Un•i•corn | Noun | Definition: An elusive mythical beast. Mix equal parts extreme value, good looks, and great warranty. Add incredible fuel economy and a dash of luxury. Place in Alabama manufacturing facility to bake. Result: a vehicle that sends competitors running in search of their own elusive mythical beasts. (Serves 4 in relative comfort—5 in a pinch).

While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement surrounding the next generation of hybrids and plug-in cars, the new 2011 Hyundai Elantra is a good reminder that the conventional combustion-engined car still has a lot of mileage left in it—especially when executed with such style, efficiency and value.

In the last couple of years, the market for cars the size of a Corolla or Civic has seen the number of quality competitors surge. A category once dominated by Toyota and Honda has been increasingly joined by the likes of the Chevrolet Cruze, Nissan Sentra and upcoming Ford Focus. In addition, smaller vehicles such as the Ford Fiesta are becoming so popular that they end up peeling sales away from their larger brethren. At this point there’s no denying that the small car market has become a cutthroat business.

So what’s a scrappy little Korean manufacturer to do in the face of such adversity? Up until now, Hyundai’s strategy has been to offer the best warranty in the industry combined with rock-bottom prices. Yet given the abundance of competition, that strategy alone eventually was bound to stop working.

Glimpsing this world of the future from afar, Hyundai sat their engineers and designers down and asked them to do one thing: create a small car that still offered the value and warranty customers had grown accustomed to, but provided much more content than any of their competitors could possibly provide. Instead of saying it couldn’t be done, those designers and engineers came back with the 2011 Hyundai Elantra—a strikingly good-looking vehicle that serves up 40 mpg on the highway and 29 in the city, starts at around $16,000, and for about $22,000, comes completely optioned out with a dizzying assortment of doodads, some of which are usually reserved for luxo-mobiles. What other vehicle in this segment, or a segment even close to it, offers heated rear leather seats?

Elantra Cabin

Value and Options

Available in two models, the base Elantra GLS and the upgraded Elantra Limited, Hyundai chose to simplify the car buying experience by offering almost everything as standard or in the form of an add-on package—and the standard list of features that come on the Elantra is impressive. The GLS starts at $14,830, but that price won’t get you air conditioning. To get the air conditioning (and 16″ steel wheels) you’ll have to add the “popular equipment package” for about $1,200, bringing the price up to $16,080. Other upgrade packages fill out the top end of the GLS model and add items such as an upgraded sound system and nav.

The next step up, the Elantra Limited, adds in a standard six-speed automatic transmission, leather seats, cruise control, heated front and rear seats, and fog lights for $19,980. Even completely topped out, the Elantra Limited Premium can’t be had for more than about $22,000—which adds in a navigation system with a massive 7-inch LCD screen, back-up camera, 360-Watt audio system, and push button start with a proximity key transmitter.

When the entire package is added up, the 2011 Elantra Limited Premium is just about the best new car deal on the road today at $22,000.

Elantra First-Drive

How Does it Drive?

Elantra Gauges

During approximately three hours of driving along the U.S.-Mexico border, I was able to test the Elantra Limited on a variety of terrain, from highway to stop and go to winding back country roads. At highway speeds, its brakes (disc in both the front and rear) were a bit grabby and the handling felt mushy when making lane changes, but those issues largely disappeared when traveling at lower speeds or taking it through twisties.

Elantra’s handling and acceleration felt a bit ho-hum, but then I have to remind myself that we’re talking about a $15-22K small car. In that light, and when compared to the competition, the 2011 Elantra scores very well, providing a ride that does not disappoint.

Styling

Aside from the great fuel economy and pricing, it is the Elantra’s exterior and interior styling that sets it apart. Following in the footsteps of the Hyundai Sonata’s “fluidic design,” the Elantra’s sheet metal is wrapped taut around underlying muscle. The exterior design cues continue to the interior where the components, even on the base $15,000 GLS, have the feel, fit and finish of a more expensive car. Even though the interior styling felt expensive, I was a bit put off by the adolescence of its design—it looked like a Transformer in the midst of a noisy, clanking transformation.

Elantra Backseat

Overall Impressions

The 2011 Hyundai Elantra presents just about the best bang for your buck that you could imagine in an automobile. It has upscale features, incredible fuel economy, a great price, stunning looks, and a jaw-dropping warranty. Hyundai has made the automotive equivalent of a Unicorn.

Would I buy it myself? If I weren’t an early adopter in every sense of the word and I wasn’t in the market for an electric car, yes the Elantra would be a top choice on my list. I imagine a car like the 2011 Hyundai Elantra greatly appealing to commuters, deal-hunters, frugalists, and to parents looking for a first vehicle to buy their teenagers. In fact, the Elantra offers so much content for such a low price that it should be considered by consumers across the entire market regardless of what other vehicles are on their shopping list.


Posted in Carmakers, Compacts & Sedans, Decision Process, News
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  • Yegor

    Yep, it will blow into Hybrids face.
    It is a direct competitor in vehicle class to Toyota Prius 51/48 MPG and Honda Civic 40/43 MPG.

    Before 2011 Hyundai Elantra (29/40 MPG) the best Internal Combustion Engine fuel economy competitor in this class was Honda Civic with 25/36 MPG. 2011 Hyundai Elantra Fuel economy numbers are significantly closer to Hybrids. It makes Hybrids less appealing. I think that 2011 Hyundai Elantra fuel economy and price will take some buyers from Hybrids. Hybrids need to step up and improve the fuel economy or price.

  • SethDove

    10 miles per gallon difference for city driving means it is not a direct Prius or Civic hybrid competitor. I have no doubt getting 40mpg will require celestial allignment.

  • Shawn

    It may not be a direct competitor to the Insight or Prius, but it certainly bites at the heels of the larger Camry Hybrid fuel economy.

    The price vs benefit, is also going to be a major plus. It would be interesting to see the numbers if this was a hybrid.

  • scolas

    I hadn’t realized I’d stumbled onto “carswithgoodmilegae.com”

    Hopefully we’ll see a story on it’s hybrid or plug-in version soon. Then I’ll be impressed.

  • Anonymous

    40 mpg highway?

    I think it’ll just be the new normal for a lot small cars, not something to brag about anymore. Ford Focus is also aiming at 40 mpg highway. We’ll see what happens to Honda Civic after the new year.
    Too bad hyundai failed to step up to the task and tighten the mediocre handling, otherwise it would be a candidate for my serious consideration.

    – “It may not be a direct competitor to the Insight or Prius, but it certainly bites at the heels of the larger Camry Hybrid fuel economy.”

    But the Camry is a mid-size car that can seat four very comfortably, isn’t it?

    – ‘I hadn’t realized I’d stumbled onto “carswithgoodmilegae.com” ‘

    LOL.

  • Ben

    Hi Folks…I test drove the car yesterday and really like it. Of course the dealer is hocking me to buy now, but I’d like to actually see what the color choices would be first. Anyway, what would your thoughts be about this not being a commuter car, but a weekender…taking it on day trips, etc where one might be in the front seats for hours at a clip? You see, I live in NYC, and park on the streets here, and every little inch helps, so a large cruiser isn’t practical. Thanks.

  • Charles

    The Chevy Cruze Eco is 28/42. I think we are going to see this size class at 27-30 MPG city and 38-42 MPG highway as common within the next two years. If you cannot play in that range you will not be competitive.

  • Anonymous

    Gas prices are creeping towards $3/gallon. I believe Fiesta,Elantra & Cruze will sell big this year.

    It will be better if these cars were sold in Wagon model which offer lot more space and could compete with mid-size sedans.

