This Korean may start celebrating as young men and women start flocking to dealerships to snap them to go away to school. At least, this has been the reality for a young man, an acquaintance of my family, who worked hard during this Summer to save enough money to purchase one. After spending a year in Berkeley without a car, he was not ready to repeat it this year. Obviously, his parents decided to chip in for his insurance. Before heading out to his classes, he bought a 2001 Hyundai Elantra. So far, he has been pretty happy with his vehicle. Many factors contributed to his selection of this car: great exterior and interior allowing him to have enough head, hip, rear and leg room, looks, industry-based warranty, affordability and key safety features.

I fell in love with my test-drive Elantra thanks to all its protection features and sturdy, tight design

Hyundai has come a long way, baby!

If the debacle of the 1980s didn't eliminate this company, the set of negative response brought on by the poor performance and quality of their Excel taught the company owners and shareholders to invest more money in research and design. With the release of a few recent models such as the Santa Fe SUV truly puts this company in the spotlight. Many young consumers are taking notice. They can now choose an Elantra among a Honda Civic and a Toyota Corolla. It's true that Hyundai is trying to lure a segment of the market with its sports-looking, sharp design vehicles. They do so by offering an industry warranty most owners want on their vehicles.

Quality's the name of the game for consumers: Safety features and style

Hyundai worked hard, very hard during the 1990s to get rid of the poor image of their cars. They have managed to bury it along the way. Considering the relatively low price of a safety-packed, 4-door Elantra, one will truly admit that they have surmounted some of the major obstacles in the US market. Perception, public profile is very important. In other words, it is a question of how one feels when driving a Hyndai vehicle that resembles any of the Japanese counterparts and performs just like them.

With all the standard features that you will find in any 5-passenger Sedan, this 2001 Hyundai Elantra is out there to turn heads. It's packed with safety features that are the most modern. Technology plays a great role in the resurgence of this overall image of the company. Some of the standard equipment you will find on the Elantra includes, but is not limited to air conditioner, power mirrors, AM/FM radio with stereo cassette (CD player is an option), adjustable steering column, remote trunk release and a split-folding rear seat.

Does it have front airbags, front side airbags and more?

This 16-valve DOHC 40 cylinder sedan is truly loaded. Yes, it has all these latest features that make you more comfortable on the roads. With all types of dangerous police pursuits going on our freeways and highways, front side airbags for drivers and passengers are a must. The 2001 Elantra has them as standard features.

For a few days, I drove a sporty Sedan up and down the San Joaquin Valley roads while some work was being done in my truck. Never did I think about its reliability. It performed just like the Civic my wife has. I still can not establish the difference between them.

If you have a son or a daughter who is going away to college or if you want a car to commute to work, the Elantra is right for you!


Amount Paid (US$): 15000
Condition: Used
Model Year: 2001
Model and Options: 15-speed manual