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What have other members experiences been like with
their GT? Read all about it here! And don't forget
to submit your own GT review to the club, too!
Review of the Moment
RonsRallyRedGT Review
2002 Rally Red GT Hatchback -Transmission: Auto - Current Mileage: 21,000 - Purchase Date: 6/28/02
Intro:
"Never buy a Hyundai! They're a piece of junk!" That was the advice a friend of mine,
an owner of a Hyundai Excel, gave me in 1994. In 2001, when I was in the market
for a car to replace our 1997 Saturn SW2 Wagon, the thought of owning a Hyundai never crossed my mind. As I searched the numerous car ads in the daily newspapers, I couldnt believe how hard this decision was
going to be. So many ads, and so many makes and models. Then came the fine print at the bottom of the ads, "Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles, whichever comes first." That's the part that had me worried, the warranty.
Im a driver who usually hits the mileage way before I hit the years. I
love driving! It's my passion! One
day in the paper I see, "Americas #1 Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles Basic and 10 years/100,000 miles Powertrain!" Only, this wasn't small print, it was large! Really large! In fact, this is what brought my attention to the ad.
Then, a surprise I see the name "HYUNDAI next to the ad. "HYUNDAI???" With that kind of warranty???
I began to do my research on the internet, checking
out the few reviews that I could find on 2001 models. I was still a little skeptical,
even after the glowing reviews I did manage to find. "HYUNDAI???" just
kept clicking over in my mind. I happened across Edmunds Car Reviews, and I was
blown away by what they had to say. "Classy", "Quality", "Well Engineered", "Well
Built", "Excellent Value", "Powerful Motor", "Standard Features", were just some of the terms that Edmunds used in their review. Edmunds even rated it a Best Buy! I was
stunned! Then I read the reviews that owners placed on the Edmunds website, and
they used the same terms in their reviews as Edmunds had. Curiosity now had the
best of me. A couple of days later, I found myself on a Hyundai Dealers lot,
test driving a new 2001 Hyundai Elantra GLS Sedan. I gave it the RRRGT road test! Hard starts, hard
stops, sharp turns, highway merging, hitting it hard and heavy! I was truly amazed! The car was definitely solid, and everything I had read on the reviews was true. Even the standard features were a shock, when you compare them to other auto makes
that sell them as an option. I drove the car off of the lot that afternoon, and
that was the first of three Hyundais we ended up purchasing within the next two years.
When Hyundai said, "Driving is Believing", they knew what they were talking about.
The Review:
When I saw my first Elantra GT Hatchback, I was floored! As it was slowly passing me on the highway, I looked over at it and thought, "Nice
Saab!" That euro-look was a killer! Smooth,
yet aggressive body styling, and the gradual slope of the back were eye-catching. Then
I noticed something odd. As our front ends were almost side-by-side, the Saab's
front end looked almost identical to my Elantra GLS Sedan! Except for the slanted
back end, and the black body molding, the front end of the car could've been my double!
As the car passed, I looked to see what model Saab it was, thinking that either they copied the Elantras front end,
or we copied Saab's. (Either way, it looked good!) I looked at the chrome model name as it passed, searching for the model number, and instead, I see "ELANTRA",
and just below that, a red badged "GT" On the left trunk lid, I see "HYUNDAI"! Once again, when I got home, I jumped on the internet to search Edmunds, and see what
I could find out about this new Elantra body style. There it was! The Elantra GT Hatchback! What a beauty! The GT had a list of standard features as long as your arm, including "Leather Seats"! Standard? No way! Edmunds,
along with their customer reviews, went ballistic over the GT! It was compared
to the Saab 9.3 body style (no kidding), at a fraction of the cost. The EGT was
even much nicer equipped than the Saab, with many more standard features.
Body Styling: Rating - 10
I love the elegant look of the EGT's body style. It's so Euro! The smooth contours of
the body almost appear to flow across the car. Nothing square or boxed about
the EGT's styling, as is with some car makers in todays market. A rear spoiler
looks much better on the car. I pondered this idea for a while, and was glad
when I finally bought my Texas DAR Spoiler.
