, but it's a bargain.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Great car!

Jay, 05/31/2010
2006 Hyundai Elantra GT 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful

I bought this car used a few months ago and couldn't be more pleased. I routinely get 37+ MPG on the highway and it handles great in the deep MN snow. Great storage with the hatchback and the interior is great. Can't beat the leather, sunroof, etc. that you won't get with a Civic or a Corolla.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

Hyundai NO way!

Hyundia NO way!!, 12/09/2008
2006 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Such poor quality, It rides like a buck board and so much road noise it's deafening. The radio has a hissing that is growing with age. The cheap battery didn't even last two years. Cheap tires only lasted 26,000 mi. It has never seen 37 mpg not even on a flat road at 60 mph with no A/C. The 85 dollar drivers door gasket has disintegrated twice. I don't even drive it on a daily basis and the sea tbelt does not readily retract all the way. The seat springs are already starting to go. In the smallest amount of snow and Ice it gets stuck. The body is of such cheap metal It collapsed when I accidentally closed the hatch on the XM antenna. In dry so cal climate the steel wheels are already rusting

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Better Than...

Joe, 06/29/2006
2006 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

My wife and I prviously owned a Saturn Ion. Compared to that the Hyundai Elantra is head and shoulders above that competition. With the high mileage I put on a year I needed a great warranty. You can't beat 5yr/60,000mile bumper to bumper. We've had the car for under a year, but after 20,000 miles it still runs like new.

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5 out of 5 stars

i love this car

Ranier, 08/05/2016
2006 Hyundai Elantra GT 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

i have this for 10 years now. It still works perfectly today and it never had any major problems at all since the day I purchased it in 2006.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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3 out of 5 stars

Most Uncomfortable Seats Ever

Elantra Owner, 11/22/2018
2006 Hyundai Elantra GT 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful

This car has been fairly reliable for me. It gets great mileage, and it's decently roomy for being a small car. The trunk space is adequate and the storage compartments inside are nice, though it doesn't have any cup holders in back. It's definitely had a few quirks... the stereo has stopped playing CDs and the drivers seat belt buckle had to be replaced. It doesn't handle the greatest in Midwest winter conditions, so it's imperative you keep up on stuff like brakes and tires. Aside from these issues, it's required only basic maintenance since its purchase. The biggest issue I have with this car is the front seats. They are the most uncomfortable seats in a car that I have ever experienced. My first big trip in this car was a 6 hour drive across state. It was excruciating. Most of the time you get issues with a sore or numb butt, but not this car... it's horrendous pain in the lower back. It's nearly as bad on the passenger side as well. As a driver, any trip longer than an hour will leave me hurting. I would not recommend this car purely because of its terrible seats.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
1 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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4.75 out of 5 stars

Still going strong at 116,000 miles

runner_chick, 08/24/2010
2006 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought my car 4 years ago and I have only replaced the ambient air sensor (warranty work) and an O2 sensor (out of warranty) my only complaint at the moment is that my steering wheel is coming apart. I has been such a great car. Recently made a 4,000+ mile road trip and not one problem. Average 36 mpg on the highway and 28 in town. Just need to figure out why i am going through oil a little faster than normal. Definitely a good car and highly recommended!

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5 out of 5 stars

GREAT Little Car

Tom Butler, 02/07/2006
2006 Hyundai Elantra GT 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Was skeptical at first of the EPA's mileage ratings. On the first trip, I obtained a consistant 38-40 mpg, highway. Around town, I'm getting 25- 28. Car is very comfortable, and the GT's suspension is very tight.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

