Grassroots Motorsports

Subscribe get a full year for only $23.95 Sample Free Test Drive—no strings attached

New car reviews » 2011 Hyundai Elantra GLS

• 
• 

Better than: Most everything else for the money
But not as good as: We'll get back to you on that one
GRM Bang For The Buck Index: 80.12  

Hyundai redesigned their Elantra for 2011, and the once podlike little car has been transformed into a stylish compact. It bears much resemblance to the new Sonata, which in turn looks like something that should have come from Europe.

Our car had the six-speed automatic transmission, yet a six-speed stick is available. Actually, the additions to the MSRP were somewhat thin: $550 for the Preferred Equipment Package (16-inch alloy wheels, steering-wheel audio controls, sliding center armrest, etc.) and another $95 for floor mats. The final bill included $35 for the all-important iPod cable.

Oh, and P.S.: According to the Hyundai site, the base Elantra starts at $14,830.

Other staff views:

David S. Wallens Editorial Director:

Wow, for $15k I can get a brand-new car that looks sharp, has a 1.8-liter engine and six-speed manual transmission, and weighs less than 3000 pounds? Okay, Hyundai, you have my attention.

The last few Hyundais and Kias that we have sampled have definitely piqued our interest thanks to smart styling and nice interiors. This one continues that trend.

Honestly, I wish I could have spent some more time with this one. Like, for example, after changing tires and brake pads, can it handle a track day?

So, here’s the big question: Can cars like this reignite the sport compact scene?

Tim Suddard Publisher:

At $25,000 the new Hyandai Elantra is a pretty impressive vehicle. The fit, finish, overall look inside and out are of a quality automobile. The ride and handling are very impressive and the whole car is only let down by a rather anemic, droning, 1.8 liter four cylinder engine. What really amazes is that this $25,000 feeling car lists for $14,830. Even nicely loaded, our test example was barely over $17,000. Hyundai has a real winner with this new Elantra. Now just get us a real engine and bit more chassis, charge us a couple of grand more, and give us a Civic Si beater!

Reader comments:

1. DukeOfUndersteer: — Apr 4, 2011 9:51 a.m.
   

   god, these are such a pretty car! I would drive the snot outta one!

2. fritzsch: — Apr 4, 2011 2:56 p.m.
   

   I dont know, to me it looks too soft and cuddly and also a little like the prius. the color certainly doesnt help that. It doesnt strike me as an attractive vehicle, its not a sport compact I would go for.

3. Bobzilla: — Apr 5, 2011 8:26 a.m.
   

   rumors from the peanut gallery are talking about the Nu getting DI in another year or two, and a possible turbo option. I cant wait to see those.

4. JohnW: — Apr 6, 2011 10:05 p.m.
   

   All this praise and the review doesn’t even mention one of the new Elantra’s best attributes: 40 mpg EPA highway. That only adds to value. If I bought new cars, this one would be on my short list.

5. integraguy: — Apr 11, 2011 8:34 p.m.
   

   Another magazine, that shall remain nameless, tested the Elantra and some of it’s competition. One of the points they put under it’s minuses? “Feels like it’s hewn from a block of Jello”….or nearly those words. ALL the mags that have tested Elantras also mention the DRONING engine. I drive a raggedy Civic with a droning exhaust, I wonder if the Elantra’s engine drone is as bad or worse than my 200K mile Civic?

---