The electronic steering takes a little getting used to especially on the highway but its very responsive in tight curves at non highway speeds. The ride is getting a bit smoother overall as the car breaks in but it still has a definite sporty feel that I like. The wind hits it the same as similar cars I've owned or rented. Its only rained a few times since I got the car but it handled fine and it was popular in Canada this winter so I assume it does well in snow too. If it snows where I live in TX the roads close and we stay home.

Quite frankly I think its the best car for the price in either trim level and it has the nicest interior in its class. Unfortunately there is no perfect car out there so just buy something you like and can afford. I test drove the Elantra and it just felt natural to drive. The interior is very nice and the standard features and price were exactly what I was looking for.

 

I encountered a couple of snow storms on the crappy all-season Continentals, and was pleasantly surprised by the Elantra's ground clearance (especially considering that my other car is an all-wheel-drive Santa Fe). With proper snow tires augmenting the stability and traction control systems next year, it should be an excellent winter car.

The 2800-pound curb weight does contribute to highway wind buffeting, but less so than with slab-sided minivans or the 2300-pound compact cars of 20 years ago. Overall the Elantra feels solid and well-planted at highway speeds, without being too heavy.

Potholes are another story. While the body structure is very tight and solid, the torsion beam rear suspension crashes over bad roads and sends the rear tires hopping sideways when a bump is encountered while cornering. It is definitely less composed than a Mazda 3, and according to reports not as plush as a Chevy Cruze.

Overall I like the Elantra for city or highway use. It's not perfect, but it is an attractive, right-sized car in the way the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima used to be. IMO more people should ditch their bloated sedans, minivans and SUVs and get back into cars like this.

 

I had a set of Michelin X-Ice 2's mounted on steel wheels this winter, and I found that with the stability and traction control, this car was an excellent drive in the winters of Canada! I will second the point about the rear end "hopping" when going over uneven roads on a curve, however, this can be accomodated by watching your speed. After I got the Continentals on, I found the ride to improve significantly over the winter tires, which I found to ride well anyways. The low rolling resistence tires really give the vehicle a light feel, while still feeling grounded and secure. Overall, I love this vehicle and have no real issues with the ride quality!

 

Canadians are the best ones to ask when in comes to winter driving, we go to work even if there is 30 cm of snow falling hahaha I made a deal with Hyundai, they paid for my Firestone winter tires. I have been very pleased with the way the Elantra drives in snow. I never got stuck in the snow. IMO it handles very well in snow. I bought the car in february, I test drove the car in snow and cold weather and was impressed even with the continentals 4 seasons.

 

I don't find the ride to be "busy" at all. In fact, I think the Elantra's ride is one of its best features.

It does get knocked around quite a bit in the wind, but no worse than other compacts I have owned.

 

I may be ignorant or maybe just because english is my second language, but what do you guys mean by BUSY ride?

 

I haven't driven mine in really bad snow yet, but this morning's commute was my first chance to test it in Spring snow/slush/rain. There was about 4 inches of slushy snow on the ground and light snow coming down. I was pleasantly surprised! The car did great, I never felt worried at all.

 

If it snows where I live in TX the roads close and we stay home.
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It like that here in Alabama to. Not long after I got mine we had 5-7 inches of snow. Nobody went anywhere the 1st day. On the 2nd day they were still advising everyone to stay home, but I got stir-crazy and went on to work anyway. The state and local DOT were in the process of clearing main roads with road graders, still very icy, but passable at a slow pace. The secondary roads had not been touched. Being down south, I dont own snow tires or chains and at the time I still had my stock 16" wheels and tires and the car performed admirably. It never felt loose or got away from me in the snow and ice.

It's been a long time since I have owned a small car like the Elantra. My previous vehicle was a full size truck, and I have had many trucks, and a few suv's and larger sedans. So, it did take me awhile to get used to the ride of the smaller car. But, overall I am pleased with the ride and handling.

Oh do I ever so much miss the roar of a 5.7 HEMI V-8. But then again at $100+ for a fill up, I sure am glad its gone!!!

 

QUOTE (aileen @ Apr 14 2011, 01:04 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=430515

I haven't driven mine in really bad snow yet, but this morning's commute was my first chance to test it in Spring snow/slush/rain. There was about 4 inches of slushy snow on the ground and light snow coming down. I was pleasantly surprised! The car did great, I never felt worried at all.

