The Elantra is Hyundai's best selling model in the U.S. and for 2004, the Elantra receives exterior styling revisions and interior enhancements.
Trying to give Elantra a more refined, more European look, designers created a new hood, front fenders, bumper, grille, headlamp assembly and taillamp assembly.
The new Elantra does look more stylish, but there are many more reasons to like this car than for its outward appearance. One reason to like Elantra, a starting price of just $13,299.
Wanting to appeal to more buyers, Hyundai also added numerous interior upgrades. There's a new instrument cluster, new vents and vent controls, new seat fabrics, new center stack, and revised HVAC controls.
There is now a much-needed, felt-lined storage pocket located near the driver's side air vent. Remote keyless entry with alarm is now standard on all Elantra models. A new feature designed to make things easier for do-it-yourself maintenance is the use of two thumbscrews to attach the panel that provides access to the rear combination lamps. In the previous model Elantra the panel was held in place by pressure lift tabs.
My co-tester and I applaud Hyundai for thinking about the do-it-yourselfer. We're sure it would be hugely appreciated by those performing routine service if there were more manufacturers at this level who made things easier to access.
The 2004 Hyundai Elantra is available in three trim levels: GLS, GT 4-door and GT 5-door. The GLS and GT 4-door are sedans, while the GT 5-door is a hatchback.
The Elantra GLS is the smart choice for family sedan buyers. The GLS includes driver and passenger front and side impact airbags, fully independent suspension, air conditioning, power windows, door locks and mirrors, AM/FM stereo with cassette, center console with armrest, 60/40 split folding rear seat, body colored mirrors, door handles and bodyside moldings, tilt steering column and rear window defroster.
The Elantra GT adds four-wheel disc brakes, 15-inch alloy wheels fitted with Michelin P195/60R-15 tires, Euro-tuned suspension, leather seating, fog lamps, white-faced instrument cluster with purple instrument lighting and a rear deck spoiler.
The amazing Kenwood AM/FM, CD and MP3 audio system features the Color Shock variable color display, built-in 50 watt x 4 amplifier and System Q Sound Control with preset EQ curves. The system also incorporates a removable faceplate with carrying case and a grip-type remote control.
Our tester was a GT 5-door model and my oldest son, 15, went crazy when he spotted the MP3 player inside. Like a growing segment of the market, he has loads of music in MP3 format.
A 2.0-liter, four-cylinder DOHC engine powers all 2004 Elantra models. With a sophisticated Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) system, the engine is designed to provide maximum power and excellent fuel economy.
While there's not much to brag about with 138 horsepower, acceleration is acceptable, but a few more ponies would have been nice.
On the other hand, with fuel prices soaring, the 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway are great numbers. During a trip to Valparaiso, Indiana, the fuel gauge in our Elantra GT 5-door tester barely moved.
The Elantra was fairly quiet and quite stable. With GT trim, the sport tuned suspension is firm without being too harsh.
The Elantra is a delightful car, considering all it has to offer for its modest admission price. And let's not forget to mention the best warranty in the business, kudos to Hyundai.
Trying to give Elantra a more refined, more European look, designers created a new hood, front fenders, bumper, grille, headlamp assembly and taillamp assembly.
2004 Hyundai Elantra GT
Engine: 2.0-liter (138 hp) I4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Drive Type: FWD
Fuel Economy: 27 city/34 highway
Base Price: $14,849
As Tested: $15,427 (including $540 for destination)
Website: www.hyundaiusa.com |
