2005 Hyundai Elantra Review
Highly competent compact that's fun to drive.
2005 Elantra Review Summary & Specifications
The Hyundai Elantra is more enjoyable to drive than many of the name-brand cars in its class and there's little about it that feels cheap. In the workaday grind the Elantra 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. Elantra is the bargain of the class.New Car Test Drive correspondent J.P. Vettraino is based in the Detroit area.
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| Vehicle Category | Compact Cars |
| Editor | J.P. Vettraino |
| Model Lineup | Hyundai Elantra GLS sedan ($13,299); GLS hatchback ($13,599); GT sedan ($14,849); GT hatchback ($14,849) |
| Engines (standard) | 2.0-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 5-speed manual |
| Engines (optional) | 138-hp 2.0-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4 |
| Transmissions (optional) | 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | dual frontal airbags and side-impact airbags; three-point harnesses at all seating positions; rear child-seat anchors and safety locks |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | antilock brakes (ABS); traction control |
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles with roadside assistance |
| Assembled In | Ulsan, South Korea |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-633-5151 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.hyundaiusa.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 13299 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Hyundai Elantra GT hatchback ($14,849) |
| Standard Equipment | air conditioning; leather seating surfaces; leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear-shift knob; power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry; cruise control; 200-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with six speakers, removable faceplate and remote; tilt steering column; variable intermittent wipers; rear glass defogger and wiper; center console with armrest; tachometer and trip computer; remote fuel-door release; 60/40 split folding rear seat; four-wheel disc brakes; fog lamps; 15-inch alloy wheels; carpeted floor mats |
| Destination Charge | 545 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | power sunroof ($750); trunk cargo net ($40) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | 16184 |
| Layout | front-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 138 @ 6000 |
| Torque | 136 @ 4500 rpm |
| Fuel Economy | 27/34 |
| Wheelbase | 102.7 |
| Length/Width/Height | 177.9/67.7/56.1 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 33.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 39.6/53.0/43.2 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.0/55.6/35.0 |
| Trunk Volume | 37.0 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | 1212 |
| Front Suspension | independent MacPherson strut |
| Rear Suspension | independent multi-link with coil springs |
| Ground Clearance | |
| Curb Weight | 2635 |
| Stock Tires | P195/60R15 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | vented disc/disc |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.5 |