Hyundai Elantra Ranks 2nd on $16,000 and under test.
Now thumb through the magazine past the contenders:
10th place, Kia Spectra 68 points
9th place, Suzuki Aerio GS 73 points
8th place, Nissan Sentra GXE 82 points
6th place tie, Dodge Neon SXT 83 points
6th place tie, Mitsubishi Lancer O-Z 83 points
5th place, Honda Civic LX 87 points
4th place, Ford Focus SE 88 points
3rd place, Toyota Corolla LE 90 points
2nd place, Hyundai Elantra GLS 91 points
1st place, Mazda Protege LX 92 points
Although the Elantra appears to have won over the reviewers, there are still some aberrations in the scoring. The evaluation rails on Honda for poor build quality including body panels and interior issues as well as spotty paint. However, the Civic is awarded a score of 8 for fit and finish - the same as the Elantra. Further, the writers acknowledge that the Elantra is a fantastic value yet in the category of value only give it a 7 while the most expensive car in the test, the Protege scores an 8. A close call for first place, for certain!
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