Road & Travel Magazine

Auto Advice & Tips
Auto Buyer's Guides
Car Care Maintenance
Climate Views & Videos
Auto Awards Archive
Insurance & Accidents
Legends & Leaders
New Car Reviews
Planet Driven
Road Humor
Road Trips
RV & Camping
Safety & Security
Teens & Tots Tips
Tire Buying Tips
Used Car Buying
Vehicle Model Guide

Travel Channel
Adventure Travel
Advice & Tips
Airline Rules
Bed & Breakfasts
Cruises & Tours
Destination Reviews
Earth Tones
Family Travel Tips
Health Trip
Hotels & Resorts
Luxury Travel
Pet Travel
RV & Camping
Safety & Security
Spa Reviews
Train Vacations
World Travel Directory
Bookmark and Share

2002 ICOTY Awards - Entry Level
Most Spirited - Hyundai Elantra GT

ROAD & TRAVEL's 2002 Most Spirited -- Hyundai Elantra GTHyundai has been in the American marketplace now for 15 years, and has applied all that it has learned in that period to its impressive selection of products. Fun and spunky are two words that we associate with a vivacious personality, and Hyundai's Elantra GT is all that and more. The new five-door hatchback is as versatile as a wagon, but with Euro-tuned ride and handling characteristics that make it fun on any road. We liked the roominess for people and cargo, and the impressive list of safety features like standard side airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, and the child-friendly rear seat systems, such as safety door locks and the child seat anchor system.

Someone who can have a good time without spending a lot of money is always high on our list, and, again, the Hyundai wins on this level. Versus the Focus ZX5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, which also competed for the award, the Hyundai delivers four-wheel disc brakes, 15-inch wheels and tires, leather seats, air-conditioning, power steering, power windows/mirrors/door locks, AM/FM/CD stereo and fog lamps as standard equipment, all for a starting price under $14,000. How fun is that? We also appreciate the Hyundai's outstanding warranty, which means more value, less hassles, and a company that stands with confidence behind everything it sells.

Most Respected
Luxury Car of the Year
Infiniti Q45

Most Likely to Change the World
ECO- Friendly Car of the Year
Th!nk City

Most Likely to Survive Anything
SUV of the Year
Jeep Liberty