New GT Lover

MaryAnn, 08/18/2006
2006 Hyundai Elantra GT 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I purchased my Elantra GT in April 2006 after having to give up a 96 Grand Am. It was a difficult choice but one I'm glad I made. This is my first brand new car. I've had no major difficulities with the car; a few cosmetic situations that the dealer took care of right away. I'm pleased so far with the way the car handles, the gas mileage and the over all ability of the engine; there is a slight difference going from a V6 to a 4 cylinder. I did purchase the upgrade for the ABS/traction control but haven't had circumstances to use it yet. With winter approaching, I'm sure I will. I think it is a good quaity car for the money.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

low expence car great warrenty

Tim, 05/15/2006
2006 Hyundai Elantra GT 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The Car has had a few small problems, Nothing to do wih the engin or any of the mecanics just pieces of the interior comming off,Hyundai fixes with no problems. The car needs more HP badly its very slow off the start and passing Well dont try unless you have a lot of room to get by, its only got a 138 HP engin I believe adding about 40 more HP's would help emensly not to mention it would make it a lot more fun to drive But if youre looking for a good transport vehical its great for that I have the Hatch and with the back seat down you can put a lot of stuff in this little car Ive had it 5 months now and just went in for its 7,500 mile service no big problems as of yet

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Very Happy

elantragtlover, 08/10/2006
2006 Hyundai Elantra GT 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought my Hyundai Elantra GT 11 days ago. I went from driving a huge 8 cylinder SUV to this small hatchback. I don't even miss my truck! I am thrilled every time I fill it up. I is half the price to fill and the gas lasts twice as long. The Elantra GT is exactly what I was looking for. It is fun to drive with plenty of room for all of my things. The sixty/forty split back seat allows for larger things to pass through than in the Elantra sedan. I am having a blast driving this cute little "zippy" car. I highly recommend it to anyone.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Love my GT

stulesser, 10/03/2006
2006 Hyundai Elantra GT 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought my car in May 06 @ Universal Hyundai in Orlando. First contact was through the internet and I feel they gave me a great deal $13,900. No other dealer in the area could match it. Sales folks were more than helpful. They went over every detail of the car. Service has been very good. If I have it serviced at the dealer I get "tires for life". My wife and I took the car on a trip to NJ. It ran exceptionally well, averaging over 32 mpg. One tank got over 36 mpg. The car is exactly what I was looking for. We'll probably trade our SUV for the new Elantra (have to see it first), Also considering the Sonata or Azera. No complaints with the car or dealership.

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5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful car

Stephany, 11/04/2006
2006 Hyundai Elantra GT 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The drive is very smooth. The stereo sounds great. It's easy to fold down the back seats to expand storage space. I love the color! (moonlit blue)

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Love my car!

dkt, 03/13/2008
2006 Hyundai Elantra GT 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I love this car! It is cute and sporty and the performance is great. It has comparable power to other cars in its class and is much more affordable. There are a few quirks about the car, but the dealership where my maintenance is done has been really great. I've replaced the battery twice since I purchased the car in Feb 06 (July07 & Jan 08) . The dealership said "these things happen".I guess time will tell. The windshield washer fluid does not work when the temperature is below 32 degrees which can be very inconvenient. Also, I live in the mountains on a dirt road. I have to turn the TCS off to navigate some of the hills near my house. Otherwise, this is a great little reliable car.

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4 out of 5 stars

Reliable and predictable car

rebeculus, 08/11/2023
2006 Hyundai Elantra GT 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought my Elantra used in 2007. His name is Bruce. He was originally owned by someone in New York. He had about 20,000 miles on him when I bought him in Philadelphia. Bruce lived in Philly for a little over a year. We then moved to Northern California for 11 years. In 2019, we relocated to the upper Midwest (do not recommend). Bruce only has about 75,000 miles on him, thanks to my living in great cities with fabulous public transportation options until 2019. He still gets decent mileage, especially on the highway (almost 35 mpg). He has no rust, likely because we lived in the San Francisco area for most of his life. I had to put about $2,000 into him a couple years ago to replace commonly worn out stuff I don’t remember off the top of my head. My main complaint is that Bruce really struggles with acceleration from slow to highway speed, especially on hills. This can be a bit scary/dangerous in our Midwestern city, where 9 out of 10 people have large trucks or SUVs and 9 out of 10 people go between 85 and 95 mph on highways regularly. Bruce is a little bit boring to drive. The sluggish acceleration and the not-tight suspension (if that’s the right term) make the ride boring. But I couldn’t afford a car that was more fun to drive. He has been really reliable for 17 years now!

