If you’re one of those people who wants to get from Point A to Point B with a minimum of fuss and without carrying more power amenities and frills than you absolutely need, the 2004 Hyundai Elantra may be just what you’re looking for.

It seems like we say this every time we drive a Hyundai, but we’ll say it again anyway: Don’t believe the stereotypes!  Hyundais are no longer the chintzy redheaded stepchildren of the automotive world.  The Elantra makes a good case for this point.  It’s Hyundai’s best-selling car in the U.S., thanks in part to its robust construction, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and used-car low price.  For 2004 the three-year old third-generation Elantra has gotten a design freshening inside and out.  It’s not as packed with gadgets as some of the “premium compacts,” but the Elantra’s a good choice for reliable basic transportation.

The styling reflects Hyundai’s peculiar blend of aggressiveness and corporate anonymity.  Angled, frowning dual headlights flank a narrow grille, giving the Elantra a distinctly angry aspect, but the rest of the car comes from the tweedy Econobox School of design.  At the rear, the taillights have been tweaked as well, and overall it’s less awkward-looking than previous Elantras.  Efficient little 15″ wheels are all the Elantra can be had with, unless you go to the aftermarket.  A four-door sedan and five-door hatchback are the only body styles offered.

The revised interior is low-rent without looking or feeling cheap.  Hyundai has blessed the Elantra with decently comfortable seats upholstered in the same fuzzy “mouse-fur” cloth as its more expensive cars.  The attention to detail is thoughtful without adding unnecessary equipment; for instance, Hyundai updated the ashtray to make it easier to open, and added a second 12-volt power outlet for cell phone charging.  A keyless entry is standard equipment.  Our only complaint was the gray plastic trim that changed color between the dash and the door, but such fashion faux pas are irrelevant in a car like this.  It’s comfortable enough for commuting, and nice enough that you won’t wish you’d spent your $13,000 on a used Honda.  We did find ourselves wishing for a dealer-accessory cargo net in the trunk, as items tended to tumble wildly about the 12.9 cubic-foot cargo area.  The Elantra is one of the few small cars to offer side-impact protection airbags as standard equipment.

What the Elantra does best, of course, is make its way through the world as basic transportation.  The 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine is generally relaxed and quiet without feeling thrashy; the Elantra will keep up with high-speed traffic with only minor protest.  Continuously variable valve timing is used to increase the powerband and make the most of the 132 horsepower on tap.  It’s reasonably torquey for a small four-cylinder.  The crisp five-speed manual transmission is a must-have, as Elantras with the four-speed automatic are nightmarishly slow.

MacPherson struts up front and an independent, multi-link rear are not the stuff of the typical econobox suspension, and the attention to detail shows.  Over in Europe, Hyundai has been active in the RAC Rally series, and this distant racing connection means that the Elantra’s handling, while softened for commuting tastes, is ultimately good.  The narrow tires allow it to push wide when thrown into sports-car maneuvers, but the handling is solid and controllable at all times.  Our test car felt a little wobbly on its skinny tires at highway speed, but with wider tires we suspect that the Elantra might be a closet performer.  Brakes are discs in the front and drums at the rear, and ABS with traction control is an available option.

The no-frills approach Hyundai has taken with the Elantra allows for pricing that’s more what we’ve come to expect from used cars rather than new ones.  Our test car was a base Elantra.  Including the standard side airbags, it stickered for $13,415.

Specifications:
All specs are for the 2004 Hyundai Elantra, which we tested.
Length:         178.1 in.
Width:            67.9 in.
Height:            56.1 in.
Wheelbase:        102.7 in.
Curb weight:        2635 lb.
Cargo space:        12.9 cu.ft (seat up); 26.6 cu.ft. (seat folded)
Base price:        $13,299
Price as tested:        $13,415
Engine:         2.0 liter DOHC four-cylinder
Drivetrain:         five-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Horsepower:         132 @ 6000
Torque:         133 @ 4500
Fuel capacity:        14.5 gal.
Est. mileage:        24/34

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