Interior Forward Design: Rating - 9
The cockpit of the EGT is neatly arranged. Everything's where you need it, when you need it. There is
no leaning over or across, just to adjust your radio or the HVAC controls. It's
all right there! The leather seats are the most comfortable I have ever driven
in. They mold to your body, and are not just there for support. The wrap-around feel I get with the seats, gives me that better-control feel when I'm driving. I love the legroom, being a 6'-1" driver! The footrest on
the left even fully supports my size 13 shoe! When I set the cruise control,
I can comfortably rest my right foot under the pedals, with their adequate clearance, letting it slide towards the front of
the floor pan. The dash gauges are one of the coolest I have ever had (this is
car number 19)! I love that purple glow when I'm driving at night! Awesome! The Clarion six-speaker AF/FM CD is also one of the
best stock radios I've seen in a car. However, a personal upgrade with a Sony
XPLOD Head and Speaker system, made a tremendous difference! The moon roof is
a great feature, but if I had been given the option of having one or not, I would have chosen "NOT". The only reason being that it cuts out some of your headspace. At
6'-1", my head is about 1" away from the inner edge of the moon roof overhead frame.
If I catch a bump just right, I get a head-bounce, which reminds me that the moon roof should have been "MY" option
rather than the dealers "Installed Option". The dash panel itself is rather bland
at best. However, the upgrade to a new dash kit really changed the whole interior
of the car, and gave it a new personality.
Interior Rear Design: Rating - 9
Although I have minimal plans to ride in the back
of my own car, a 6'-1" passenger would sit comfortably in the rear seats. There
is plenty of headspace, even with the hatch design, sufficient legroom, and adequate hip space, depending on the number of
passengers sitting in the rear seats.
Trunk Area: Rating - 10
It's truly amazing what you can fit in the hatchback
area! With the rear seats folded all of the way, and the cargo cover removed,
you can get a fairly good-sized load packed in there. At one time I had to pick
up two dressers at a furniture store. I had just planned to make two separate
trips. Fortunately, the dressers didnt have the foot pegs attached yet, and I
was able to place both dressers with boxes in the hatch area, with room to spare! The
guy who was helping me load the car was as amazed as I was! The addition of a
cargo net and cargo tray, are a must, if you dont already have one! They're essential
items when you need them. The cargo tray even acts as soundproofing from road
noise. Very nice!
Exterior Lighting: Rating - 10
The EGT's stock lighting is actually quite good! If I didn't wear glasses and need a little increased lighting for night driving, the
headlights would be perfect. Ive added my own minor upgrades to my lighting needs,
and now my EGT's lighting IS perfect! The fog lights for me are a must! They increase my side view lighting, as well as assisting the low beams up front. The high beams would make an airline pilot jealous!
Bright isn't the word. Can you say "Daylight"? I think the outer rear taillights are just to cool with their rounded design, not to mention the inner
rear taillights giving it that euro look too.
Engine:
Rating - 10
One of the most powerful 4-cylinders I have ever had. That 2.0 135hp powerhouse can kick when you want it to. Yes, I was a little disappointed when Hyundai re-rated the 2.0 Beta Engine at 135 hp, versus 140hp that
had been advertised when I purchased the car. I would have thought that Hyundai
would have beefed the engine up a little (turbo maybe), when they created the "GT" lineup.
Instead, the GT offered the identical engine as the Elantra GLS Sedan had. Still,
by far the best engine I have seen in a compact class car!
Transmission: Rating - 10
The automatic transmission is pretty smooth, but sometimes
if youre driving at low speeds, it will thump between 2nd and 3rd gear.
Now that I've got 21,000+ miles on my car, that annoyance has disappeared. Smooth
as a kitten now! The faster you go, the smoother the transmission feels. My normal highway driving speeds range between 70-75mph, and the car is just inviting
me to "punch it" for a fun ride, but I usually decline the offer. Its so smooth
at times, you don't realize how fast you're going, until you peek at the odometer.