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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3.75 out of 5 stars

Not a car for colder climates

MMRick726, 12/13/2007
2006 Hyundai Elantra GT 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car new in Sept. 2006. I wish I would have known how badly it drives in slippery and snowy weather and I have the manual transmission!! The windshield washer fluid pump freezes in weather below 32 degrees and it makes it impossible to clean your windshield when something should splash on it. Above 32 degrees, it works perfectly. Go figure.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

great car!

Joe, 06/10/2008
2006 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I never bought a Hyundai before, just tried it based on word of mouth. Car gets very good gas mileage (30+ mpg) and has a smooth ride. It does have a little trouble accelerating on steep hills. Also, turns and quick maneuvers are a breeze. I would highly recommend this car.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Great little car

Norm, 11/04/2008
2006 Hyundai Elantra GT 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've got almost 50,000 miles on this car. Had to do nothing so far. I average 32 mpg overall. My only complaint is the AM radio reception - it is not good. FM and CD are great. Mine is all leather, standard transmission.

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1.88 out of 5 stars

Hyundai--No Way #2!

Hyundai--No Way #2!, 03/02/2009
2006 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Had to replace rear brakes at 23,000 miles. Had to replace a all four tires at 23,000. Had to replace the battery at 25,000...all at own cost. The 2 shocks and 2 struts had to be replaced twice at 29,000 because the factory parts were also defective! (fortunately the shocks and struts were under warranty). If you are going to buy a cheap car to save money like I did, try a different manufacturer.

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3 out of 5 stars

Keep Improving

Keep Improving, 09/20/2009
2006 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Car is well equipped for money compared to other car companies but the fabric on seats has poor durability and the noise from road is loud in hatchback model unless you are on very good pavement. Traction on snow wasn't as good as equally equipped front drive cars from other car companies I've driven.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Its an alright car

Kevin, 01/11/2010
2006 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my Elantra used 1/22/07 with 16,000 on the clock. For the first year of owning car was really nice , but has come down with a plague of problems a clicking when only turning the wheel to the right, a clicking or tapping noise from the engine compartment, and a hesitation problem only when really cold out side till it warms up. Been to the deal for all of these issues more then once and still not fixed. It rather cold in Nj and a week ago the car interior has come down with some creaks and rattles as well. be sides these issues the car does drive and handle well. I may have just got a dud. Gf has an 04 tibby V6 and it has been amazing no issues at all. I would buy a Hyundai again tho

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4.75 out of 5 stars

very pleased

erik johnson, 02/05/2010
2006 Hyundai Elantra GT 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This was the first car I ever got to choose - rather than "inheriting" from a family member or buying in a hurry. Very pleased. More options and comfort and thousands less than a similar mileage Honda Civic. More fun to drive, too, has a little more power. I think the GT hatchback is a cool, very Saab-like european design. I haven't really needed it as a feature very often - a trunk would be fine - but for a few things it has been helpful. The interior is without many annoying quirks, nothing stands out, which generally is good in design.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

The little car that could

Silentwolf, 10/19/2010
2006 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Many hate Hyundai, but never really give them a shot. So far I haven't really been disappointed. I might wish for more, but I'm happy with the sub $14k price paid. Takes to mods well, including using factory items from higher Hyundai models Car will also take a beating and keep on ticking. Had a compressed piston rod from water logging the engine, but it ran for 20k miles with naught but a misfire code. Have had a couple of minor quality issues dealing with poor taillight fitment and center arm rest fabric coming loose. Only other minor thing would be the mpg. Tho others report more, I ~27 mpg mixed tho have got 33 mpg on long road trips. Still way better than my 18-20 mpg in last car.