  • Yegor

    Fuel economy is tricky with direct injection engines.
    According to fueleconomy.gov “Drivers Like You” data Chevrolet Equinox fuel economy is much lower than EPA numbers – average 24.2 MPG (when EPA is 22/32, average 26)
    while Hyundai Sonata is much higher than EPA numbers – average 29.6 MPG (when EPA is 22/35, average 26)

    So probably Hyundai Elantra will deliver the promised fuel economy!

  • Anonymous

    Regarding the camry comment, the epa rates the elantra as a midsize when it comes to it’s interior. Regarding the comment about the planets aligning for 40mpg highway, that’s the average. Supposedly if the planets are aligned the car can actually get 47 highway, at least according to the window sticker. From what i’ve also read, the car is supposed to get 500 miles highway on a single tank

  • Yegor

    It is interesting with the real fuel economy (“Drivers Like You”).
    Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen Diesel is actually very much EPA under rated – while EPA rates it 30/42 MPG, “Drivers Like You” get 39.3 MPG on average! Not bad!

  • Anonymous

    @Charles:

    EPA rating for Cruze eco:-
    28 mpg city / 42 mpg highway (manual)
    26 mpg city / 37 mpg highway (automatic)

    Unfortunately, GM clearly miss the boat for 90% buyers who drive auto in the U.S., EPA 26/37 is nothing to brag about.

    BTW, Cruze eco is also expensive (for an economy car), just build a 6 A/T base model at their web site, MSRP: $19,625.

  • SethDove

    “Regarding the comment about the planets aligning for 40mpg highway, that’s the average. Supposedly if the planets are aligned the car can actually get 47 highway, at least according to the window sticker.”
    That is simply not what anyone else is saying. Citation or it’s not true.

  • John Kurmann

    Hold on there, Yegor. Sure, it’s 40 MPG highway rating will be close to that of comparably-sized hybrids like the Civic and Insight, but it’s 29 MPG city rating will drop its combined rating to about 33 if the Fiesta SFE’s fuel economy rating is any indication. Yep, it’s 29/40/33. Even if the combined MPG comes out a big higher – say 34 – it’ll be 7 mpg lower than the Insight and current Civic Hybrid (with a redesigned model just around the corner), which use a weak-hybrid system, and 16 MPG below the full-hybrid Prius. In other words, I think it’s great Hyundai has managed to get the highway MPG of their entire Elantra line up to 40, but conventional cars still fall well short of the best hybrids in city and combined MPG.

  • Yegor

    When I said Elantra is a competitor I said that it is in the same vehicle class – size wise as Prius and Civic. This is what I said and meant.

    Surely Hybrids have much better fuel economy but when ICE cars get better fuel economy they entice some Hybrid buyers as we can see on Escape and Highlander example since Hybrids are more expensive and the difference in fuel economy falls short to justify the difference in price.

  • Abe

    The Chevy Cruze Eco is only 28/42 with the MANUAL transmission (10% of the market). The Elantra has the same MPG for the manual AND AUTOMATIC. (devil in the details)

  • Abe

    We should all be screaming HOORAY!!
    Most americans can’t afford a hybrid, but they might be able to afford this car. This is a game changer and a push in the right direction for all manufacturers.

  • SAR305
  • SAR305

    Funny, I’m moving to NYC and considered going carless. However, based on early reports, I decided long ago that this would be THE perfect hassle-free me-hauler. Absolutely ideal for weekend trips with its plentiful interior room for a friend or two, and our baggage(mostly emotional), plus it’s easy to park. Seriously, I love this damn car! For years, the auto industry punished econo-car shoppers with passionless designs, but that clearly isn’t the case with this little inspiration. Looks great, best in class mileage, roominess, and warranty, undercuts the competition in price, etc. Can’t ask for much more, really. Good luck!

  • Anonymous

    Sethdove, SAR305 beat me to it. Check the link he posted

  • Anonymous

    @SAR305,
    The fact of the matter is: combined EPA rating is STILL (just) 33 mpg (City/Hwy 29/40), far below what’s attained by Prius/Insight.

  • Anonymous

    “Supposedly if the planets are aligned the car can actually get 47 highway, at least according to the window sticker.”
    When has EPA become an astrologer?

  • Anonymous

    For now. It isn’t a hybrid and doesn’t claim to be, but hybrids gotta step up a bit over the next decade. Hyundai is shooting for 50mpg by 2025 and they’ll probably have it sooner. If hybrids haven’t come along just as well by then, I really don’t see the point in them

  • IU Josh

    I think some of you are forgetting that a loaded Prius costs $10,000 more than a loaded 2011 Hyundai Elantra. Do the math:

    Say you drive 10,000 miles a year, with gas at $3 a gallon in the new Elantra. Let’s assume combined mileage is 34mpg. 10,000 miles / 34 mpg = 294.18 gallons per year, which is roughly $882 per year spent on gasoline.

    Now, let’s consider the Prius. 10,000 miles / 50 mpg = 200 gallons per year, or $600 dollars a year on gas.

    With a $10,000 price difference between the two vehicles, I could drive an Elantra for 35 years (well over the useful life of a vehicle) and STILL have spent less money on MSRP and gasoline than if I had bought a Prius.

    I’m currently intoxicated and can figure this out. Some people, I swear…..

  • SAR305

    @Anonymous
    The fact of the matter is: I was responding directly, and specifically, to SethDove’s uninformed post. The message you addressed to me has zero relevance to the “citation” I was providing. Thanks for the info, though. Not.

  • Yegor

    @IU Josh,

    Most of the people do not buy loaded model but buy the base automatic transmission model.
    Hyundai Elantra: $19,980
    Toyota Prius: $22,800

    Most of the people drive on average 15,000 miles per year.
    Hyundai Elantra average MPG is 33 not 34.
    10,000 miles / 33 mpg = 303 gallons per
    1 gallon can easily go to $4 anytime soon
    303 * $4 = $1,212
    Prius
    10,000 miles / 50 mpg = 200 gallons per year
    200 * $4 = $800

    difference $2,880 / $412 (per year) = 7 years
    The Prius pays for itself in 7 years
    Also Prius is very reliable.
    Also Prius will save you on brakes replacements since Hybrids brakes last several times longer because Hybrids use regenerative braking.

  • Anonymous

    @Yegor,

    Many ‘analyses’ like those from IU Josh are flawed. They fail to account for the difference in reselll values btn Prius and Elantra. Yes, you pays more for hybrids like Prius, but Prius obviously has a higher resell value, too. And more likely than not, higher % in retained value.
    Unless, of course, that you never sell cars you buy.

  • SAR305

    @Anonymous^

    HYUNDAI ELANTRA EARNS HIGHEST RESIDUAL VALUE IN ITS CLASS IN THE 2011 ALG RESIDUAL VALUE AWARDS

    FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 11/17/2010

    ALG, the industry benchmark for residual values and depreciation data, today announced its 12th annual Residual Value Awards, honoring vehicles across 19 different segments and two brands that are predicted to retain the highest percentage of their MSRP after a three-year period. The 2011 Hyundai Elantra topped the competitive compact segment, winning ALG’s award for the highest residual value in its class.

    The 2011 Residual Value Awards are based on the entire model year forecast of 2011 products. Award winners are determined through careful study of the competition in each segment, historical vehicle performance and industry trends. Vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand and pricing and marketing strategies are among the key factors that affect ALG’s residual value forecasts.

    “Hyundai’s win of the mid-compact segment highlights the growing reputation of the brand, as well as its impressive new product push,” said Raj Sundaram, Senior Vice President, Solutions Group and ALG. “The all-new 2011 Elantra shines with standard luxurious features and a modest price tag, and it’s expected to be a favorite of young drivers like the VW Jetta and Mazda3 before it.”

