My wife has a 2003 Elantra (auto) we bought brand new. it has almost 50,000 miles on it now, and we're VERY satisfied so far. It's comfy, even on long trips, has a bunch of nice standard stuff which are options on most other cars in this category, and handles nicely for an econ car (we're planning to replace the oem Michelin MXV4+ tires soon with some Kumho's probably, which I think will improve handling even more). It's pretty fast, too, compared with others in the same class. Very well put together, too. and I LOVE the headlights-performance: best I've ever seen.
Only things which needed attention so far were:
rear brake noise,
sunvisor bracket,
digital clock's display problem
(all replaced or repaired under warranty without any questions by the dealer, who's been very nice so far)
We get btw 35-37 on hwy, in-town mileage was never really calculated, but we know it's not bad at all.
We recommend it without any hesitation.
Get the GT if you can; for a little more, you get some nice stuff in it, but the GLS is nice, too.