2007 Hyundai Elantra

Editor: Sam Moses
All-new, an affordable car without frills or thrills.

Summary

With each new model, Hyundai creeps up on the competition, led by the Japanese. The Elantra has at least two assets, interior size and standard safety equipment, that out-do other compact cars. The styling can now hold its own; it's very clean and doesn't try to draw attention to itself. The seats are comfortable, brakes excellent, and cornering good. The revised engine offers the latest four-cylinder technology; it can power the Elantra to 80 miles per hour without much effort, and can deliver 28 city and 36 highway miles per gallon when driven conservatively. With a price that's lower than most other compact cars, the Elantra is a worthy competitor in the class.

NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Sam Moses filed this report from the Columbia River Gorge on the Oregon-Washington border.