A perennial favorite, the Hyundai Elantra continues to impress. For the 2004 model year, the car – which debuted as a third generation platform in 2001 – revises the exterior via such aspects as new hood, front fenders, bumper, grille design, taillight design, and decklid. The car also boasts a revamped interior via new instrument cluster, vents, controls, seat fabrics and center console stack. Elantra’s cabin now features two, 12-volt power sources and an ashtray with a removable liner. There are other changes from the 2003 model, but the fact remains that Elantra is an amazingly great buy for under $15,000. The four-door sedan rides on 15-inch wheel and tires. With a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that releases 132 horsepower and 133 pounds-feet torque, the overall output lacks a spellbinding punch. But that’s hardly a deal-breaker for a car that is otherwise an all-around status quo breaker. Elantra features standard front and rear independent suspension, tilt steering column, quartz digital clock, remote fuel and trunk release, rear window defroster, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, power locks/windows/mirrors, and air conditioning. As Hyundai’s best selling vehicle in the U.S., Elantra earns its reputation as a truly great car. Per gallon fuel estimates with four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission are 26 city/34 highway. MSRP is $13,299.