[vmaxjohn]

Unfortunately my dealer has no GT's available for test drive. I'd like to go and check out the regular GLS, to get a feel for the car and powertrain. What kind of differences do you see between the GLS and the GT, suspension/handling wise? Now...if only I can get my wife convinced that it's a smart move..LOL thanks!


<hr noshade width=60% size=1 align=left>I need a racecar, eh

 

[Maxx]

Welcome, I have the 02'GLS and love my car. The GT vs GLS subject has been discussed a bit here on Elantra...look for it down the column from your post. The postive reviews for this car are everywhere...one of the finalist for Car of the Year 2001...Motor Trend. Go to Edmunds.com, read their glowing reviews of this car....better yet have your wive read them with you. My Friend Brad has the GT, we compare the cars all the time...they are very similar to drive to us...the steering and handling is a little sportier in the GT...suspension differences and less power assist to the steering wheel.
The GLS is just as quick, some peeps claim the GLS 0-60 times are a shade quicker than the GT due to a slight weight advantage...they perform the same to me in a straight drag.<img src=/images/forums/snitz/wink.gif width=15 height=15 border=0>
I added fog-lights and leather-wrapped the wheel myself...and added a velour dash cover, JVC, Ungo Security system...all for about $900.00 They're both nice cars...if you like hatchbacks and leather interior go with the GT, otherwise the GLS has great satisfaction and bang for buck
The GLS seems to have a smoother ride, again, the softer suspension. <img src=/images/forums/snitz/thumbup.gif width=25 height=18 border=0>


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[vmaxjohn]

Thanks. I'm looking for a sporty ride, but I'm finding quite a few negative things to read about Hyundai's reliability...?! Can you shed some light on what can be expected of a Hyundai through it's life? Thanks again!


<hr width=60% noshade size=1 align=left>I need a racecar, eh

 

[ilanpro]

10 years 100000 miles powertrain and 5 years 60000 bumper to bumper is reliable enough for me I got a 2001 gls with 17000 miles on it no complains, those that talk crap about the new hyundai this<img src=/images/forums/snitz/finger.gif width=33 height=15 border=0>is for you and kis my<img src=/images/forums/snitz/moon.gif width=15 height=15 border=0>


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[db25]

Go with the GT. For a little extra money you get a lot more and you cannot beat the versatility of a hatchback.


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[E-GLSRalph]

Where exactly have you heard these negative reliability comments about Hyundais? Check the source...<img src=/images/forums/snitz/cool.gif width=15 height=15 border=0>


<hr width=60% noshade size=1 align=left>Ralph E Boy!
2001 Elantra GLS
APB: For the NY area...I'll soon be starting a business for sport compact cars- services will include performance modifications, as well as general upkeep..Look for a website in the future!

 

[i8acobra]

The manual transmissions have synchro problems if you like power-shifting. My T/A handles power-shifting just fine, but the Hyundai is built to be an economy car, not a racecar. I don't think I'll buy a new Hyundai when my '96 dies unless Hyundai improves the durability of the synchros. They know how to, they build rally cars. They just need to realize that some of us street drivers like shifting hard, too.
BTW, I just went and looked at the new Tiburon. Planet Hyundai in Vegas want <b>$4000.00</b> over list!!!!!! Nucking Futs!<img src=/images/forums/snitz/mad.gif width=16 height=16 border=0>


<hr width=60% noshade size=1 align=left>Later,
Aaron Britt
Events Coordinator, Las Vegas F-body Assoc.
'97 Trans-Am
'96 Elantra GLS
"The shortest distance between two points is a straight line........but, it's not as much fun."
<img src="http://www.speedcraving.com/i8acobra/flag.gif">

 

[Maxx]

Yeah VmaxJohn,
I don't know what you have heard, disregard those individuals living in a time-warp. They'll tell you all about Hyundai...bad experiences and stories from 5 to 10 years ago. Hyundai has made great strides, everyone knows that.Make sure you can trust the source. I don't totally agree that the GT is a lot more for a little more money. I think my friend Bradley would tell you that he had to pay A LOT more for his GT than my GLS..at least here in CA. He paid around 20,000 all said and done, thats what the dealers asked for because they could easily get it. I could add just about everything he hason the GT except leather maybe, and still be thousands under him. If you can GET
a good price on the GT it is worth the extra money...but not 4,000-5,000 more than the GLS,which is what many peeps are forced to pay. Bradley feels our cars are too similar to justify a substantial price difference. I agree.<img src=/images/forums/snitz/wink.gif width=15 height=15 border=0>


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[jett8828]

I bought a 27 inch tv yesterday and it fit perfectly in the back of my GT. Try doing that in a GLS. Everyone likes my GT once they ride in it. One of my friends keeps calling it an Excel. I just tell him at least its not ding up like his "golf ball" Honda.


<hr width=60% noshade size=1 align=left>'02 Hyundai Elantra GT

 

[Maxx]

I don't know about a 27" TV, but the
rear seats fold down 60/40...I can get a whole grip of sh*t in there...I don't have kids, I aint sufferin for room.<img src=/images/forums/snitz/moon.gif width=15 height=15 border=0>


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[Mike222002]

I went for the GLS because

A. No GT's on the lot with a 5-speed
B. Same engine in the GLS and alot less expensive for the features I wanted.
C. I didn't buy the car for performance <i>primarily</i> anyway, the car I had before this would clean leave it in the tire smoke... literally!!
D. I like the look of the trunk better than the hatch. Hatch is not ugly, I just like the sedan better for looks. Just my opinion.