Suspension and Brakes: Rating - 10
Much tighter than the Elantra GLS I formally drove. You can instantly tell the difference between the two cars. The EGTs ride is a little stouter, feeling just a few more bumps in the road, but overall a firm ride. No swaying or loose cornering in turns. With
the recent addition of an '03 Tiburon 19.2mm Sway Bar, the driving characteristics have dramatically increased. You feel you could corner on a dime, and even ask if youd like "heads or tails"! Very tight and controlled feel! I like having 4-wheel disc
brakes, knowing Ive got a little better stopping power than Id have with a disc/drum combo.
That extra foot or two when stopping can make a difference!
Wheels:
Rating - 6
The stock alloy rims are nice. A little to wide-patterned for me though. A recent upgrade
to new Rage Vigor wheels made a huge difference. Not so much in the ride of the
car, but most definitely in the looks.
Tires:
Rating - 8
I was fortunate (unfortunate?) to get the "Tires-For-Life"
with my car. This means I'm pretty much stuck with the stock Michelin 195/60R15's
that come with the car, with no hopes of future upgrades. But then again, with
my driving style, and wanting a little more "cushion" on the road, the Michelin's are an excellent tire! The upside is, when I hit 2/32's on my tread depth, the dealer puts new ones on for free!
Pros:
There are so many, I dont know where to begin! Overall, I'd have to go with the numerous standard features that the EGT offers. This is the first car that Ive ever owned, that is actually "MAGNETIC"! Other cars I have owned, lose their thrill and "new car feel" after a few months, but not the EGT! I love everything about my car, even after fifteen months, it feels like I just bought
it yesterday! The EGT is an easy and fun car to mod. There are so many possibilities to what you can do with this car.
Its amazing!
Cons:
Shorter headroom with the moon roof installed, and
the re-rate of the engines 135/140hp performance by Hyundai. Rear cup holders
and an armrest would be great! That's it!
See ya on the road!
- RRRGT
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Our Reviews
Member Review #1
by CardassianCruiser
2002 Elantra GT black, premium edition, w/auto gearbox
I could go on and on and show you page after page of repairs and adjustments
. . . .oh, sorry, that was my 92 Elantra GLS , the 02
GT is great.
After 30.000 km Ive only had 1 repair, the handbrake DRL switch.
Now if you want to nit-pic on the GT : no light in the back seat,
no low-beam indicator dash light, no fresh air on the out-board air vents with the heat on, cant put my Dino wooden steering
wheel on , and the worst one , no light on the dash light dimmer control.
On the good side, the rear washer runs off the front bottle (have
to remember to fill the rear bottle on the wifes 97 GL wagon), the rear wiper, the hatch can hold a dishwasher, the rear seat
bottom folds in 2 pieces, big map pockets, the stereo got moved to the upper section of the center stack, bigger wheels, bigger
engine, longer, wider, higher (but all that extra bulk may hamper spirited driving) dimming interior light, auto shut off
of head lights with driver door, glove box light, power window residual power, power locks ( but sometimes I want to open
just one door and not unlock all of them), the hatch opens/locks like a door and you can see the high beams over the low beam
when you flash the brights.
Of course the leather, sunroof and ABS of the Premium Package add
up to a great value.
Having had a MK I , have a MK II , and now the MK III Elantra, you
get to know the good and the not so good points of the line.
