2005 Hyundai Elantra Consumer Reviews

Air Bag Did Not Deploy

Written by: NJCommuter on 06/10/2008

Vehicle

2005 Hyundai Elantra GLS SULEV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I had a 2005 Hyundai Elantra and stupidly rear-ended someone. After the impact I sat there staring at the “AIR BAG DEPLOYED” flashing light and wondered where the bag was. Thank God I didn’t need it. Can you imagine if I had needed it what would have happened. Beware and get this equipment checked. I’ll never own another Hyundai. The Elantra was my second and had two bad experiences. Never again.

Favorite Features

Sunroof

Suggested Improvements

Make sure safety equipment works

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Great all around car

Written by: Lenora on 05/29/2008

Vehicle

2005 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This car is very fuel efficient, is extremely dependable, and comfortable to drive and ride in. I haven't had to have any work done to it - only scheduled oil changes, etc.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

It would be nice if the front passenger window could be rolled down even when the back windows are locked. That is my ONLY gripe.

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Relatively Reliable and Good Car

Written by: HurriCane on 05/08/2008

Vehicle

2005 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have 47K miles with the GLS five- speed manual transmission hatchback, and I haven't had any problem with the clutch or engine. Both have been maintained on a regular basis, usually a few hundred miles over every 3000. However, I did have to get the rear brakes replaced at 30K. But this because I was a little abusive with the parking brake while driving. Immaturity I guess. Everything else has been great, but the tape deck needed to be replaced with a more digital deck because of an electrical short at 45K miles. Overall, you gotta be realistic that this isn't going to drive like any type of high end roadster, however I have been impressed with the handling and gas mileage 28-35 usually.

Favorite Features

Hatchback is awesome for storing things. I also love the manual transmission and I haven't had any issues. The power and mileage is great for a compact for under $15K, and the engine is still very good without any issues even after 47K miles.

Suggested Improvements

Better tires. The stock tires are always ready to hydroplane. Also the some of the plastic interior is "flimsy" but the car did cost under $14K so I can happily live with that. An extension on the sun visor would also be appreciated.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Outstanding small car

Written by: David on 04/27/2008

Vehicle

2005 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

My Elantra is one of the best cars I have ever owned at any price. It is comfortable for long trips, gets excellent fuel economy, feels solid, and is pretty reliable. This is one of the few cars I have owned that shines for long distance driving comfort. The car has quality materials except for the paint on the wheels. The wheels showed surface rust after less than two years and had to be repainted. I also had to have the exhaust "down" pipe replaced twice under warranty. It starts fo leak and gets noisy. Otherwise, no problems or complaints. My car is approaching 50000 miles and I still love it. Fuel economy is 34-40 mpg.

Favorite Features

Value, comfort, economy, solid feel, well layed out interior, powerful engine, great A/C, good handling on wet roads, excellent visibility, easy to maneuver in tight spaces, attractive styling.

Suggested Improvements

Needs better quality paint on wheels, have a trunk opener button on the keyless entry system, improve exhaust system so "down" pipes last longer and don't leak, tighter suspension so body has less lean in cornering.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Elantra

Written by: CASEY on 04/06/2008

Vehicle

2005 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Handles better than our Honda Civic, very quiet for that price range. Have had zero problems so far.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

cup holders in the back seat

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Poor Customer Support

Written by: kwiffy on 02/16/2008

Vehicle

2005 Hyundai Elantra GT SULEV 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Interior quality poor. Service poor. Too many times told "Ordinary wear & tear." Leather seat back started to deteriorate within 3 months. Inside door seals tear in short time. Outside door weathrstrip has measles. Told it was ordinary wear & tear. Front & rear brakes replaced at 24K. Headlights went bad within short time, dealer replaced. Thermostat went bad & blew radiator, dealer fixed. Car overheated again, dealer stated radiator cap loose. Floor mats deteriorated & dealer replaced. Bulbs out on dashboard since 6 months old, dealer claims they are not covered. Currently starter grinds early in morning only and A/C makes vibrating noise, dealer found nothing.

Favorite Features

Very roomy car.

Suggested Improvements

Improve quality of parts used in manufacture and fix what is broken.

6 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Great Value Good-looking Car

Written by: greatcar on 02/15/2008

Vehicle

2005 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Still a satisfied Hyundai Elantra customer after 3 years and 22,500 miles. This car compares with Honda Civic for reliability, drive, and economy. Good looking grill and body, finish has held up like new. I live in arctic Michigan and this car has never skidded off the road during the worst sleet and hail storms. FWD holds the road if you drive sensibly during snowstorms. With high gas prices I definitely appreciate the Great fuel economy. Car came loaded and included the moonroof, and boasts the most comfortable front seats I ever experienced in a foreign car (4 Toyotas). Front bucket seats adjust at least 5 ways. The HB excels in visibility. Never had any mechanical problem.

Favorite Features

Comfortable seats

Suggested Improvements

Add a couple inches higher roof for better head room.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Bad Clutch

Written by: disapointed on 02/07/2008

Vehicle

2005 Hyundai Elantra GT 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

For the money it is a decent car. Currently has 43K Miles and like so many others have reported the clutch went out and is not covered under warranty ($1,200 repair) it also has problems with the head lights going going bad. The dealer also said the radiator clamps were leaking at 43K and the belts need to be replaced. I bought this for my daughter and I drive a 1998 Ford F150 with 125K and have never had to do antything other than change the oil, brakes, battery & tires. It surprises me that I am facing so many costly repairs in just 3 years with the Hyundai Elentra.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Improve quality or improve the Bumper to Bumper Warranty. Which they claim is the "Best Warranty in America".

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Not too bad

Written by: Not that bad on 08/27/2007

Vehicle

2005 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Bought the car for a daily commuter w/ some road trips in mind as well. I've been pretty pleased with the car, but it is in the shop right now at 42,000 miles to get the rear brakes replaced. Seems way too early, especially since I have the manual and use my brakes sparingly. Dealer seemed mystified as to why only 1 brake pad was worn badly... Tires were completely bald by about 32,000 miles. Clutch is pretty pathetic too, definately not a sport- machine. Sloppy gearbox sometimes leads to a gear grinding here and there (roomate has the same problem with his Accent). Probably going to be my first and last Hyundai, I'd rather pay a little more for better quality.

Favorite Features

Hatchback is awesome for hauling things around - easily fits my mountain bike. Fuel economy is good too - low 30s in mixed city/highway driving.

Suggested Improvements

Better quality transmission/clutch. Put some effort into the "normal wear" items (brakes, tires, clutch) so we don't get screwed.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Save your money

Written by: Unhappy on 08/18/2007

Vehicle

2005 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This car is a nightmare!I have driven it 37000 miles and so far I have had 3 headlights replaced, the car is rusting out and paint is peeling off. Clutch and transmission both went last night with no warning. Dealership said "sorry its out of warrenty". So much for America's best warrenty.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

If you can't put a clutch in the warrenty for at least 36 thousand miles then maybe you should stop selling manuals.....and a cd player.. no one even sells cassettes anymore

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

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