Overview & Reviews

All-new Elantra is a slickly styled sedan or wagon featuring dual airbags, side-impact protection and a more powerful engine. Pricing is up as well, pushing this Hyundai squarely into Dodge Neon and Honda Civic territory.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 13.00

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  A very economical, fun little vehicle! - 1996 Hyundai Elantra
  By Kalikiano - March 18 - 3:54 pm

  Bought my 1996 white Elantra GLS wagon from an Arizona dealer. It had 118,000 miles on it and was in excellent overall condition (well maintained by a NASA engineer) at the time. I have been quite pleased with this vehicle. Fuel economy excellent (30+ mpg) and reliability solid. Only problem I had was with the check engine light coming on, but adjustment at the local Hyundai dealer resolved that and the car passed California emissions tests quite easily. The cars great fun, handles well, and extremely practical for passenger or cargo use. A few squeaks due to age, but they just add personality to what has proven to be a very satisfactory purchase. Id buy another Hyundai in future!

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  A great little car for the money! - 1996 Hyundai Elantra
  By Kalikiano - December 28 - 4:16 pm

  I bought my 1996 Hyundai Elantra GLS wagon used (in 2008), with 117,000 miles on it. Since I wanted a white paint exterior, I really had to search a bit until I found one (in Arizona). Ive put about 3000 miles on it so far and it has performed like a champ. Lots of room for myself, wife, and two large dogs. Well appointed, comfortable, with excellent cooling/heating capabilities and superb 360 degree visibility, I soon grew quite fond of this modest but sturdy little Korean automobile. With excellent fuel economy (27-30 mpg average for both city and highway), its really the frugal persons Honda Civic: high quality for low cost. Id recommend it to anyone looking for a good used car!

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  Good Commuter Car - 1996 Hyundai Elantra
  By Broadway - December 19 - 9:34 pm

  Have put on 100-140 miles daily for for almost 8 years of use. Now have 279K on vehical. Major service include refurbished AT tranny at 147k ($1300) and recent water pump ($450) plus timing belt service, used power steering pump,gas filter,2 radiator fan motors,3rd set of tires (90K ea) Have not replaced alternator,muffler,or injector servicing. Check engine light has been on for 100k now. Have crack low on exhaust manifold but still get 35 to 38 mpg freeway,combo 30-33. Still no oil,tranny leaks...amazing! All my previous American cars have messed up my garage!

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  Keeps on Going - 1996 Hyundai Elantra
  By theJackal99 - June 25 - 6:34 pm

  I have over 180,000 on my 1996 Elantra and it just keeps on going. Ive never had to do any major work on it. The paint and exhaust system on the car, however, could use some improvements. Very easy to scratch. The interior could be improved. But again, mechinacally it is awsome.

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  96 Elantra Wagon - 1996 Hyundai Elantra
  By JD2618 - March 6 - 2:00 am

  Overall the vehicle performed well. It was reasonable on gas. It seemed to require more brake maintence than normal. The extended warranty was worth the cost as several items needed to be replaced before 75,000 Scheduled regular maintenance by Hyundai is pricey, especially the timing belt. The Dealer fixed items at no charge that were no longer under warranty for Good- Will. I would recommend the purchase of an Elantra if you get rebates and a good price.

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  Nice little car - 1996 Hyundai Elantra
  By Alex1 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought it used, had it for almost 3 years, about 80k now. Pretty happy so far. Relatively fun to drive, stable on the highway, fast, roomy. Mostly Minor problems and maintanance, but parts for Huyndai are pretty expensive. Overrall, a very nice car, but not as cheap to maintain as the price may suggest.

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  Pleasantly surprised!! - 1996 Hyundai Elantra
  By JB in NJ - June 4 - 2:00 am

  Car has done us well as we have over 125,000 miles now. Changed the oil every 3000 miles and the car has reciprocated. Only problems have been with the check engine light coming on (several recalls and a new gas cap). Have only replaced the clutch once and the brakes once or twice. Recently had to replace the wiper motor and window regulator at about $200 each, but thats been the only problems. Just bought a 2003 Santa Fe based upon our favorable experience with this car.

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  Fun piece of junk - 1996 Hyundai Elantra
  By umm_bacon - January 8 - 2:00 am

  I got this car used from a family friend, and have had a love hate relationship with it ever since. The car is very fun to drive, it being a 5 speed manual, but everything on it except the engine is crap. Literally every creature comfort has broken on this car: the sun roof, power windows, interior door handles x2, head liner, plastic molding, weather stripping, etc. Aside from the numerous problems with the unessentials (everything but the engine) I have loved every minute of owning this car. I would recomend one for a high school students first car.

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  My Hundai - 1996 Hyundai Elantra
  By mikewomack - September 21 - 2:00 am

  Reliable small car. This is my third Hyundai and the best overall. I had a problem with the transmission early on but Hyundai evantually replaced it and it has been humming along ever since. Other than normal wear and tear I havent had many problems, and I am one who doesnt believe in expensive 25, 50 etc. services. As someone said recently...Hyundais can no longer be criticized as cheap cars.

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  Great Little Car - 1996 Hyundai Elantra
  By Bcar03 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  This was my third Hyundai. Great little car for the money. I now have 120,000 trouble free miles on it. I hate to say it, but its time for a new one. I am going to purchase a 2002 Hyundai Elantra.