<hr width=60% noshade size=1 align=left>-Mike

2002 Champagne Elantra GLS 5sp
2001 Black Grand Am GT sedan

Edited by - Mike222002 on 02/03/2002 9:25:10 PM

 

[BlackElantraGT2002]

I've never driven the GLS, but I doubt the suspension from the GT is THAT much different. You can find the GLS for a few thousand dollars cheaper at the dealer, so if you don't need the leather interior, 4-wheel disc brakes, or the versatility of a hatchback, then the GLS would be a great buy for you. This is my first Hyundai and to be honest, I wouldn't even look at any of the Hyundai's a few years ago, but they have greatly improved their cars from an appearance standpoint. As far as reliability goes, in my opinion Hyundai's are not going to last you as long as Hondas, Toyotas, and Nissans, but for the price and warranty, you can't beat that.


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[RED02GT]

I test drove the standard as well as the GT. the GT has a much stiffer suspension and corners better, not impressive but better than the GLS<img src=/images/forums/snitz/approve.gif width=15 height=15 border=0>


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[Maxx]

I ran into another GLS driver here in town, he was asking me about my fog-lights. He said he was going to
make some suspension changes...he test drove the GT and liked the handling a little better too. He prefered the sedan's look though, and just decided to do what I did and add a few things. <img src=/images/forums/snitz/wink.gif width=15 height=15 border=0>


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[yellow]

well i dont know what you peeps are on but i own the gt and recently took it in for a paint defect and was given a gls loaner car 2002 and i couldnt stand it...i wanted my car back it is a very floaty car on the streets and very much so on the freeway ive had my gt over 120 many times and felt very comftable there but this gls i was scared above 70 it just simply wanted to wonder too much
admittedly it was smoother over bumps but if thats what i wanted i would of bought a cadilac because thats what is felt like a big boat shrunk down to a small size
if you like to drive corners fast and im talking twice the recomended speed fast and you like to be able to pass and change lanes quickly without worring about losing control than get the gt...
the gls is just a very cheap feeling car when it comes down to cornering and handling



just my 2 cents<img src=/images/forums/snitz/cool.gif width=15 height=15 border=0><img src=/images/forums/snitz/thumbup.gif width=25 height=18 border=0>


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[Maxx]

Well, lets see, where to start.<img src=/images/forums/snitz/uhh.gif width=15 height=15 border=0>
Ok. What kind of crack have you been smoking? I've driven the GT and GLS
several times and I have no clue what you're talking about...but that
makes two of us. I have a friend that has an '01 GT. I was familiar with his car before I ever saw a GLS, which I purchased. My car is Rock Steady at 90 mph...and quiet. Your the first person I've encountered (private owner or car reviewer) that refered to anything about the Elantra GLS as cheap. No car corners well when the driver has his head up his a*s. <img src=/images/forums/snitz/finger.gif width=33 height=15 border=0>


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[i8acobra]

I'm thinking about getting a GLS myself to replace my '96 GLS. I plan on replacing the shock/springs anyway, so I wouldn't want to pay for the GT's suspension only to throw it away. Besides, I hate leather. <img src=/images/forums/snitz/smile.gif width=15 height=15 border=0>


<hr width=60% noshade size=1 align=left>Later,
Aaron Britt
Events Coordinator, Las Vegas F-body Assoc.
'97 Trans-Am WS6
'96 Elantra GLS
"The shortest distance between two points is a straight line........but, it's not as much fun."
<img src="http://www.speedcraving.com/i8acobra/flag.gif">

 

[Maxx]

Yeah i8acobra, I think you'll be happy with new version, if you like
your '96 at all. As far as handling in the newer GLS, I don't drive it
like a high performance race car, but I corner pretty aggressively,
and whip through lane changes feeling totally secure. I wouldn't drive the GT like a race car either...thats not what it is. I have taken it up to 110 mph, and it
didn't feel totally secure as it does at, say, 90....but no wandering at all. Road conditions and surface
have a lot to do with the whole high speed steadiness thing. Oh, my leather seat covers are removeable...I hate leather when it starts to get hot. <img src=/images/forums/snitz/wink.gif width=15 height=15 border=0>


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[tniv1]

I have a 01 GLS and I love it. I have never driven the GT so I can't comment on its suspension. What i can say is that I work at night and the parking lot where i work is very big and empty, perfect for practicing my rally techniques. A friend of mine who watched me run the parking lot circuit told me that I had problems after I was finished. He told me that he could see the outside rear wheel on every hard turn actually lift off the ground about 8-10 inches. Now i don't have new springs or strut bars yet, but is that supposed to happen? Somewhat scary to me


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[Maxx]

What was the asphalt surface like?
Did you notice any wheel hop? These cars do have independent suspension and multi-link in the rear so my guess is that your friend may have seen some wheel hop. I doubt that any of your tires could have been up in the air 8-10 inches without your knowing it though. My tires have been known to skip or bounce in hard turns on uneven surfaces.<img src=/images/forums/snitz/oogle.gif width=15 height=15 border=0>


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