2004 Hyundai Elantra GT Test Drive

Hyundai's on a roll and the GT is one reason why. It combines good looks with 5-door practicality, sports sedan performance, low initial price, and a terrific warranty. Price in the US starts at a very competitive $14,849. Warranty: 5 years, 50,000 mi. bumper- to-bumper; 10 years/100,000 mi. powertrain.

If I was the age today that I was when family needs had to be balanced with driving enthusiasms the Elantra GT would be right up there on my list of prospects. Only the new Mazda3 SportsWagon and the even-newer Spectra5 would also be considered. Okay, I'll admit to a certain amount of prejudice: to me, the ideal car is a 5-door hatch with sporting overtones, very much a European concept. Which is to say, the Elantra GT is a car that's fun to drive but also fits a family of four, and with the hatch opening and fold-flat rear seat allows plenty of space to bring home a week's groceries. Or whatever it is you might want to carry back there. Of course, if the GT was poorly made or looked ugly, it would never get a glance, but in this instance the car is nicely assembled, uses quality materials, and strikes a handsome pose. It even comes with a 6-speaker sound system with AM/FM/CD/MP3 player and keyless remote. For those of you who just can't stomach the idea of driving a hatchback (though for goodness sake I can't imagine why) the GT treatment of wheels, suspension, and upgraded material can also be purchased as a 4-door sedan.

There are cars where you settle into the driver's seat and feel at home. The 2004 Hyundai Elantra GT is one. All the controls are easy to find, the seat is snug but not too tight, and the steering wheel and shifter seem to be positioned just right. The GT also gets you leather-lined seats (multi-adjustable for the driver), steering wheel, and shift knob. Power windows, seats and heated mirrors are part of the package and although the sunroof may be an option, I highly recommend it. Unlike air-conditioning, it doesn't add to the fuel bills. Unfortunately Hyundai has packaged the sunroof with ABS, the latter being more important than fresh air flowing from the roof. I love those purple-illuminated gauges, though; another touch of Hyundai class. Rear legroom is quite good as long as the front seat occupants don't push their saddles all the way back on the sliders. Front and side airbags are standard on the GT. If ease of access is a concern you might want to wait for the next edition, which will be taller. Not that I banged my shins or twisted my aging back but this is a consideration for older drivers. With the rear seats raised, luggage accommodation is quite adequate; lowered you can cart all the family's needs. Or their dog's.

When Hyundai finally decided to get serious about engine power, it built one of the better 4-cylinder engines in its class, endowing it with 138 hp. That's more than enough to provide stimulating off-the-line acceleration and passing power. It is also enough to make this car a fun machine provided the driver is willing to make best use of the 5-speed manual. We did, and soon discovered that the 2004 Hyundai Elantra GT can lay claim to being an honest sports sedan. If you go for the 4-speed automatic you'll give up a little of that performance but not enough to feel ashamed. Buy the 5-speeder and be treated to a slick-shifting transmission with short throws. Through a flow of twisting curves the Elantra GT handles well; just don't anticipate BMW 3-Series cornering abilities. On the other hand, the 4-wheel disc brakes can handle repeated punishment without fade. I enjoyed the Elantra GT in our selective curves group but never quite forgot that, at heart, it is an economical family hack. Nothing wrong with that, by the way.

Even faced with some formidable competitors, the Elantra GT holds up well. If you can negotiate a deal (which shouldn't be difficult using our Edmunds partner's tools) the money you save will more than compensate for buying a car that's nearing the end of its cycle. As already mentioned, the Elantra GT has everything necessary to satisfy the buyer who must balance family use with spirited driving urges. I can't help but state that the 5-door hatch is a better choice than the 4-door, yet I respect the fact that we all have different tastes and anyone who prefers the balanced look of a sedan can now enjoy the GT's added value. Competition is catching and passing the Elantra GT, yet the latter is still a desireable package when the price is right. I like this GT. If only I was in my 30's again, with a wife, two little guys and an occasional mother-in-law passenger, this might be my car. A modern day BMW 2002. Note: As of this writing, Hyundai is offering a $1500 rebate.