 2004 Hyundai Elantra VE; photo by Greg Wilson. Click image to enlarge |
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In the mid- to late-1980s, Hyundai was less a car manufacturer than it was a reseller of remodeled versions of other cars. The company’s earliest offerings borrowed heavily from Mitsubishi designs, and it was these cars that cemented the poor reputation that dogged Hyundai for years to follow. It wasn’t until 1996 that Hyundai would introduce its first in-house designed and engineered car, the second-generation Elantra.
And while that car represented one of Hyundai’s first steps in its quality control campaign, some of the Korean manufacturer’s best work yet to come was still on the drawing board, in the form of the third-generation Elantra, which debuted in 2001.
Bigger both in physical dimensions and visual heft, the new Elantra showed the Japanese manufacturers, who had for so long brushed Hyundai off as nothing more than a low-priced pest, that they now had some serious competition. In fact, in a 2002 comparison test conducted by an American car magazine, an Elantra finished ahead of both Toyota’s Corolla and Honda’s Civic – a stunning result and some of the first proof that Hyundai knew how to put together a great small car.
  2002 Hyundai Elantra GT; photo by Grant Yoxon (top). 2006 Hyundai Elantra SE; photo by Chris Chase. Click image to enlarge |
For 2001, the Elantra was offered in basic GL and well-equipped VE forms. In 2002, the GT five-door hatch was added to the lineup. The Elantra got a minor facelift in 2004. In 2005, a lower-priced version of the hatch and a fully-loaded sedan model were introduced. 2006 was the last year for the third-gen car, as a vastly-improved fourth iteration was introduced for 2007.
Power in all Elantras came from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder (136 to 140 horsepower, depending on model year). A five-speed manual transmission was standard, and a four-speed automatic was the option throughout the model’s run. Fuel consumption was a little higher than its competitors of the time, ranging from 8.8 L/100 km city and 6.4 L/100 km highway for cars with manual transmissions, and 9.6 L/100 km city and 6.7 L/100 km highway for those with the optional four-speed automatic.
While this third-generation Elantra was a big step forward in durability for Hyundai, it nonetheless has its share of common trouble spots.
Transmission issues are relatively common, though mostly minor, linked to troubles with electronic sensors that govern its operation. One of the most common issues is a problematic speed sensor that causes the transmission to go into “limp-in” mode, in which it locks into third gear. Less common, but more serious, is a tendency for Hyundai automatics from these model years to overheat, which accelerates the kind of wear that causes a mechanical failure.
This thread at ElantraXD.com suggests that installing an aftermarket/auxiliary transmission fluid cooler will help.
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at 7:15 am
Just thought I would ad a couple commonly occuring trouble spots from an owner who knows a few people that own one as well. One is some cars seem to like to burn out their headlights, and changing the bulbs isn’t exactly easy. The driver’s side opening is blocked by the battery and it’s mount, and the other side is blocked perfectly by the windshield washer fluid container neck. I own a 2004 – I’m not sure if this is a problem in pre-facelift models.
Another is the matte black plastic stickers on the trailing edge of the driver’s door tends to peel off. This is just unsightly more than anything (I don’t think it’ll cause rust). I’m not sure why this happens on the driver’s side only. My only guess is that the wind pulls at it, which is more exaggerated on that side due to oncoming traffic. I’ve seen this in both pre and post facelifted models.
I personally have had problems with a leaky hatch in the GT model, but I seem to be alone on that one. Also a problem for me alone is that the driver’s seat track can bend over time, and can sometimes cause a little shifting (not much though). I’ve had this fixed once and it’s back now. Also note that I weight 210 pounds though – a bit more than average most likely.
My sister’s earlier model also had problems with her power steering pump – something about a rubber liner letting water in which rusted through the lines. Apparently it’s a common issue.
at 8:52 pm
I have an 05 Elantra GT hatchback. The only problems I’ve had since I bought the car new have been slightly finicky power mirrors and a driver’s seat that was a bit loose. Both were fixed by the dealer in one visit. I also had the center caps on the alloy wheels replaced…they weren’t looking too hot.
Each headlight is held in place by three screws and you can take the whole light assembly out and change the bulb in about 10 minutes. As easy as some cars? No. A big deal? No.
I think this article’s note about used Elantras being “a little less expensive” than Proteges and Sentras is misleading. If an Elantra is $2000 cheaper than a Civic or Corolla, it’s going to be $1000 cheaper than a Sentra or Protege. It’s not like the Elantra’s only $50 cheaper.
at 6:53 am
Hi all,
I own Elantra VE 2003 a bit more then a year.
I’m very happy with that car; very roomy, comfortable, has all the features. I’ve changed only oil(+filter), air filter,antifreeze, plugs and timing belt (kit with the pump). And that’s it.
My major concern is a fuel consumption. It never goes below 11l/100km (city). I’m a “lite foot” driver.
According to some forums it’s pretty common.
But I preffer to pay a bit more for gas, then being in the shop often
Conclusion: Highly recommended, used.
at 11:16 pm
I would rather buy brand new 09 Elantra or Accent at 0% financing. Then it comes with factory warranty for many years to come. Auto industry is suffering, new cars are cheap these days.
at 11:05 pm
My brand new Elantra died the first time 11 Km outside the dealership after we first picked it up. The block heater was not properly connected. It died the second time when the Head Gasket went two weeks later due to a factory defect. We are currently without a car for at least three days while our less than two week old Elantra gets fixed because the engine is now warped. Great car!!!
at 3:21 pm
cheap cars aren’t the best for these times. The market gets saturated with too many cars and oher car prices go down. I have a 2002 RSx I got in 2006 and it’s been reliable as hell even with a turbo with aftermarket mods. Hyundai just copies other companies.
at 9:55 pm
@Karin
LOL!
at 9:28 am
Chris, nice article and thanks for the shout out.
If anyone needs any Elantra (or Hyundai in general) related help please come by http://www.elantraxd.com and ask away.
James
at 1:05 pm
I bought a used 2004 Elantra. 75,000 miles and not a single problem. It does not leak a drop of oil either.
People who accuse Hyundai of copying manufacturers are turning a blind eye to all of the other manufacturers that do the same thing with each other. What matters in the end is how successful the company is at selling their cars. I say in that Hyundai checks out just fine and is currently doing better in sales than other manufacturers.
The quality of Hyundai’s cars have improved tremendously. They are starting to get noticed, you can see in many news articles. And of course, you can’t argue with sales and MANY satisfied customers. I have found that many of the haters are fans of domestic companies, I haven’t figured out why that is yet.
at 8:59 pm
http://www.elantraclub.com has a lot of Hynudai Elantra information. There’s the forum along with member garages, reviews and Wiki.
at 12:14 pm
Leslie, thanks for posting the link. Steve Sargeant got in touch by e-mail to point out that it was missing, so I’ve added it. As I told him, I believe it was included in an older version of this article, but was inadvertently deleted when it was updated in May. Thanks for reading!