Nice to know it's snowing in USA while not in Quebec :whistling: the snow is all gone here yeah!

 

QUOTE (Xion Nider @ Apr 14 2011, 10:31 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=430467

I may be ignorant or maybe just because english is my second language, but what do you guys mean by BUSY ride?

Some complain that our cars require more effort or concentration to drive especially on the highway. I think its just a matter of getting used to the car. I had my old car for 8 years so I knew it very well.

 

QUOTE (Xion Nider @ Apr 14 2011, 11:31 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=430467

I may be ignorant or maybe just because english is my second language, but what do you guys mean by BUSY ride?

Because the reviewer was talking about bumpy roads with this comment, I took it to mean constantly feeling like you are jiggling, moving, or bouncing around. It's not a normal use of that word. I got his meaning by the context.

Like you, I also have to go to work no matter what the weather. I'm an ICU nurse, so if I don't show up, someone who has already worked a 12-hour shift has to stay over. So I've driven in seriously treacherous conditions to get to work.


QUOTE (Don67)

The 2800-pound curb weight does contribute to highway wind buffeting, but less so than with slab-sided minivans or the 2300-pound compact cars of 20 years ago. Overall the Elantra feels solid and well-planted at highway speeds, without being too heavy.

The slab-sided Sienna is what I drive now, and I was thinking that if I'm blown around that much in a big, heavy vehicle, a lightweight car would be uncontrollable. So maybe it won't be any worse, and possibly better. I will be happy to get out of the tank and back into a reasonably sized car. Wouldn't mind going smaller myself, but 6'2" hubby and 6'1" son have to fit!

 

I have had my Elantra for a little over a month and I have driven through severe thunderstorms here in GA a few times now. Driving rain, wind gusting 20-30ish estimated, (luckily no large hail where I was), and we tooled along just fine. I was going slow of course, but never had a concern about the car. Snow? Shoo, if they even say there may be some, all closes down around here...
-A

 

QUOTE (Xion Nider @ Apr 14 2011, 10:31 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=430467

I may be ignorant or maybe just because english is my second language, but what do you guys mean by BUSY ride?

I take it to mean jiggling or frequent up and down motions.

 

thank you guys for the answer. I did a few trips on the highway and I can say my Elantra is not busy at all, it is a pleasure to drive. I don't even notice any pulling of some sort. I just love to drive it on the cruise, soft and quiet ride, compared to my previous Focus.

 

QUOTE (Don67 @ Apr 14 2011, 03:10 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=430329

I encountered a couple of snow storms on the crappy all-season Continentals, and was pleasantly surprised by the Elantra's ground clearance (especially considering that my other car is an all-wheel-drive Santa Fe). With proper snow tires augmenting the stability and traction control systems next year, it should be an excellent winter car.

The 2800-pound curb weight does contribute to highway wind buffeting, but less so than with slab-sided minivans or the 2300-pound compact cars of 20 years ago. Overall the Elantra feels solid and well-planted at highway speeds, without being too heavy.

Potholes are another story. While the body structure is very tight and solid, the torsion beam rear suspension crashes over bad roads and sends the rear tires hopping sideways when a bump is encountered while cornering. It is definitely less composed than a Mazda 3, and according to reports not as plush as a Chevy Cruze.

Overall I like the Elantra for city or highway use. It's not perfect, but it is an attractive, right-sized car in the way the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima used to be. IMO more people should ditch their bloated sedans, minivans and SUVs and get back into cars like this.

Don are you sure the fully optioned Elantra Limited is around 2800 lbs? I checked yesterday and it's actually lighter than a fully-optioned Civic EX-L.

 

Sonofagun.

Elantra Limited at 2,877 lbs!! WOAH!

 

QUOTE (diinIndy @ Apr 14 2011, 04:16 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=430597

The slab-sided Sienna is what I drive now, and I was thinking that if I'm blown around that much in a big, heavy vehicle, a lightweight car would be uncontrollable.

You're right... a heavier vehicle is generally more stable than a lighter one. But while the Sienna is 40-50% heavier than an Elantra, it's side profile - the "sail" which catches the crosswind and blows you around the highway - is probably 100% larger.

I've had a couple of minivans in the past, so I know the feeling.

 

yeah my 1989 Ford Aerostar used to catch side winds and swing a bit.