    The all-new 2011 Elantra encompasses Hyundai’s latest ambitions including “Fluidic Sculpture” design, advanced safety technologies and best-in-class 40 mpg highway fuel economy. It took 33 months to develop the all-new Elantra and four years to bring it to market. The 2011 Elantra launches with new 1.8-liter “Nu” engine and in-house six-speed automatic transmission.

    “Achieving such tremendous value retention speaks to the overall quality and merit of the Elantra,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Vehicles that retain their value in the long-term offer a lower overall cost of ownership to the customer, allowing Hyundai to offer strong lease options to consumers and better resale value at trade-in time for our customers who purchase their vehicles.”

  • SAR305

    All this talk of the Prius has become so tiresome. Understand this: The Prius is sinfully ugly, and rare is the consumer who will sacrifice aesthetics, and to a lesser extent(as it applies to this class), performance, for moderate increases in fuel economy. Especially when there is a hefty premium, feature for feature, on all of this sacrifice. In terms of styling, creature comforts, roominess, mpg’s, performance, reliability, etc., the Elantra, clearly, promises to be the better value.

  • Anonymous

    @SAR^

    After reading such a long piece of marketing material, I asked myself: where’s the beef? i.e. where is the most important information car buyers want(and hyundai try to tell its customers), the % of residual value of ’11 Elantra, why such an omission?

  • SAR305

    Speaking of tiresome- Being irrepressibly compelled to confront the insistent ignorance on this forum and correcting the resultant misinformation.

    “After reading such a long piece of marketing material,…”- It seems to me you’re suggesting that ALG is a paid agent of Hyundai, despite the easily researched fact that they’re the accepted, and presumably trusted, industry standard for projecting residual values. The very same residual values that I’m certain you’ve used to cull, compare, quote, etc. in your own auto research. Also, the very same residual values that you are now shamelessly demanding, and with seemingly unwitting self-contradiction.

    “why such an omission?” Simple. Residuals are generally not published for vehicles at this point in their nascency.

  • Shines

    Well I don’t own either the Prius nor the Elantra. Given the choice (not based on $$) I would easily take the Prius over the Elantra. Sorry to disagree with you SAR305 but since you brought it up I think the Prius styling is excellent. The Elantra’s (like the new Sonata) is a little to “mushy” for me. I’ll admit that the Prius styling might be a bit too “edgy” but I like its wedge design. As far as the residual value award by ALG (sorry I never heard of them) that is for 3 years… what happens after 5 or 7 years? I don’t like to be so negative (I do think Elantras are very good cars) but this whole article comes across as an ad for the Elantra and all of a sudden there is this new member on this forum who finds discussions of the Prius tiresome and also thinks the Elantra is THE perfect me-hauler. And you are moving to the city where the Prius will get 50 MPG and your Elantra will (in city driving) only get 29. Good luck with that.

  • SAR305

    I’m going to address each one of your considerations in a linear fashion as it makes for a less maddening exchange.

    Styling is certainly subjective, but I would bet the vast majority of consumers would prefer the Elantra over the Prius, as I already know most well-worn reviewers do.

    Don’t apologize for your tastes.

    “Edgy”?- More like “eggy”.

    Never heard of ALG?- I’m uncertain if that is supposed to be some sort of meaningful sleight, but if you’ve ever been one to investigate residual values, then you would know their work.

    “What happens after 5 or 7 years?”- Depreciation is not going to experience some precipitously exponential drop off after 3 years. Instead, the comparative rates after that point will be commensurate with what preceded it.

    You find the article to be suspect?- Well, I have zero editorial control over this site as I am just an independent poster like yourself(I assume).

    New member?- Sounds pejorative. Are there member restrictions on this site? Do you not encourage visitors to register? Do you wish to suppress the opinions of those who do?

    “And you are moving to the city where the Prius will get 50 MPG and your Elantra will (in city driving) only get 29.”- Read carefully before you post so foolishly. I specifically stated that it will be driven on weekend trips, which implies pretty clearly(so I thought) it was ideal for LEAVING THE CITY. After all, that was the whole point of the discussion- A solid but inexpensive getaway car. Like most New Yorkers, I intend to utilize public transit for nearly all of my inner city traversing. If there’s anything I need “luck” with, that would be it.

    Finally, those who are determined to buy a Prius most likely won’t be dissuaded from doing so, no matter how nearly efficient the gas-burning offerings promise to be. Good for them. But for the majority of car shoppers, and despite the insistence of the very vocal prius acolytes, the Elantra will prove to be a blessedly welcome alternative to the dowdy people-mover.

  • Shines

    SAR305 – your points are valid. Like I said I think the Elantra is a good car (I was considering one a few years back). The only point I would like to clarify is that I have nothing against new members – didn’t mean to sound pejorative – my point was more on the lines that I believe you are on Hyundai’s marketing staff as this is the only page that I am aware of that you have posted. And your positive comments on the Elantra seem particularly (almost too well) well articulated. If you just happened to this site when this article was posted and you just happened to decide this is the perfect car for you and you happen to think Prius discussions are tiresome (on this site named Hybridcars.com), well then great I’m just paranoid. Still, you might want to contact Hyundai if you are interested in marketing, I think you have the skills they could use. ; – D

  • SAR305

    “Marketing”?- I’ve never been so insulted in my life…but thanks anyway.

    Yes, I am a new member, and this article ushered in my inaugural, and perhaps far too effusive, postings. My enthusiasm for this car, and this company(more needless effusion) could not be suppressed any longer. Why? Because I knew econo-cars could, and should, be styled with a bit of eye-catching flare, such as the new Elantra, which additionally serves up class-leading standard features and performance specs. For too long, auto companies intentionally dumbed-down the sheet metal on their cheaper offerings in order to entice consumers into a more aesthetically appealing, but costlier, profit-centric class of transportation. Buyers were then forced to choose between cars they knew were suffocatingly bland, but affordable, and ponying up an extra 30% premium on those they truly liked. Not anymore. Not with Hyundai. For whatever reason, this article and some of the negativistic commentary that followed triggered my postal paroxysm. In fact this the first and only article on the Elantra in which I posted, much to the apparent chagrin of some of the posters here. It will probably be my last too considering how unpredictably onerous it has now become. An auto-erotic one-night stand, if you will. Although, I suppose I could’ve been a bit more tactful given the excitable nature of those that traffic in this sort of venue, who’s motivation, but not always their message, is quite laudable.

    See you on the road, soldier.

  • Anonymous

    @SAR^

    “”After reading such a long piece of marketing material,…”- It seems to me you’re suggesting that ALG is a paid agent of Hyundai, despite the easily researched fact that they’re the accepted, and presumably trusted, industry standard for projecting residual values. “

    It seems you have a tendency to put words in my mouth.
    – the press release was not issued by ALG; (I went to ALG’s site to check)
    – it was issued by, you guess right – who else, Hyundai;
    – if that doesn’t qualify it as a piece of marketing material, what else would better fit that definition?

    BTW, the residual value of ’11 Elantra is not yet released to the public, but, I believe it will be in the not too distant future. Haha, I’ll keep you and every member here rightly updated.

    @shine,

    In case you’re not aware yet, Hyundai’s marketing effort in social networking is ‘amazing’ and the ‘real’ ‘game changer’.

  • SAR305

    @anonymous^

    “It seems you have a tendency to put words in my mouth.
    – the press release was not issued by ALG”

    – And? I never stated the press release was issued by ALG, so try to refrain from putting words in my mouth.

