2007 Hyundai Elantra [ 2008 ]
Hyundai Elantra
Overall Score - 8.0 (Very Good)
The Elantra delivers a relatively inexpensive base price, plenty of safety features and a fun drive. If you're in the market for an affordable small car, you should also consider the highly rated Honda Civic and Honda Fit.
Redesigned for 2007, the Hyundai Elantra is largely praised as a well-equipped, pleasing vehicle at a good price. With its improved styling, a larger size and generous safety equipment, MSN calls the Elantra "a viable rival to such favorites as the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla." However, Car and Driver thinks the car is "big on comfort and content, but small on driver satisfaction." For the budget-buyer, though, the Elantra is still an attractive choice. Kelley Blue Book observes that the redesigned 2007 Hyundai Elantra is "now a spacious, fuel- and budget-conscious car that can comfortably pack in a family of five and its cargo."
Generally, critics agree that the Hyundai Elantra is a value buy. Car and Driver writes that if the 2007 Hyundai Elantra isn't "exciting," it still qualifies as a "good value." And Edmunds says, "Shortcomings? You'll find one or two with a new or used Elantra. Still, these blemishes vanish into insignificance when you consider what a great value this Hyundai is for its low price." However, New Car Test Drive points out that "competition includes the stalwarts from Honda and Toyota," which have been perennially popular and well regarded. While most reviewers praise the value of the Elantra, IntelliChoice gives the 2007 model a value rating of "worse than average" for its potential five-year total cost of ownership, compared to other vehicles in its class.
The 2007 Hyundai Elantra is available in three trims: the base GLS, the SE and the top of the line Limited. All models have a choice of a standard five-speed manual transmission and an optional four-speed automatic transmission.
Elantra Performance - 7.5 (Good)
Most reviewers agree that the 2007 Hyundai Elantra offers adequate -- but not stellar -- performance for its class. Automobile Magazine writes, "The Elantra isn't a sport sedan, but like a Ford Focus, it always feels composed, even when you throw the corners of Mulholland Highway at it." continue
Elantra Exterior - 7.3 (Good)
Reviewers have mixed responses to the exterior styling of the 2007 Hyundai Elantra. Kelley Blue Book writes, "The impressive exterior styling, with its clean lines and sculpted body sides, borrows design characteristics from the larger and more expensive Azera." continue
Elantra Interior - 8.1 (Very Good)
Most reviewers are impressed with the 2007 Hyundai Elantra's five-seat interior. Edmunds says it "has a cabin with a surprising combination of good design and good materials." A handful of other reviewers complain that some basic amenities like air conditioning are extra on certain trims. continue
Elantra Safety - 9.0 (Excellent)
Critics in general praise the 2007 Hyundai Elantra's "comprehensive array of safety equipment," as Car and Driver observes. And the Atlanta Journal-Constitution calls its standard safety features "worthy of applause." Excellent crash test scores back up those opinions. continue
Elantra Reliability - 7.0 (Good)
The 2007 Hyundai Elantra reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Elantra comes equipped with a stellar five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty. continue
