The Hyundai Elantra is a fine subcompact. The Elantra is more comfortable and more enjoyable to drive than many of the name-brand cars in its class. There's little about it that seems cheap and interior improvements for 2004 have only refined it. In the workaday grind the Elantra GT is better than acceptable. It's good, and it can run with comparably equipped competitors in nearly every respect except the size of the monthly payments. There it comes out ahead.
Hyundai has made big gains in reliability and build quality, and any concerns in that regard are eased by a comprehensive warranty and roadside assistance plan. Measured by the price-benefit ratio, the Elantra is arguably the best bargain in its class. We strongly urge anyone who puts a premium on value to put this Hyundai on their test-drive list.