    “-if that doesn’t qualify it as a piece of marketing material,…”

    -And? Your unmistakable pejorative aside, the facts of the article remain. Further, the press release was carefully crafted as there is nary a hint of subjectivity…unlike yourself, who’s replete with it, and hypocritically so.

    “BTW, the residual value of ’11 Elantra is not yet released to the public, but, I believe it will be in the not too distant future. Haha, I’ll keep you and every member here rightly updated.”

    – This is a tad superfluous considering it was already mentioned(clearly implied) by me, and it also doesn’t conflict, contradict, or challenge anything I’ve said, so laugh away. Perhaps afterward, you’ll be able to contribute some sober-minded commentary.

    Do keep us posted on those residuals, but please, measure twice and cut once.

  • Fano11

    I just leased a 2011 Elantra limited.
    36 mo 15000 per year. First payment and transfer
    $294 mo. Residual value 62%.

    So far I like the car, plenty of pep for an Econ
    Handles ok not like a Beemer for sure. My motive, save money and not sacrifice style.
    This car is for my wife, her only pre requisite was had to be white and had to have a moon roof. If she only knew what a truly well designed value she was driving.
    She just wants to look goog, I just want to save money and make my wife happy.
    Happy wife. Happy life.

  • anonymous

    I leased a new 2011 elantra gls recently and about 70% through the first tank I can’t seem to get better than 27mpg no matter how I drive (which is 25% highway, 75% city). I was expecting to avg 33 at least =/

  • 007med

    awesome

  • Anonymous

    I have a 2011 Elantra. After 400 miles, I have noticed I am only getting 29-30 combined MPG and this is with a majority of highway driving. Pretty terrible if you ask me. They brag about getting 40 mpg highway, in reality my vehicle isn’t even close! Im guessing its getting maybe 32 highway and 25-26 city. Very disappointed, especially for the false advertising. Should have bought the Cruze

  • stephen

    Been driving 2011 Elantra since mid December. Approximately 1400 miles now. At first highway mileage was at about 32 MPG.
    Attributed it to very cold weather, and 10% ethanol.
    In the last week the mpg has hit 35 highway. Maybe there is a break in period. Time will tell.
    Overall the car is nice. I think it is a good value. I’m tall and the drivers space is good. The rear passenger space is good too.
    Things to look out for.
    1. No spare tire. Instead a 12 volt electric pump and a can of “fix a flat”
    2. High speed driving, 65 to 70+ miles per hour the transmission and road sounds are loud.
    3. Not sure if 40 MPG will be real!

  • rick f.

    I own a 2011 Elantra. Stay away from this car and just buy a 2010 Elantra or older as you will get far better gas mileage. The advertised mileage is a 100% hoax. You WILL NOT even get 30mpg average. I get about 28mpg on over 2500 miles of driving. Most of my driving is on the freeway to work and back. I really wanted to believe in this car and I am a eco driver and have owned a Geo Metro and a 2001 Prius. Hyundai has completely lied about this car. I dont want to hear about type of gas or cold weather or any other excuse. I never made excuses for my Geo Metro or my old 2001 Prius. They just did the job from day 1 of ownership. Any dont tell me its the EPA’s fault either. This car is a lie. Look at the top to forums when you do your reasearch and remember to only look at American comments and dont be fooled my imperial/mpg from Canadians.

  • Timelylight

    The Cruze ECO has a six speed manual shift tranny with an over drive. No competition the Elantra automatic tranny.

  • wd

    If you are buying this car for mpg like I did, Don’t. It doesn’t even come close. It looks cool, drives nice and has OK room, so the car does some good thing. But I just can’t get over the 28-30 mpg , I was told to expect a lot-lot more. I would not buy another one.

  • pam37058

    You cant have it all..thou protest too much.the 2011 Elantra is hot.. the car cost 14k-19k.. gets terrfic gas mileage, has gotten best in class rating..someone said Prius has a better design.. are you kiddin me? Time to go for the annual eye exam.

  • Anonymous

    I agree, the car looks great, but drive one for month and see if you still feel the same. This car has alot of short comings. The test drive was good but for a daily driver I guess I just expected more (my bad). I only have 2300 miles on it so I hope the mpg gets better, but at 28-30 (being driven by an adult) is not very good for a car this size especially when they advertise 40. Call me old school I still think 19k is alot of money and if you make a claim you should be able to back it up.

  • ALR

    I frequently rent cars for work and recently picked up a brand new Elantra for my trip from the rental agency (only had 50 miles on it when I got it).

    I drove it about 320 miles one way from Texas to central Louisiana, some stop and go city driving but mostly highway at 72 to 75 mph and after refueling and doing the math I averaged 35.7 mpg. Not bad at all.

  • moore

    We have a limited, 6 speed auto, we love it! Great fuel mileage and getting better. 37 mpg average. We have owned many small eco. cars, this is by far the best. People are always asking what it is. Very pleased with the purchase.

  • wd

    That’s great, I’m glad someone is getting close to the 40mpg. If mine was up to 37mpg I would be happy too. I put on at least 340 to 350 miles before I fill up and every time it take at least 11 gals (don’t believe the computer, set your trip and divide it by the gals., 31.8mpg has been the best. ). I love cars and and think they are all over priced, so the idea of a car co. that puts out a quality vehicle for a reasonable price excites me. But if I had to do this purchase it all over again I would look at the Honda (Civic) or Ford (Fusion).

  • OPRF1977

    I’ve had my Limited since early January, have put about 1,800 mixed city/highway miles on it, and I’m still averaging about 25.5 mpg. It’s almost as though Hyundai forgot to “flip the fuel economy switch” on this one when it left the factory. I am happy with the car in general, but I am absolutely dismayed at the poor mpg. Any suggestions?

  • Chuck

    Sorry 40mpg scam got folks buying this junk.. It’s true that it looks great but I hope it worth some money saved not getting Honda or Toyota. You’ll never hit 40mpg in real interstate highway driving unless you drive at 55mph and driving on flat land by yourself(and you have to be a toothpick). I feel sorry for people working for Hyundai in US that have to deal with this scam. Koreans are in Korea counting your money while our people need to deal with your complains about not hitting 40mpg. I bet 2012 Elantra will not have advertised 40mpg.. You’ll see..

  • OPRF1977

    Chuck, you are correct but not in the way we thought you would be. Hyundai, at least locally, is no longer advertising the new Elantra at 40MPG. A local dealer is advertising 41MPG!

  • SteveJG

    Chuck is right! I just bought one of these 2011 Elantras and there is no way it’s getting what was promised… I’m getting about 18mph in city/suburb driving … it’s never gone above 19mph…. How do I get my money back!!!

  • Chuck

    The numbers for mpg in dashboard is a lie on this car. I looked at a 2011 Elantra in parking lot of grocery store and loved how it looked inside and outside. I looked it up on internet video and I noticed mpg display is strange. My wife’s 2005 V8 Mountaineer says 17mpg and that’s about what she gets. (This is real life interstate and local drive.. My wife hits 85mph and she does drive like normal person.). Her display really never change.. I saw video of Elantra mpg display and it rolled numbers like casino slot machine. It shouldn’t change that much maybe 0.1 mpg every now and then. With advertised 29/40mpg product, it should at least hit 34~36mpg no matter what type of driving normal person do. I rented 2009 Corolla for her to see if she would like small car. She drove for two weeks that advertised 26/34mpg product and we got 30.5mpg with very little interstate driving but going up and down a mountain. Needless to say, my wife wanted small car that can hit highest mpg so my search has started but I’ll pass on Hyundai.. Please don’t get mad at your local Hyundai dealer. They are just doing their daily job. The product that they are presented to sell has fault not the workers themselves. Oh and if a person tells you there is break in period of some miles, that’s a lie that they were told to tell you. There hasn’t been “break in period” in cars now these days unless it’s a very expensive sporty or work force automobile.