I miss the overdrive lockout button on the gear selector ( Im always
shifting in to neutral with the 97 wagon)
Got my GT in Oct./02, added a hood deflector ( had a bra on the 92
but it was a lot of trouble with washing and pine needles [big tree in front of house]) put the Tiburon wiper air foil (off
92) on the drivers wiper arm, air horns from PepBoys (from 92), plastic boot tray (the cardboard floor over the spare is really
thin), put the floor mat from the 92 on the boot tray (had cut a old piece of carpet for hauling junk stuff like Mini gearboxes
in the sedan), added a sticky mat and the Pep Boys cargo net (from the 92) , added the rear spoiler (the basket handle) and
I think the extra horizontal line is need to take away the tall look of the rear, Accent black antanna (the stainless does
tend to dull) added a bumper foil (internet someware) but the foil is black and black-on-black does not show off the "H" logo,
4 sheep-skin seat belt covers (Cornwall, GB internet) ,Velcroed my Hyundai umbrella to the cargo cover, peddle pads (Pep Boys),
wheel locks, Toyo snow tires on sedan steel wheels (dealer take offs) and a trailer hitch. Thats it for now. (the winter wiper blades and the VW floor mats are only for the "salt" season)
I have a Bosh driving light and a fog light (left overs from a 88
VW Fox 3 door and a high curb) that Ill try one on the rear as a back up light and Ive been looking at the Hella Black Magic
driving lights for the front but at 300 + dollars (got to remember the beaver buck is not worth a lot) , I may have to settle
for something else. I odered a set of front fender marker lights from Shark Racing, after inquiring about the size of the
hole required,and when they said just a hole for the wire, I ASSUMED they were surface mount BUT they require a 25 x 35 mm
hole (1 x 1.5") cut in the fender. This one will have to wait.
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Member Review #2
by gdavidson79
2003 Carbon Blue Hatchback, 5 Speed
I've had my eye on the GT ever since it was introduced
in '01 and had seen an article in Car and Driver around that same time. My brother-in-law and I both dropped our jaws when
we saw all the standard equipment next to a 15K window sticker. Ever since then I've been biding my time until I was able
to park one in my driveway.
After suffering for two summers in Arizona without air
conditioning in my old minivan, the wife finally gave the OK to get a new set of wheels and I immediately drove to the nearest
Hyundai dealership and laid claim to my '03 Carbon Blue Metallic GT. Originally, I wanted the "stripper" (I say this lightly
since there's only 3 options :D)...didn't want the moonroof due to extra stuff that may break down the road. The ABS and included
TC was tempting, but again, I didn't want to have to pony up for the moonroof just to get the added brake system. I had done
my homework and knew the 4-wheel discs were excellent as they came so I wasn't too worried about no ABS on my car.
Unfortunately, the dealer didn't have the "stripper"
in the blue color. I was heartbroken since the blue is the only color I felt really made the car look stylish. I was about
to walk away when they mentioned that they had a fully loaded (moonroof, ABS/TC) in the blue and would sell it for $300 over
invoice. I asked to see it and it was "the one." Never been touched, less than 8 miles, and sexy as can be. I went home, did
some price checking on Consumer Reports, went back and did some negotiating, and drove home with my new GT...just one month
ago.
And I can say that it was a great buy. Aside from having
car payments, I am enjoying it fully. 1300 miles in a month, a little high, but in Phoenix it's hard to get anywhere without
driving a long way...everything is so spread out! I'm loving the A/C especially since the weather here starts hitting the
90's by mid-April. The window tinting helps keep things cool and will protect the leather in the summer heat of the desert.
Everything is stock so far but I plan on getting the
cargo net and rubber cargo mat for the cargo area, the Tib's aluminum pedal set, and maybe a dashkit (I'm looking for a good
kit ...any suggestions?). Other mods I'm looking at are the cold air intake system, the short shifter, definitely bigger wheels
and matching rubber to with them, and the thicker sway bars from the Tib. After those upgrades, it will be a little more Euro-ish
and morebefitting of the GT badge.
My brother-in-law is jealous now since I was able to
get this car before him, but he's sitting pretty with his new Solara so I don't think he has much to complain about anyway
;) But I'm definitely the envy of most others on my campus...I'm not used to turning heads after driving a minivan :)
Greg Davidson
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Member Review #3
by altrkr7980
2003 Black GT Sedan, 5 Speed
I have driven and owned a lot of cars, one every year since I've
been able to drive. I went to the dealership looking into a car for my fiance to get to school in. She was looking at an Accent,
and I was staring at this Rally Red GT hatchback. I remember thinking, "wow that looks like a Saab, I wonder if it drives
like one?"
