 Bought the Elantra SE because I had a budget and needed to stick to it.  Requirements were good gas mileage, antilock brakes, airbags, and traction/stability control.  Comparable Civic and Corolla were $4K and $5K more, even with cash for clunkers.  Took the vehicle on an 1152 mile jaunt to Bar Harbor and back and averaged 31.2 mpg in all types of driving.  Plus, I crammed 3 young kids and the wife in the car and a weeks worth of clothes and supplies.  The Elantra performed admirably.  Not extremely exciting, but a steady performer, fit and finish was perfect, seats were comfortable and ride was smooth.  The engine was a little course when acceleration was needed, but overall a great car.