Overview & Reviews

Elantra rolls into 1997 with zero changes, save for a slight price increase.

• Powerful engine, reasonable price, comfortable front seats, attractive design

• Spotty Hyundai reliability record, poor predicted resale value

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 26.00

• 

  Almost my last - 1997 Hyundai Elantra
  By CloseCall - February 12 - 4:42 pm

  This car pretty much drove me from high school through the Navy and nearly 6 years of DC area drivers. Its made long trips from Virginia to Texas and back. It spent good stretches just sitting parked for months at a time and nearly daily trips verging on 70 miles both ways. At 130,000 miles I had to finally get the transmission replaced after having let it sit nearly a year without getting the oil changed. I would still be driving it today if that where possible, but alas snow/ice/and a plow truck combined to take it away from me in rough wreck. It was good. not always comfortable or good looking but it served well.

• 

  good litte cheapie - 1997 Hyundai Elantra
  By den - April 17 - 9:55 pm

  Bought from an older gentleman 6 yrs ago some just general maint. Both my power Windows had to be fixed the car now has 61k and still works good dont know how long I will keep it the trade value is poor to say the least so as long as I can I will keep it.

• 

  Good all around car - 1997 Hyundai Elantra
  By Nathan Toke - June 12 - 5:07 pm

  I bought this as my first car in graduate school and it has served me well for three years and 20k miles. It has been reliable and easy to drive. The interior is really crappy as was the case with 1990s hyundais... many plastic parts are wearing down on the interior. The window motors start to die at 80k. Some of this could be enhanced because of sitting so long in the desert (phoenix) sun. The outside of the car is nice (although the paint has worn on the grill and the hub caps look pretty poor these days. The visibility in this car is supreme! which makes this car fun and easy to drive. It is better to drive on the highway at speeds between 60-75(33mpg) than the city (21mpg).

• 

  fun little car - 1997 Hyundai Elantra
  By mike - September 14 - 10:57 am

  I bought this car with the idea of getting a couple of years work out of it. Ive now owned it 4 1/2 years and 140,000 miles later i plan to keep it until it breathes its last breath. The car had 20k on it when I bought it. I took it down and had all engine/trans fluids changed to Mobil 1. A great ride, precise handling and enough power to make this car a joy to own. I am teaching my daughter to drive and now she wants one like mine. I think Ill buy her a 2000 Elantra so I will have the warranty. The only problem Ive had is a switch in the auto tranny. After that was fixed , no problems. I average 33 mpg hiway and 28 city.

• 

  Good for a while... - 1997 Hyundai Elantra
  By Abner11 - April 7 - 4:08 pm

  Bought the car used in January 2003 with 36,750 for mileage. Had no problems at all for the first year - plus, and I drive A LOT. In August 2004 I had to replace the pulse generator and oil temperature sensor because the check engine light was coming on and the car was racing a little bit off the line. Cost about $400 at the dealership. Then came Christmas 2004 and all hell broke loose. Brought it to the dealer because A) the engine started racing again and B) the exhaust was awfully throaty. Dealership told me I needed a new transmission, a new front pipe and a new manifold because the existing exhaust pieces were rusted. Also, oil pan rusted through and let go, and head gasket blew.

• 

  Good Car - 1997 Hyundai Elantra
  By Ech - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I had VERY VERY FEW problems with this car. It still runs well. It is a steal for the price.

• 

  Very Happy - 1997 Hyundai Elantra
  By MHnwd - April 14 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the SE model new in May of 97, and have been very happy with the overall performance. Its great on gas and very dependable. I have 85,000 miles and it still runs great. It has a strong little 4 cyl and the 5 spd makes it fun to drive. No major problems, only routine maint. It has exceeded my expectations and I have got my money out it!

• 

  No Complaints Here - 1997 Hyundai Elantra
  By T-S - February 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car brand new in December of 1997. Car has run well and has 133,000 miles and still runs fine. The drivers side door handle broke at about 90K, and the windows fog very easily. The inserts for closing the door on both rear doors pop out often. Mechanically it has held up very well. Change the oil every 3,000 and other maintainance as needed. Overall I am very pleased.

• 

  Great Little Car! - 1997 Hyundai Elantra
  By ckn - November 3 - 2:00 am

  This is my 1st car right after college. I have driven the hell out of it (93,400 mi). I have lots of money to buy a new car but dont because this baby has never given me any real problems. Past problems have been a cracked gasket, broken door hinge, and the CD player laser sometimes messed up. Just now I broke my inside door handle and a fuse keeps blowing so I cant shift out of park (but you can override that). All these things are minor. I replace brakes every 40k mi. Gas mileage is between 25-29 mpg. Yearly maintenance/repair costs (for everything) are approx $500. Cant go wrong there! I saved lots of money w/ this car!

• 

  Elantra - 1997 Hyundai Elantra
  By ceceipe - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Clutch had to be replaced after 60000 miles. Speedometer broke after 60000 miles. Seats are not comfortable. Fuel Economy is ok.