Well my girlfriend bought my Jetta TDI and I think since she is
going to be commuting farther than I that was the right decision (up to 50mpg in the VW)! This left me without a car. I decided
that since I liked the dealership so much (eastside Hyundai in Kirkland, WA) I'd buy a Hyundai. They were extremely patient
with me, I drove every model or car except the Santa fe and the XG 350. I liked the style of the Tiburon, and I fell in love
with the GT- V6, but decided that I wanted something that would get me in a little less trouble...I couldn't aford it!
I wasn't willing to sacrifice to the 4 cylinder version, it just wasn't comfortable enough to be a 4 cylinder.
I drove that Rally Red Elantra GT that had caught my eye... I liked
it but it wasn't fully loaded. I wanted the TCS and ABS and Moon, we found one, the black sedan. I liked the sedan better
because it had a trunk, and a spoiler looks better on a sedan in my opinion. I took that car home! I still love everything
about it, it's the best handling car I have driven, very responsive. It's the most user friendly interior, every control in
easy reach. For a stock system the Cd player is good, it's still going to go but it's good for now.
I got a compliment at a gas station from a guy who drove a BWM M3!
He did not believe it was a Hyundai. "Sleek ride, how much did it cost ya?" I glanced at his car and laughed, "you don't want
to know buddy!" This car is going to be a keeper. I can't wait to get some custom work done, make the car a little more MINE!
Rick Quintus
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Member Review #4
by grundleink66
2003 Black GT, Auto Trans.
All I have to say is that I love my 2003 GT! I have only modified
the exhaust, removed the resonator and put on a kick ass stainless steel muffler. I wanted it very aggressive and with a deep
tone. Needless to say I am very happy with the improvement it made. Seems like I am getting better gas mileage and performance
from it, too.
Going from a Ford Focus to this is a dream. I don't know what I
was thinking when I bought the Focus but I am happy in my new GT. I have talked my girlfriend into getting one as well!
I am always looking for input on after market parts from other fellow
Elantra GT Club members. So if you have some ideas please feel free to let me know.
Robert Schultz
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Member Review #5
by loopy105
2002 Pewter Hatchback, 5 Speed
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I don't have to say everthing I like about the car that you people
don't already know. This car is my first new car and I'll tell ya I'm very happy with my decision, the only drawback
I've found is the resale value sucks.
It all started when my younger sister was in the market for a new
car last year (5/02). She came to me for suggestions... she was a 20 yr. old on her way to college so she wanted
something that was cheap ($16,000 and under) and very reliable. Of course I suggested a Japanese car because of past experiences
/ownership.
One of the cars she suggested was "That one with the really
good warranty, who is that?" I told her it was the Hyundai,
and I didn't trust the Hyundai so stick with Japanese, because Hyundai had a history in the 80's of being "Unreliable
Econoboxes". So she did and she ended up buying a 2002 Mazda
Protege ES. I really liked the car and she did too. Well
I was jealous that my younger sister of 7 yrs. got a brand new car before me, so I jumped on the old computer
and started searching for comparable cars to hers and that's when I found the Elantra. The only reason I looked more
into it was the options I would get for the price, and the warranty could not be beat. I looked more into the car and also
talked to a co-worker who has a '98 Hyundai Elantra w/65,000 mi. on the odometer. She told me the only problem she
had was a parking brake problem, and nothing but good came out of her mouth about the car. Her and her daughter drive
the car and her daughter loves the car too.
So off to a Milwaukee Hyundai dealer I go to test drive
the car, I was sooo impressed I ended up buying my first new car! I figured w/ the warranty, I can't
go wrong.
Everyone who rides or drives the car just absolutely
loves it. They either say "I can't believe the price you paid for it" or "Wow, this thing rides sooo
good". I had one friend say the only reason he knew it was a
manual transmission was because he saw my arm moving, otherwise he didn't even feel me shifting. (Of course I think a part
of that is because every car I've owned has been manual, so I think I know what I'm doing)
By the way I paid $14,500 w/everything but an automatic, I
don't know if it's true or not but the dealer told me that they usually don't see an Elantra w/manual and the sunroof, ABS/traction
control options. The only thing that is done to the car
is I got a bra for it and I love the look it gives the car. I can't afford much more though, at least not now. I'll
send pics as soon as I get a good digital camera.
