The interior is nicely finished and more comfortable than many subcompacts, including the big name brands. Standard equipment surpasses that offered on cars costing thousands more, and includes side airbags. Measured by build quality, Elantra meets or beats most of its competitors. We believe it will exceed most buyers' expectations. It's no surprise the Elantra is Hyundai's best-selling car in North America with annual sales of about 120,000.

Elantra is available as both a sedan and hatchback, the latter combining the practical advantages of a small wagon with the sleeker look of a sedan. The hatchback is hard to beat for its functionality and looks, but most American buyers prefer sedans. So Hyundai now offers the high-trim Elantra GT as a sedan or a hatchback.