2002 Hyundai Elantra
Should You Buy a 2002 Hyundai Elantra?
The 2002 Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan that offers a practical balance of performance and efficiency, powered by a 2.0L I4 engine producing 135 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. With a combined fuel economy of 25 MPG, it serves as an economical choice for daily commuting or city driving. Priced at an MSRP of $13,299, it is an accessible option for budget-conscious buyers looking for reliability and decent features in a compact vehicle. However, potential buyers should be aware of the vehicle's history, including 431 total complaints reported to the NHTSA, which highlight some safety and reliability concerns that could affect ownership experience.
While the Elantra has a respectable reliability score of 94/100, it has experienced notable issues, particularly with airbag and suspension components. The most frequent complaints involve airbag malfunctions and front suspension control arm failures, often occurring at higher mileage ranges. Buyers should consider these factors when evaluating the long-term ownership of this model, especially if purchasing a used vehicle with higher mileage.
This vehicle is best suited for budget-conscious individuals or small families seeking a reliable and economical daily driver.
Strengths
- +Affordable pricing for budget-conscious buyers
- +Good fuel economy for a compact sedan
- +Spacious interior with seating for five
- +High reliability score indicating overall durability
- +Front-wheel drive provides decent handling in various conditions
Weaknesses
- -Notable safety complaints related to airbags and suspension
- -Limited power compared to some competitors in the segment
- -Older model may lack modern technology and features
- -Potentially higher maintenance costs due to known issues
- -Resale value may be lower due to reputation concerns
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 2002 Hyundai Elantra has a significant number of complaints, particularly regarding airbag and suspension issues. The most common problems arise at specific mileage intervals, such as airbag issues typically surfacing between 120,000-140,000 miles and suspension control arm issues around 100,000-120,000 miles. While the vehicle boasts a high reliability score, the presence of crash and fire incidents, along with injuries reported, warrants careful consideration during the buying process.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 2 L
- Cylinders
- I4
- Transmission
- Automatic 4-spd
- Drive Type
- FWD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 25
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Dimensions
- Length
- 177.2 in
- Width
- 67.7 in
- Height
- 56.3 in
- Wheelbase
- 102.8 in
- Curb Weight
- 2,683 lbs
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- 4
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –