CD Article: Hyundai Elantra, 2001-2006

[CD_Editor]

         
Used Vehicle Review:


The 2001 Elantra was Hyundai's first serious competition with Japan, says Contributing Editor Chris Chase. Prices on 2001 to 2003 models are very attractive, but he warns to watch for trouble spots with transmissions and rear disc brakes.
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[Juke1]

One common brake issue occurs in cars with rear discs: because the front brakes do most of the work on any car, the rear calipers can seize up over time as they don’t get the same kind of workout that the fronts do.

Most cars with rear disk have this issue, people who think regular rear brake service is a cash grab and neglect to do this will no doubt have this problem.  If you are handy around cars, it's easy to DIY.

[tortoise]

I always thought the rears rusted faster because they were exposed to more road salt, not because there's less of a workout.

The Elantra was a good effort from Hyundai.  I test drove the GT version with its Saab-like hatch when looking for our car.  It isn't quite the handler the P5 is but it's much quieter on the highway.  A surprisingly smooth car.  In the end the dull handling and lower rent interior kept us away.  I had no reliablity concerns at all.

[rrocket]

I thought the GT was a cool-looking car...especially when you could get it loaded with leather, moonroof, etc...

[Winklovic]

This generation of Elantra is more attractive than the current one.

[Cortina]

This generation of Elantra is more attractive than the current one.

Yer if like being stuck in 1989-1991

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 why I never touch Hyundai. Weren't these suppose to be start of the good Hyundai. Well appears not so much.