  • Matt n

    Ive had the new elantra for about 1 1/2 months now. Im at 2000 miles and its averages about 32 mpg. Thats about 60/40 higway to city driving. keep in mind that was in winter conditions here in Upstate NY and still using the winter blend fuels. Now that spring is here ill bet youll see the averages get up to 34/35 under the same driving conditions. Im 6 3″ and have plenty of leg room in this car. I also find it very comfortable to drive as well. Id say this car will do very well with those people who want a balance of style, comfort, and good fuel economy..

  • Chuck

    Cold air is denser than warm air so you get little more MPG or performance increase in gas engine. Also gas expands in wormer temp thus less power in hot weather per ounce. Just little nothing extreme but cold is better in my understanding. I live in North NJ and I’ve never heard of gas stations changing fuel “blend” depending on season. What do they change? Can anyone confirm what “blend” Matt n is talking about?

  • Jan

    I just got a new 2011 elantra. After about 500 miles of driving, mostly highway, I have never gotten higher than 29 mpg. Very, very disappointing. 🙁

  • Chuck

    VW TDI Jetta hits 30/42 mpg and it’ll probably average 38 or so in real world driving. There is no way gas powered compact sedan can hit as good mpg then diesel compact sedan.

  • chopperloui

    Yes the hybrids may squeak out a bit more mpg, BUT the significantly higher sticker price & substantially higher potential repair costs ( pricey batteries, specialized electronic diagnostics, etc.) send them to the curb. This new hybrid technology is still evolving & now isn’t the time to be the guinea pig, not my wallet!
    Time to take the technology out of the file cabinet & use it. Auto companies have been holding back on what has been shown by individual inventers in the pas t& bought up by the monopolies & oil interests!

  • chopperloui

    Yes the hybrids may squeak out a bit more mpg, BUT the significantly higher sticker price & substantially higher potential repair costs ( pricey batteries, specialized electronic diagnostics, etc.) send them to the curb. This new hybrid technology is still evolving & now isn’t the time to be the guinea pig, not my wallet!
    Time to take the technology out of the file cabinet & use it. Auto companies have been holding back on what has been shown by individual inventers in the pas t& bought up by the monopolies & oil interests!

  • New Owner

    I have the Elantra for a week now. I bought it because it is cheaper then the VW TDI and diesel is more expensive. Love it, the only down side are the blind spots, ie. the back window and the side windows. Any way, the computer says that I am getting 32MPG average, but it does not increase on the highway. Is this due to a break in period and I will have to wait for an improvement?

  • David

    I drove a Elantra today. on my test drive of 40 miles mostly interstate but some stop and go the avg. was 41 mpg set the cruise at 73. it felt a little touchy but I think better tires will fix most of the handeling issues I experienced. I also drove thr Cruze and Focus…Elantra gets a slite edge over the cruze and two lengths over the focus.

  • Chuck

    Test drive cars are no good for telling MPG. There are chips they can put on cars with MPG display whatever output they want you to see. Unless there is real life person who bought this car telling you they get 40MPG, it’s a lie IMO. Nissan Versa sedan with 37MPG is coming out in few month with very low starting price. Cruse and Focus are high starting price. By the time you get paper work and some options done, it’ll add another $3000 to the starting price. I’ll check out Versa for now.

  • wd

    I have just under 7,000 miles on my 2011 Elantra. Love the way it looks and the room for a small car is OK. Other than that this is the worst new car I have ever owned. I wish I could take it back. I get about 30 mpg highway(got 33 once). I will say this one last time, don’t trust the computer in this car. It is at least 2 mpg off every time and sometimes 4mpg. The car rattles, the brakes will through you out of you seat and if you are driving on rough roads you better pay attention our you might just slide off the damn road. If it’s a windy day, just stay home. I know this sounds bitter but it’s more than that. I just want to get the word out so people don’t get fooled like I did. It won’t get 40 and I’m not sure how safe it is.

  • Dr. J

    A bought a 2011 Elantra several weeks ago and now have 1600 miles on it. I got only 34 mpg (not 40) on totally interstate driving, mostly at 70 mph in Virginia on I81. The road was a bit hilly, but I used the cruise control the whole time. Also, around town I get only about 23 mpg (not 29). My old 1997 Ford Escort did just as well in town.

    I stopped by the dealer today to ask why my mpg numbers are so low. The salesman said other customers get much better numbers and didn’t know why I got less. The service department guy said it depends on the driver’s habits, even though I told him I used cruise control the whole time on the interstate. Another salesman told be that after the first oil change, when they remove the break in oil, the mpg will go up a lot. He claimed his Sonata’s highway increased by 5 mpg to 40 after the first oil change. He also said some engines are tighter than others (more friction??) and need time to loosen up.

    Does any of this make sense? Does anybody notice an improvement in mpg after the first oil change?

  • Dr. J

    Take a good look at the sign that says 41 miles per gallon for the Elantra. My local dealer had a similar sign, but when I asked him why they were advertising 41 mpg, he told me the sign actually said 47! Look at the window sticker and notice just below the big 40 mpg highway, the range is as high as 47. That’s what my dealer (and maybe yours) was advertising!

  • wd

    I bought a new Kia Spectra in 2004, the car was basic, but always did it’s job. There was no brake in period needed, start to finish 36mpg. I have had two oil changers in my 2011 elantra and the mpg has not change at all. I recieved the same BS about how others are getting better and I must be driving like a cazy man( I drive 50 miles a day, I baby this thing). Read the book on the car it says very little brake in is needed, about 1500 miles. This is a big case of false advertising. Lets sue..Ha.. my last tank 30 mpg.

  • Chuck

    LIE! LIE! LIE! I can see myself forgiving soup company labeling canned soup as another soup. I’m sure it happens sometime and that’s something I would says is cute mistake and if I would call that into company, I’m sure they’ll do something about it. Hyundai need to take that sticker off because it’s not cute and they are posting them to sucker people into buying their junk.

  • Rizal J.

    UNSATISFIED MPG ON 2011 ELANTRA. I have 2011 Elantra. Milleage: 2900. I am not getting the actual mileage city/hwy, even in smooth driving. Brought to the service; nothing wrong with the car. I’m getting the actual mileage on the hwy with a fresh/new gas filled up. But never got 29 mpg on the city no matter what, maximum was 26 mpg. Turned out worse when the gas is below half tank.

    Have tried premium gas – only slide different on fresh gas, the next day turn out the same. When tested with unleaded plus – made no different. Overall, keeping gas above half tank gets better mileage than less.

    I’m sure when Elantra was first tested had a full tank of gas. If Elantras are getting different type of MPG; it must be the computer that’s not reading accurately.

  • ian

    man in the real world the elantra never get 29 -40 mpg that is a dream

  • New Owner

    Update:
    After breaking in the car at 800 miles, I decided to take a vacation from Washington to California. On my drive on highway 97 south of Bend Oregon, I got an average of 42 MPG for about 30 miles on the road at 65 MPH. On my way on I5 to Francisco from Redding California, I got 37 MPG at 70MPH. On average for the entire trip, I got 37 MPG. I don’t know if I initial low MPG was due to a break in period, but around after 1000 miles on my car, it seemed to improve.

