The Hyundai Elantra competes with such favorites as the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. Hyundai knows it can't yet match the well-earned resale value of its Japanese rivals,but it offers a superior bang-for-the-buck factor and backs the Elantra with the best warranty of any compact sedan. Now in its fourth year of production,the Elantra finds itself aging somewhat,and lacks the slicker design appeals of the new Honda Civic and Mazda3. Still,the affordable asking price,long list of standard features and impressive safety equipment allow the Elantra to go head-to-head with the Ford Focus,Mitsubishi Lancer,Volkswagen Golf and Chevrolet Cobalt.