Overview & Reviews

This year Hyundai adds a GLS version of the five-door hatchback to the Elantra line.

• Solidly built, powerful engine for its class, long list of standard features, comfortable interior, ultralow price tag, generous warranty.

• Floaty ride on the freeway with base suspension, hard to find equipped with ABS, poor offset crash test score.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 240.00

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  Trouble From The Start - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Patti - October 1 - 8:20 pm

  Ive owned seven little old cars in the past fourteen years, many much older than this one, and this one has given me the most trouble bar none. As you probably suspected, the Toyotas and Hondas behaved perfectly. Now Im not gonna say it is all the cars fault, because Im certain its at least partially the fact that the previous owners were idiots (reversed the radiator hoses, made sure the PCV valve would never come out with the application of hardening mud). Plus, you have to consider, if idiots are buying Hyundais... yeah, that was kinda mean. But beware! Every thing I do to it, every fix, is like going down the rabbit hole, even though this car is relatively easy to work on. Let me start from the beginning. I bought the car only 4k miles ago, and with blown struts and cracked windshield and a little hitch in its shifting--I knew about all that. One week after the purchase, driving down the highway, radiator blew. So, tow bill. New radiator, and it was still overheating. This is when we realized the hoses were reversed. New thermostat, new belts while were at it. Two week long saga of getting the belts on juuuuuust right to get one or the other or all of them to stop squealing. Pro tip: tighten the alternator belt. Before I forget, let me mention that now, one of the pulleys is squeaking, will probably need to replace THAT soon. One of the back drum brakes was squeaking, tried to get that off to fix... of course its well and truly stuck, /fail. I did some research on the internet about the shifting, found a lot of people had had success with changing the transmission speed sensors. Bought them on ebay, installed, and... I think its shifting somewhat better. It doesnt do the odd shifting thing anymore... mostly. Its still not perfect, and its driving me a little insane. I think its manuals from here on out for me. But anyway, back to the car. Tried to change the PCV valve, unscrewed it from the valve cover... and the whole effing brass fitting came out of the valve cover with it, because apparently, someoned glued it in. Jammed it back in, PCV valve unchanged. Option at this point: Get really, really creative getting the PCV valve out, or new valve cover, $250. The engine was filthy, decided I was going to wash it before working on it. Wound up flooding one of the spark plugs. Couple-day saga of changing spark plugs (which were due anyway, so whatever), Heet, wires. Apparently Id fried the wire, too. Couple days after that, headlights went out. Both of them, at the same time. Odd, yes? Anyway. Theres more, I know theres more, but Im drawing a blank right at this second, so how about the good: The seats are comfortable, the sunroof still works and doesnt leak, aftermarket stereo plays Pandora. Oh! And Im beginning to suspect parts are cheap, cuz the junkyard quoted me $550 for a new (100k miles) engine. Peeves: Rear foot space is sparing, little spots of rust starting on body.

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  Never AGAIN!!!! - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By atoria - July 13 - 12:40 pm

  I bought my car in 2005 (brand new) only had about 19 miles on it, and i must say that i regret not listening to my grandmother when she said "go to the honda dealership" shortly after 3 years of purchasing this car it has been giving me issues. check engine has been repeatedly coming on for the same issue which pertains to a sensor(s)!!! and currently its the check engine is still coming on for the SaME ISSUE!!!!!! apparently my car is too rich in fuel!!!! I wanted to pass this car on to my sister, but will not due to the fact that it will take money with the amount of repairs that will have to be done by the car.. This was my first car and I havent been happy at all!!!!!!! and any friends who ask about hyundais I immediately tell them no!!! do not waste your money!!!!! because you wont have none after the amount of repairs you have put into constantly fixing the car! Elantras are for elderly folks who only travel around town. Hyundai has my complaint on file and I will continue to call with any additions to that complaint!

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  Little Reliable - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By playmaker - October 25 - 1:44 pm

  This car has been awesome to own. But with just over 100k miles now close to 200k and still going strong. Does surprisingly well in snow and is an excellent commuter. Easy to maintain and no hassles.

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  Zero problems - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By morahno - March 30 - 4:07 pm

  Bought with 128k miles on it. Changed the battery and windshield wipers cause they were old, thats it. After 8 months and 10k have had absolutely no problems.I get 28 mpg combined. The exterior is pretty cool comparing to other cars with same age imo, the interior of course is not good looking, in high speeds it shakes sometimes, the steering wheel shakes a little most of the time, but for the money I paid and the reliability I got, I can overlook those.

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  Great car for the money and forgiving - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By aldvin - March 15 - 12:04 am

  I have had this car since it was new. I had to skip maintenance at times due to have a very small budget. Something I never recommend for any car if can be avoided, however this car has forgiven every time I have done it. I used to drive 1000 miles a week, and not once have I had to worry if I would get to where I needed to. I now have 174k miles on it and still get 29 mpg combined highway city driving. The only problem I have had is breaks...my fault...and had to rebuild top of engine due to my mistake with timing belt...again my fault. I have had a badly charging battery start in cold weather. I will keep this car until the tires fall off compared to a car payment.

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  174K miles and still strong! - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By eldom72 - December 3 - 10:03 pm

  I bought this car last year with 150K miles and Ive already added up 24K miles to it and it still going strong. I was first skeptical before buying because it was a Hyundai but I was proved wrong, this car has been a blast to own.

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  Great little car - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By magpie318 - November 20 - 2:23 pm

  I bought my car about a year ago with 114,000 miles on it. It drove like new. I never had a problem with it. While driving on the highway a deer jumped right out in front of me. I ended up hitting it. At 55 mph the car took the brunt of the impact. It felt as though I had hit a speed bump instead of a 6 point deer. When I got out of the car, and was able to see the damage done to it, I was amazed that no one was hurt. My beautiful car was totaled, but my family and I walked away without a scratch. I am now loyal Hyundai consumer.

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  safest car i have ever owned - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By lizzy8911 - October 19 - 9:26 pm

  i bought a 2005 elantra gt in october 2010 and i absolutely fell in love with it! i loved the whole package and the car was very affordable and great on gas! November 2010, 4 weeks after i purchased the car, i was in a bad car accident at speeds of 55 mph and i t-boned someone who turned in front of my car. I somehow managed to walk away from the accident without a single scratch on me. I would love to own this car again! and also the car i purchased was a reconstructed title so it was already in a car accident and managed to keep me alive. and i also found out i was pregnant during the crash too and baby survived also! I want another one so bad now that i have my daughter!

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  i couldnt be more happy - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By andydemarcho - August 18 - 2:18 am

  Ive been driving my Hyundai Elantra 2005 with 80,000miles on it. still feels like new! great value for great car.

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  2005 Hyundai Elantra Review - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By md2011 - May 19 - 11:09 am

  1st hyundai purchased. Such a good car ended up buying two more hyundais 09 and 11 elantra! Bought this car after it was leased in Dec 05. Have this car over 5 years and never have been disappointed. Only service needed Made (Jul 04)is: Standard oil changes, replaced front brakes, first set of tires @ 30k and a new battery @30k The car has never broke down on us has been very reliable. MPG is good not great very heavy car for the size. We can get 24mpg out of it combined. Tons of features for a low price. For a economy car it is very spunky and has nice handling smooth on the road even rough roads. Pros: Great value, reliable Cons: AM Radio reception poor Awesome Car!