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5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Hatchback!

Jason, 12/28/2005
2006 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great car for my money. It worth every penny. Good performance wih great gas savings.

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5 out of 5 stars

Nice

JOe, 02/12/2006
2006 Hyundai Elantra GT 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

....didnt realize all the warranties and abilities this car has. At this point i'm satisfied, just purchased it today. Only 9 miles on it!

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5 out of 5 stars

EXCELLANT!!!!

eric , 03/02/2006
2006 Hyundai Elantra GT 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This vehicle is by far the best car i have owned ( 1st foreign made car owned) great all around!!

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2.75 out of 5 stars

Ripped Off

Joe, 02/19/2007
2006 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is awful. Radio reception is horrible. Interior has new squeaks & rattles every day. Replaced muffler at 10K miles. Had to replace rear brakes after 18K miles (all highway). Dealers said that was normal wear & tear. Parking brake freezes on cold days & causes rear end to vibrate above 40mph. Called dealer twice about it & he said it was normal. Averaging only 29 MPG driving all highway miles with cruise control set at 70mph most of the time. Windshield wipers quit working one morning, then started working again on the afternoon drive home. Learned my lesson on this one. I'll never buy another Hyundai again. The car and dealer service are worse than I could ever have imagined.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Great Car, BAD 30k mi checkup!!! part 1

clarose_lapro, 04/19/2007
2006 Hyundai Elantra GT SULEV 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I like my car I really do. My rear brakes started to make a pretty nasty noise and my check engine light came on so so I took my car in for the 30k check up. Wow it costs $500 to replace the FLUIDS $ FILTER this is required by your warranty contract only fine Hyundai parts are acceptable or...So it just so happens my cable assembly for my parking break "froze" ruining my REAR brakes, Rear Brakes shot @ 30k. Hyundai replaces the cable assembly no problem...but the serv. dept calls me to try an authorize work on my rear brakes which I would have to pay for, what?

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3.75 out of 5 stars

On the fence about this car...

Ashley, 07/25/2007
2006 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I still haven't decided if I want to keep this car or trade it in! Interior seems very cheap, back seat that folds down will not click back into place, hood has crease across it like a 2x4 got shut in the hood (but dealer is the only place the hood is opened when they do the oil change). Noise in dash like something vibrating around in glove box but nothing is in there. Great MPG, easy car to drive b/c of size, love the hatchback and fold down seats (when they lock back where they're supposed to!) which give plenty of inside cargo space. Cheap exterior construction. Seems underpowered compared to Civic, Jetta, and other comparable cars. If I don't buy another its because of the dealership.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

MY evaluation is 7.8 just like 05-04 Ela

chazbro1, 07/20/2007
2006 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

06 hyundai Elantra has been a good car I am averaging better than 26 miles per gallon/32 Hiway 17 city. No problems I have my reservations because it has taken Hyundai 20 years to make excellent cars Koreans along with the Japanese quality is approximately 11 problems per car. Hyundai Kia were tied for twelvth J.D. Power survey for initial quality. The top third of 36 manufacturers with and industry average 125 problems per car(industry ave)

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4 out of 5 stars

My Elantra

pfk981, 05/01/2008
2006 Hyundai Elantra GT 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased my Elantra GT in feb 2006. I now have 50,000 miles. This has been a great car. No major problems. The only real complaint I have is the stock rear brakes are very soft brake pads. I always noticed that my rear wheels had more brake dust than my front (not normal). After they started making noise (35K) I replaced them with better pads and all is good. I enjoy driving it to and from work everyday. I would definitely purchase another one.

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2.38 out of 5 stars

Terrible Trade in Value

Forget Hyundai, 09/12/2009
2006 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I tried out this vehicle on newly paved roads for the test drive. This in hindsight did not prepare me for later driving in other road conditions. The car was reasonably quiet on good pavement but if you go on older coarser pavement the road noise in the hatchback was bad.

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