Hyundai came to america as a cheap car manufacturer and most of the general population knew they weren't the best cars ever mostly because of mediocre at best styling and a very cheap materials feel on the inside. However, we see now that Hyundai is a very serious competitor in the market these days ever since they started putting out some very good cars. The new elantra is no exception to their new image. It is a very well made car with a lot going for it. The styling is pretty, something that women will go for more than men i would think, but the interior is just something great for a car in the under $20k bracket. The hefty steering wheel is a good start for this car, and the rest of the interior follows suit along with it. Everything seems durable and built to last. Easy to use and ergonomic, it is a very user friendly car. It drives well too, the steering could be sharper (we're not looking at a sports car or European built sedan here) but its crisp and easy. Acceleration is adequate and the brakes feel balanced, there's no travel in the pedals before you get anything out of it. The ride is very comfortable, even in the back despite the fact that there is not a very advanced suspension here. It goes around corners quite well and the seats hold you in place while you whip around. This is a very good car for commuting, and has enough space for all your shopping as well.

It is a very spacious sedan, especially in its class. You feel like you are riding in a larger class of cars such as the Accord or Camry. The interior materials are generally good, and the cars driving performance is competent. There are only minor fit and finish issues. The ride is generally supple and handling is generally good.

I love everything about this car, especially its fuel efficiency while still being very peppy and sporty! It's got huge potential for modding, even though it requires $$ to do it. There are many out there who think it can't be done/that it's not designed that way, but they are very wrong!

Overall, I loved my 2006 Elantra, and would still be driving out had it not been totaled in an accident recently. I bought it new, and with exception of a couple of annoying quirks, it treated me well. It was good on gas, even with all the junk that had accumulated in the trunk. It was reliable, and held up very well when I unavoidably rear-ended another vehicle on the highway at approximately 35-45 mph. The car was a total loss - airbag deployed, front smashed in, hood crumpled, windshield cracked, but the interior was fully intact, so definitely a safe car. The only problems I had (the quirks) were 1.) Small door-mounted speaker cover somehow broke, 2.) Driver side windshield wiper loosened while driving in a snowstorm (this happened twice, both times the snow being heavy & wet), and 3.) brake light switch failed causing brake lights to stay on constantly, even when car was not running. (Fortunately this happened when the bumper-to-bumper warranty was still in effect). Overall, I would highly recommend buying this car as a second around-town car, as a commuter car for a college student, or as a first car for a young driver.

Love my car, plan to keep it for family members to use when needed. Car has been dependable and the maintenance has been minimal. Changed all of the drive belts and the manufactured parts are long lasting. No real issues.