I almost forgot, my sister that bought the Protege, said she loves
my car! And she's jealous that my car not only rides better but also a better sounding stock radio!!
That stock radio does sound kick a@@, for stock at least.
~~~Another
Wi. Badgerland Elantra driver~~~ |
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Member Review #6
by F1guy68
Being in the car buying
market for a long time, I was really getting confused and flooded with the amount of cars that I sort of liked, but just couldn't
really commit myself to buying because of design, value, and of course the monthly payment.
Alas, I had given up and decided not to buy a new vehicle, and just continue
to drive my 97 Astro Van for another year or two. THEN IT HAPPENED...a brand
spanking new Elantra GT passed me on my left, and I said to myself. WTF... that car is sweet.
I accelerated hard to catch up to it, and we met at a red light. Oh man.
I drooled all over myself, and I thought..WOW...that's a Hyundai. Can't be! (Again,
I thought it was a Saab at first) Are my contact lenses dirty? I never considered
Hyundai into my list of cars to buy, because...ahem...well I thought the same as most people when it comes to the name
Hyundai. You think Pony. Right! That was pretty ignorant of me, but I have redeemed
myself through buying this car!
Well, I thought about that car for the rest of the day, and when I got
home, I was right on the internet and reading and pricing mine out. I just knew
I really wanted to buy one, but it was so nice, I thought I'd never be able to afford it.
WOW for the second time! I'm entering all my options and my down payment
etc, and I'm elated or elantra-ted to find that I could purchase and insure this vehicle monthly with all the options I want,
for what gas would have cost me alone with the van. Incredible but true!
Monday it was off the dealer with a print off of the info from the web. I said to the salesman, this is what I can afford, give me this price as stated here
(on the paper) and I will buy this car. I'm not a person to go and sit and haggle
a deal, and I think the salesman knew I meant business. He came back with a monthly
price $5 less than the payment on the paper. WOW for the third time.
After signing the papers, the dealer told me it would be a week or two
before I could take delivery, which did not sit well with me, as I was so excited about the GT. I said, that I wanted it now, and he did some calling to dealers, and managed to find the car I want, so
they met my request and I took delivery on Wednesday. Can you say WOW for the fourth time...lol.
Everyday since then, this little gem of a car has been wowing me over
& over. I have encountered no problems whatsoever with the car, and I feel
a Karma with my car, that says to me, keep me clean and shiny and I will run you to your grave...lol.
Well, that may be an exaggeration, but I feel this car is going to be
very reliable, and worth more than the money I paid for it. Sometimes I feel
guilty that I paid so little in comparison to a car that delivers big!
When people drive by me, and they check out the car and give me a thumbs
up, it is a fantastic feeling. I don't know if they know anything about the car
or how affordable it is compared to it's rich looking skin, but on the other hand I don't want to tell them for my own selfish
reasons! I want to sell people on the car, but then again I don't...lol.
As I have mentioned before, I live in a metro city that is bombarded
with Civics, which always leaves me to believe that people really do follow other people, the Civic is just not a stand out
or original car anymore! Whilst the Civic is a staple item in the automotive
world, I'm just so happy to be a leader in my Hyundai Elantra GT, and feel it is my duty to break up the monotony of Civicilization...lol (I meant to say that)
Anyway, to anyone in the market for a new car here is the most important
info that really matters to you. For the price, whether in Canadian or US funds,
where can you find a car that offers you all of the standard equipment that this car does along with incredible style &
warranty.
And if your still questioning the reliability of this car GET OVER IT.
It's been dealt with, and this car is a good as any other off shore car on the market today in its class! Remember, initially I was going to buy this car just for its looks, than I took a drive and that's
when I really knew this car was about quality, fit and finish. All manufacturers
have their downfalls; no car will ever be perfect. Its impossible, but this Hyundai
Elantra GT relative to price vs. features vs. build quality vs. warranty and the list goes on, is pretty well close to perfect
in my opinion.
Test drive and you will agree Driving Is Believing!
- Richard
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