The 2006 Elantra is still the old style introduced in 2002 (I believe).
We just bought a 2006 Elantra GLS sedan on Christmas Eve.  It was a
Christmas gift for my wife.

We started looking at new cars last March; scrutinized and test drove
the new Sonata, Camry, Accord, Civic, Kia Spectra, and also the Ford
Five Hundred of all things.  We really never considered an Elantra at
that time.  But, after spending tons of time looking and test driving,
as well as renting a 2006 Sonata GLS V6, we decided to take a look at
the Elantra after all.  After some discussion, we decided to pay cash
for a car, rather than financing.  Therefore, we went "down market" a
bit from what we previously considered, excluding the Civic and Spectra
of course.  We liked what we saw in the Elantra, and I was impressed by
the overall apparent build quality, ride, and value for the money.  We
got a decent deal (at least I think so) at $13,750, including fees,
tax, and license.

We do have plans of buying another new car, perhaps in late November or
December.  And, if our experience with the Elantra is a good one, we
most likely will go with the Sonata.  Both my wife and I really like
the Sonata as well.  Since we keep our cars for at least 10 years,
sometimes much longer, the more rapid depreciation rate of a Hyundai
really doesn't concern me.  No doubt, this will change in the future
given the quality of their current products and as they become more
popular.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend an Elantra.  Of course, we've owned it
for less than a month and have very few miles on it.  It has a nice
feel to it, and drives well in town and on the highway.  Overall, my
wife and I are impressed.

2006 Hatchback - definite step up from my 99 Accent.  ;-)  Zippy,
cruises comfortably at well over the speed limit and averages around
30 mpg with a heavy foot doing around town sevice work.  The only
thing I will change is the radio.  I want one that does mono mp3's for
audiobooks and old folk & RnR music.

Just bought the GLS sedan w/ 5 speed. Including fees, PA tax, license,
and inspection, price was just shy of $13K ($500 of the $1500 rebate
was for military). Looked at Toyoat, Nissan, Ford, and various others.
Nothing could touch the Elantra for the combination of price, features
and apparent quality.  Of course real quality will fall out as time
goes on.  It only has 500 miles so far.  But fit and finish are
flawless.  Access for routine maintenance is excellent.  Power is
smooth and snappy; more would be a waste in my book.  I do a lot of my
own repair and all maintenance.  The manuals are on line.  I had to lay
out $160 for the shop manual for the last car (Dodge Caravan).  A nice
bit of icing.

I purchased an 05 in oct of 05 just when the 06's came out.  I found
absolutely no difference in any manner between the 05 and 06.  Might
be something different but its not obvious to me.  I was told the
reason was that the 07 was coming out early, probably in the summer of
06 and it will be redesigned, so the 06 would remain the same as the
05.  Any way, I have had the 05 about 2 1/2 months and have been very
satisfied with the car.  No problems at all.  Just took it on a 3,000
plus tip at christmas from cleveland to dallas.  Drove the car  for 19
hours only stoping for gas and a bite to eat.  Went 70-76 mph at all
times except when going through cities where I had to slow to 60-65
mph.  My mpg was over 30 miles per gallon with two adults, trunk
packed full and back seat half packed with christmas presents.  Great
mileage.  The gas tank holds about 14 gallons and I would start
looking for gas every 420-450 miles.  Love the car.  No problems.