Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra is handsome, comfortable, versatile, and fun to drive.It would be a decent car if it cost thousands more.For under $14,000, it's a genuine bargain.Elantra comes with one of the most powerful standard engines in the subcompact class, and is among the quickest.It handles as well as many of its competitors and has the sporty feel we like in a smaller car.

The interior is nicely finished and more comfortable than many subcompacts, including the big name brands.Standard equipment surpasses that offered on cars costing thousands more, and includes side airbags.Measured by build quality, Elantra meets or beats most of its competitors.We believe it will exceed most buyers' expectations.It's no surprise the Elantra is Hyundai's best-selling car in North America with annual sales of about 120,000.

Elantra is available as both a sedan and hatchback, the latter combining the practical advantages of a small wagon with the sleeker look of a sedan.The hatchback is hard to beat for its functionality and looks, but most American buyers prefer sedans.So Hyundai now offers the high-trim Elantra GT as a sedan or a hatchback.

Concerned about reliability? Hyundai's warranty is one of the best available.The basic warranty lasts five years or 60,000 miles for the original owner, with free roadside assistance throughout.The engine and transmission are warranted for 10 years or 100,000 miles, and Hyundai protects Elantra from rust-through for five years or 100,000 miles.

For 2004, Elantra has been updated with several interior improvements and mildly different styling.Frankly, you'll have to look carefully to spot the sheet metal changes, but that's fine.The Elantra is an impressive buy either way.