  • Chuck

    Bend, OR is at elevation of 3625 feet so you were going down hill to San Fran at sea level. (Redding, CA is around 700ft BTW.) Please update what your MPG going back home when going up hill. Your post got my attention. Maybe the Koreans rated MPG going down long hill and never go up.

  • Chuck

    @Rizal J.
    Changing fuel to premium gas will need car to adjust in computer. Car will not know you put premium gas and you’ll need to keep putting premium gas for about 500 miles. Small engine will benefit more then big engine. In my option, it is waste to feed premium gas to cylinder that’s more then 500cc each unless manufacture suggests better fuel for that car. I would put plus gas in your car for at least 2 tank fill and then see the MPG. It may help but I would not bet my money on it..

  • Anonymous

    All the new cars go through same tests in lab by EPA and the MPG is the average result from the tests. It is not something that hyundai can lie about.

  • New Owner

    OK just to be fair. When I drove back from Portland back to Richland Washington, I got 37 MPG with my GF and camping gear inside. This is driving “up hill”.

  • WE0H

    Pretty large group of trolls in this thread. Seems some are posting with different usernames yet they are the same troll. Need some admin cleaning up to leave the real facts.

  • Chuck

    @New Owner
    37 MPG is a great number! Please let me know if your real life driving improved from 32 MPG to better number.

  • Shir

    I was debating between a Hybrid or 2011 Hyundai Elantra, but i chose 2011 Hyundai Elantra because i live in Dallas and everything is so far away. in the end Hybrids are only good for people that drives it around city (drive, stop, drive, stop), plus it cost so much, and I’m a bit suspicious about its repair cost, (I heard that Prius’s headlights only cost alot??!!!).

    Plus, I like how a Hyundai Elantra GLS looks. I am a 5’7 130 pounds female, after I adjust the driver’s seat to my comfort, i went around and sat at the back just to see how it feels, and it feels like I’m in a Honda civic or corolla, so it’s just roomy enough.

  • Shir

    by the way, I brought the car in austin and had to drive back to dallas (where i live), the car reached 41.1 MPG. I was driving 65 till it reaches 40MPG, after that I was driving 70/75 and it stays/increases to 41.1MPG

  • Shir

    AND, btw guys, it took me an hour and a half before the MPG change to 33 to 40 (traveling from austin to dallas), so it takes a while to kick in for whatever reason.

  • Shir

    and, Dallas and Austin is in Texas for those who don’t know. lol. it’s not hilly at all. I can’t imagine Korea being hilly either, so when they did the test drive maybe that’s why? (sounds silly, i know). The only down side i found is that the ride is a bit rocky on rocky roads, but i used to have a SUV, so it’s not that much difference. It’s actually an improvement because this car doesn’t prop me in the air in rocky roads, just feels rocky.

    I’m trying to put all my comments in this last comment …. i keep forgetting what are all the things i want to talk about… haha.

    hmmm there are people that complains about the air conditioning vent is, and that it keeps aiming at their hand, keeping it cold, it’s something that can easily adjust to once your own habit kick in, just don’t put your hand at where your air conditioning vent is.. etc.

    blind spot, but i’m used to looking back to double check instead of depending on mirror, again it’s something you need to adjust to, not something really bad, with this elantra I triple check before i switched lane, why not right?

    the car is so small i can park anywhere, so that’s really good. i can park really bad and still be in-between two lines.

    everything else is good

    o it sucks that it doesn’t have a spare tire, i didn’t even know that’s a big deal until i read another blog just now. I better go buy one and put one in. I didn’t know that road side assistant doesn’t provide you tires to buy LOL. i heard that from the dealership it cost 100-150? so it’s the same price as buying a tire from anywhere else. so you can either buy one with them or buy one yourself.

    i think that’s it.. i’ll post some more if i think of anything

  • Shir

    and someone mentioned that they feel that Hyundai messed with the MPG calculator?

    i don’t think so. at the end i used less than half a tank of gas..when i started with full. so it is giving me good mileage. in my old car (SUV- 2002 Nissan pathfindier) it would have costed me about 1.10 tank of gas

  • Chuck

    Follow below to get most accurate MPG on any car. It seems that people are depending too much on computers.. MPG calculator should not drop 7 MPG in few hours unless it was set to decline by Hyundai. When I rest my MPG calculator, it climbs up. Meaning it starts at zero and goes up. Rest your MPG calculator at end of step 1 and see how accurate the MPG calculator is.

    Step 1. Filling the vehicle’s gas tank at your local gas station and remember what pump you filled and do not pump more gas when the pump stops. Write the vehicle’s odometer reading after the fill.

    Step 2. When it’s time to refuel, fill the tank at same pump at your local gas station until pump stops. Write down the number of gallons it took to fill the tank and the vehicle’s new odometer reading. Once two odometer readings and how much gas went in to your tank, MPG can be calculated.

    Step 3. Calculating the distance driven by subtracting the previous odometer reading from the new one.

    Step 4. Dividing the number of miles driven by the number of gallons it took to fill the tank. The result is the vehicle’s MPG for that tank fill.

  • Anonymous

    Simulation

    The laboratories the EPA use to test vehicle MPG are modified to accurately simulate the driving experience as accurately as possible. The vehicle’s drive wheels are placed on machines called dynamometers to monitor distance. The resistance of the dynamometer can be modified to allow for road or wind conditions. A specially trained driver then operates the vehicle through several tests for city driving and highway driving. The tests utilize averages in different temperatures and operating modes (cold starts, warm starts, and air conditioning usage) to provide an accurate average for the vehicle’s MPG rating.

    Data Analysis

    A specialized hose is connected to the vehicle’s exhaust while the tests are being performed. The hose is connected to a machine that accurately collects data about the amount of fuel used during the test. The testing procedure of monitoring exhaust data is much more accurate than using a typical fuel gauge. The EPA runs numerous tests and takes the average of the MPG of all test results. When the data is compiled it becomes the official MPG figure on a vehicle’s factory window sticker.

  • Chuck

    there are 5 tests EPA does to random production cars.
    City Cycle mimic rush-hour traffic in downtown Los Angeles with an average speed of 21 mph for 11 miles long, takes just over 31 minutes that involves 23 stops, reaches a top speed of 56 mph to complete and maximum acceleration at 18-second 0-to-60-mph.
    Highway Cycle 10.3-mile setting on dynamometer with an average speed of a paltry 48 mph and acceleration no more severe than in the city cycle. may have been somewhat realistic in the days of the national 55-mph speed limit. These two tests were created in 70’s and only tests to provide people with MPG rating up until 2008.

    Did you know there were no All Wheel Drive vehicles in 70s and EPA was not equipped with AWD dynamometer until about 05? Just front or rear wheel drive cars. How did they come up with mpg prediction? They simply took the drive shaft (the metal bar that transmits power to rear wheels) off of AWD vehicles and added predicted additional drag on dynamometer!

    In 1987, Congress allowed the states to increase highway speed limits from 55 to 65 mph, but it would take another 21 years for the EPA to adopt tests that provide more realistic projections. There are 70 mph roads now these days..

    A specialized hose that connects to the vehicle’s exhaust comes here in 90’s but for emissions purposes only. In 2008 they started to use MPG data from these 3 tests below. High-speed (80 mph max) cycle; “A/C,” cycle, which is very similar to the city cycle but run in 95-degree heat with the vehicle’s air conditioning filching fuel; and the cold test, which is exactly the same as the city cycle but run at a frigid 20 degrees.

