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2011 Hyundai Elantra: First Drive

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I’m not a huge fan of the faux-silver trim that has a prominent home on the dashboard and the doors; the design is interesting, but its appearance isn’t compelling and it feels low-grade when you grab onto it to close the front doors. The flat-black plastic surrounding the audio head unit looks a little low-rent, too, and the center dash vents don’t have on-off dials if you don’t want any air blowing at you from there. Like I said, it’s minor stuff.
 
In the end, my lasting impression of the Elantra is the car has all the necessary attributes to compete and win in its segment.

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Senior Road Test Editor

I oversee Cars.com’s testing-related Editorial content, from our expert car reviews and videos to our multivehicle comparison tests. I’ve been covering the auto industry for more than 20 years, with a focus on helping shoppers find the right car for them. I’m a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association, and I’m also a juror for the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards. My daily driver is a Honda Odyssey minivan; my very occasional driver is a Ford Focus that’s prepped for cheap endurance racing.

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