    43.9 miles covered by the five tests gives us the EPA rating so if a vehicle is geared to do well at 55~60 mph and 80 mph each about 10mile, there is your dream 40mpg highway miles because there are only two tests for high speed and they know the distance! A/C and cold tests are same as city cycle. 11miles, 23 complete stops (Every half mile) and maybe hit 56 mph once or twice at maximum acceleration of 18-second 0-to-60-mph. If EPA tester hits 58 or 54 (2mph margin of error) at point of 56 mph in city cycle, they need to redo the while test. This is me looking up EPA testing on internet and came up with this is so if I was working for some company, I’m sure I can go to EPA facility and see what they really do and come up with better MPG cranking machine just for the test and apply it to all vehicles. It wouldn’t work for real life drive but I can get pretty 29-40 MPG sticker that’ll look real yummy to consumers..

  • Massive

    I own 2011 Elantra and my average is 27 mpg. 20% City, 80% highway. 3900 miles. I’m really disappointed. Even, when I check average on highway only, is never over 34 mpg. My Odl Toyota Matrix had average 31 mpg (city, highway). I should buy a Civic… P.S. Funny thing is, that I don’t even have a spare tire to have better mpg results. BS

  • Chuck

    Told you so!!! 20%C and 80%H and 27mpg? You are stuck with that car so enjoy driving or I recommend you can go to Honda and trade it in for Insight even though you’ll take big hit at trade but do it before Elantra still has new car smell. Hyundai didn’t force you to buy this junk so it’s your fault.

  • Lisa

    I now have 1000 miles on my car and in the city am only getting 19-21 mpg…..highway is 30 mpg.(cruise control all the way) Dealer told all kinds of stories like needs to break in the engine roughly 12000 – 15000 miles and will definitely get optimal mpg of 29 city 40 hwy. The dealer has many stories. I drive short distances and am a very average driver… the eco light is almost always on. I was also told about the first oil change too. I personally think it’s a bunch of crap …….

  • lisa

    I now have 1000 miles on my car and in the city am only getting 19-21 mpg…..highway is 30 mpg.(cruise control all the way) Dealer told all kinds of stories like needs to break in the engine roughly 12000 – 15000 miles and will definitely get optimal mpg of 29 city 40 hwy. The dealer has many stories. I drive short distances and am a very average driver… the eco light is almost always on. I was also told about the first oil change too. I personally think it’s a bunch of crap …….

  • Chuck

    Anybody reading this post getting close to 40mpg? Anyone?

  • simijohn

    woawww!
    What a great thought…I will very much like to drive it…

    http://superleds.com.au

  • Anonymous

    Chuck,

    I have been shopping around for a car that has a good mileage and found your name with negative remarks from a couple of different web sites. Why don’t you just stop whining and sue Hyundai for it? What you are saying is since other automakers are so stupid or so moral, they are not doing samething as evil hyundai is manipulating for the better mpg sticker? And EPA is not aware of it, but you know the way around to get 40mpg just for the test ? give me a break.

  • Chuck

    I don’t post my comments about MPG on other websites that I know of.. How am I going to sue Hyundai if I never owned one or drove one past? I can do that?
    EPA tests about 15% of cars that comes out every year (anything that has new sticker BTW and on top of that, test subject needs to have 5,000 miles on odometer before test.)… How are EPA agents going to test all cars/trucks/van every year? Do you know how many people that conduct these tests? Not 100, not 50, not 25 but less then 15… EPA just needs to believe what manufacture say about MPG rating in most case.. And if for some reason picks a random car, manipulate these test will be cake. You do know if you have a modern toaster to toast your bread at your home, it can calculate every 100th of second to toast your bread so it’ll be perfect for you once you set it. Car computers can do 1000th of seconds BTW. It’ll be joke to come up with set of instruction to know if EPA agent is conducting test because they have set of rules to follow.. It’ll look like this:

    IF=
    18 +- 1 seconds equals or up to 0-to-60-mph
    Then=
    Unlock EPA test mode
    If not=
    Feed engine so customer will be happy with performance

    Go buy Elantra.. Car that doesn’t make difference if you buy auto or manual.. They both get 29/40.. I don’t know how but they do..

  • WE0H

    Driving a rental Elantra GLS from MN to KY, I averaged 32 mpg in city driving and 38.8 mpg on the Interstate running cruise at 70 mph. This is calculated mileage on a fill up. The car’s mpg gauge showed 38.4 mpg. Pretty darn accurate 🙂

    Mike

  • Jackblack

    I noticed my new highlander was doing same bad MPG for about first 1000 miles and I was concerned as you are. my car started doing better after first 1000 miles and I’ve read lot’s of similar posts online about bad MPGs on brand new cars. I guess when car is new power train (moving parts in engine and transmission) and drive train (all ball bearings and moving parts in your drive shafts and wheels) are has much greater friction thus engine has to work extra hard to smoothing it out. (and this make sense to me) 🙂

  • wayne schlosser

    how many miles did the car have?

  • Dr. J

    The Elantra I bought does not come with any size spare tire, just the fix-a-flat, etc. My Hyundai service advisor told me a full sized spare tire would not fit into the well in the trunk, so I’d have to buy a doughnut (toy) spare tire. The toy tire plus jack would come to something like $455 at the Hyundai dealership.
    I went to a junkyard and bought a brand new, compatable GM jack for $7. Later I also bought a “Gorilla” wrench that will remove 4 different sizes of lugnuts for $20. Then I went to a tire store and bought a full sized rim and same size tire that came on the Elantra, included 5 smaller-sized lugnuts and a lugnut “lock”, as the rim was not the exact model that came with the car. Total price out the door at the tire store was $184. So the total package came to $7 + $20 + $184 = $211 for the useful full sized spare and jack vs. over twice as much from the Hyundai dealer. I’m looking forward to visiting the service department again and showing the ignorant (or lying) service advisor the full sized spare sitting in my wheel well! Anybody need a brand new can of fix-a-flat?

  • Alek

    I drove 2011 elantra for about 2 weeks (car rental). It had 6K miles. In 2 weeks in averaged 16mpg in the city. Not even close to 30mpg as advertised. Hway was about 35mpg (40mpg was advertised)

  • jimmyinthedesert

    For what it’s worth… “MILEAGE MAY VARY”

    We purchased a beautiful 2011 Hyundai Elantra GLS in June. We’re at 8900 miles now. The number ONE reason we purchased this car was for 40/29. Wanted a Prius but we were looking when production was way down due to Japan weather problems (and gas prices were rising fast in California). Used Prius cost as much as new Elantra so we went with the Elantra.

    I am a cheap person, purposely seeking high mileage. Also loved the idea of using less gas as a way to actually help make things better here!

    The facts so far:
    ~ flat land, desert, Palm Springs, CA
    ~ driver mainly, or driver/passenger
    ~ don’t really carry anything in trunk, so no extra weight
    ~ ECO indicator on as much as possible
    ~ no fast starts, no fast stops
    ~ tires inflated correctly (tried a bit above a few times too)
    ~ mostly ‘city’ driving if you would actually call this area a city
    ~ tried premium gas a few tanks, no real change in mileage
    ~ highway driving at under 70, with cruise on whenever possible
    ~ it’s HOT here, we use the AC. I can accept that this knocks 1 or 2 miles off

    Results- last tanks, starting with this morning fill-up
    MILES/GALLONS= MPG
    221/11.1= 19.9
    312.8/10.5=29.7 (includes 180 mile highway trip)
    258/10.6=24.3 (included 100 mile highway trip)
    234/11=21.3
    213/10.6=20.1
    281/11.7=24.1
    220/10.6=20.8
    250/10.6=23.6
    237/10.7=22.2
    192/9=21.2
    235/11.2=21
    277/10.8=25.7
    294/8.5=34.6 (mostly highway miles)

    When we purchased the car in June, I drove cross-country, wanting more than ANYTHING to see 39 MPG. Results from this
    315/10.1= 31.2
    343/9.7=35.4
    352/10.2=34.5
    351/10.2=34.4
    356/11.2=31.8
    279/9.7=28.8
    299/9.4=31.8
    303/9.2=32.9
    294/ 8.5=34.6

    ______________
    I asked my dealer about the city mileage.

    First email response:
    “Not sure what I can do. With the EPA test, those results are done with an actual car. I have one guy that is getting 42.5 mpg with his Elantra on the freeway.”

    Second email response:
    “Talked with xxxx. We came up with a couple of suggestions. From the internet, there are chat and blog sites where people discuss their vehicles and have come up with a whole new spectrum of fixes for specific issues. More with the performance cars such as the Genesis Coupe, but there are some easy and cheap after-market solutions to help various performance issues.

    Second would be to register your concerns with the Hyundai customer service department. They also get a wide variety of issues and will pass along those ideas and solutions. I bought a new Sonata and had a small electrical “flutter” at odd times. Nothing showed in the scope and diagnostic computer. We called the Hyundai Help line, and it turns out there was a wire in the battery area that had too little insulation for the current. Not enough to short completely out, but enough to cause the issues we were having. Quick change of that one little wire, and no more issues.”

    ______________
    I contacted Hyundai USA.

    Their response:

    “Thank you for contacting Hyundai Motor America. We are sorry to learn of your dissatisfaction regarding the fuel economy for your 2011 Hyundai Elantra.

    The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides their fuel economy estimates to assist consumers in comparison shopping. Your fuel economy may vary from the EPA’s fuel economy ratings, but we recommend several simple thing you can do to improve your gas mileage:
    • Keep your tires properly inflated
    • Remove excess weight
    • Drive sensibly and avoid aggressive driving including excessive speed, rapid acceleration, and hard braking
    • Use cruise control

    To learn more about fuel economy and ways to decrease your fuel consumption, we recommend visiting http://www.fueleconomy.gov.

    If you believe the fuel economy of your Elantra is caused by a mechanical problem, we recommend you schedule an appointment with the service department of your local Hyundai dealership to have your Elantra inspected and diagnosed.

    To locate an authorized Hyundai dealership in your area, we recommend visiting our website at http://www.hyundaiusa.com. Once on the website, you may access dealership information by clicking on “Find a Dealer” in the top right hand corner of the screen, enter your zip code to locate the nearest dealerships. You can also call our automated dealership locator at 866-400-0384.”

    ______________
    Looked online and found site after site with people complaining about their unacceptable mileage. Many had asked dealers and Hyundai about this and also had no luck.

    ______________
    Contacting dealer/service department in town next to have a person explain this face-to-face.

    I still love the look of this car and enjoy driving it, but for this mileage we would have purchased a much larger car (our 11 year old 6 cylinder Mazda 626 gave us 25 mpg in city).

    Or we could have paid a bit extra for a car that really did get good mileage. We purchased this car planning on keeping it for 7-10 years. With these results, I doubt we will.

  • Sales Guy

    Interesting comments on the various cards, especially the Elantra. I’m torn right now between buying a 2011 Elantra or 2011 Prius II. I do alot of freeway driving. When I was in Florida on business I rented an Elantra and was never able to get the average MPG over 32. On the way back to the airport I drove it an 60-65 and just go to 32.5, far from 40.

  • Devin claffey

    I own a 2012 elantra with 5,000 miles on it. The numbers claimed by Hyundai are unattainable. I have tried every method possible to get the best mileage and the best I can do is 30 mpg in combined driving. Don’t be fooled like I was with all the fake hype. Hyundai cars are designed to excell at test only not real driving. I would never had bought this car had I known the mileage would be this bad. Don’t believe the lies I have also checked online and 95% of people are getting the same the other 5% I assume work foe Hyundai and are in denial. I drove from Ca. To Utah and got only 32 mpg very dissapointing. This is the only car I have not got at least the mileage claimed by company. No problem with my Toyota or Honda’s.

  • Ted johnson

    Sales guy, I have a 2010 Prius 2 with close to 30,000 miles on it now. In the summer from April till October in never gets under 60 mpg. In New England winters with 4 snows, slush and cold it will be down to 53 mpg. Lifetime average so far is 57 mpg., actually measured at the pump. It is a bit big for me, have carried a twin size mattress in it with the back open, and it helps with moving folks a lot. Mostly highway miles but maybe 20% city driving. Glad I did get the Prius – it was 22K$ , and has kept its value pretty well.

  • Anonymous

    Check out the mazda 3 2.0L with skyactiv. I’ve been driving it for the past week averaging 34mpg 50% city stop lights 50% Highway. This car really seems like it will achieve the 40mpg promised and doesn’t compromise on performance or handling.

  • scott angelacos

    get back to real bro, this New Car 2012 is just a test for god’s sake. things is different between test and real life. although i believe someday a car could get 50 mpg, well who know’s right? maybe within 5 or 10 years from now the technology could get into it. but one thing we should know for sure, don’t be fooled by a hype made from test just to make the car sold out

  • Anonymous

    I cannot understand why everyone is getting such low MPG. I have a 2012 Hyundai Elantra GLS and I admit I was disappointed with my mileage at first. I was only getting 25-27 in city and 33-35 highway when I first got my car, but the mileage has improved with more miles driven. After 1100 I started getting 28 and at 2000 the full 29 city and at 2500 I was getting 30. At 2800 i took a 55 mile trip at 65 mph and received 43mpg. After driving and town for around 20 miles and taking the trip back I received 38mpg. At 4000 I received 36mpg after a 75 mile trip highway at 70mph, with 40 city miles and the return 75 miles. My last tank was 34 with 250 city and a 90 mile trip at 75mph. Keep in mind this is manually calculated out, with eco mode, cruise control and normal driving also the display is fairly accurate usually not more than 2mpg off. No I don’t work for Hyundai and all of the people that I have met who has one claims at least the EPA rating.

  • Anonymous

    I cannot understand why everyone is getting such low MPG. I have a 2012 Hyundai Elantra GLS and I admit I was disappointed with my mileage at first. I was only getting 25-27 in city and 33-35 highway when I first got my car, but the mileage has improved with more miles driven. After 1100 I started getting 28 and at 2000 the full 29 city and at 2500 I was getting 30. At 2800 i took a 55 mile trip at 65 mph and received 43mpg. After driving and town for around 20 miles and taking the trip back I received 38mpg. At 4000 I received 36mpg after a 75 mile trip highway at 70mph, with 40 city miles and the return 75 miles. My last tank was 34 with 250 city and a 90 mile trip at 75mph. Keep in mind this is manually calculated out, with eco mode, cruise control and normal driving also the display is fairly accurate usually not more than 2mpg off. No I don’t work for Hyundai and all of the people that I have met who has one claims at least the EPA rating.

  • tapra1

    had grown accustomed to, but provided much more content than any of their competitors could possibly provide. Tutorials

  • Brett Schuler

    my Elantra has never done more than 28mpg 20k miles now.Dealer said call Hyundai they said call dealer or call EPA and complain.Also front of car sounds like something is loose over small bumps.

  • Mickey

    I had a 2002 Prius which had 185,000 miles on it and never needed brakes. I wish I had it now. I listened to a relative who told me not to have the catalytic converter changed and you know the story. The Prius is worth it’s weight in gold. I would get another one if I could afford the payments, for in the long run, it is worth the money. It is also good for Earth.