Overview & Reviews
Introduced in the early 1990s, the Hyundai Elantra didn't exactly get off to a good start, earning a well-deserved reputation for overall shoddiness and unreliability. But more than two decades later, the Elantra has become one of America's most popular small sedans. Take one for a spin and you'll likely be impressed with its smooth ride, roomy interior, high fuel economy and solid build quality. The Elantra also offers plenty of features for the money and long warranty coverage. While those long-ago Elantras are best forgotten, any new or used Elantra (that you'll realistically come across) is an excellent choice for a small car shopper.
Current Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra sedan is offered three trims: SE, Limited and Sport. A coupe and Elantra GT four-door hatchback are also available and reviewed separately.
Standard SE feature highlights include alloy wheels, full power accessories, air-conditioning, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio and USB/iPod interface. An option package provides 16-inch (versus 15-inch) wheels, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, voice controls, a rearview camera and heated front seats. The Limited comes with all that as well as 17-inch wheels, leather upholstery, a power driver seat, heated rear seats and Blue Link telematics. The Sport includes the Limited's features minus the heated rear seats and Blue Link and adds a more powerful engine, a sunroof, a sport-tuned suspension and keyless ignition and entry. The Limited can be had with a larger 7-inch touchscreen display, dual-zone automatic climate control and a navigation system.
The SE and Limited trims are powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 145 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the SE, while a six-speed automatic is optional. The Limited comes only with the automatic. The Elantra Sport has a 2.0-liter four that makes 173 hp. With the Sport, the manual transmission is standard, while the automatic is optional.
Slide inside the Elantra and you'll find a cabin that matches or betters most others in it class. A stylized center stack and controls lend some flair to the cabin, and the materials, while not best-in-class, offer a rich look. Ample headroom and a smaller-diameter steering wheel contribute to the interior's spaciousness.
On the road, the 1.8-liter engine has decent punch and the automatic transmission provides smooth, well-timed shifts. This volume-selling powertrain should be fine for the majority of drivers. The added punch provided by the Sport's bigger engine should be appreciated by those willing to sacrifice a few mpg in favor of some added oomph. A compliant ride and a quiet cabin make the Elantra a comfortable choice for daily driver and road trip duty alike. The only significant downside to this Elantra is a lack of rear headroom compared to what's available from some other top small sedans.
Used Hyundai Elantra Models
The current Hyundai Elantra represents the fifth generation, which was introduced for the 2011 model year. Apart from lacking some slight styling tweaks, upgraded touchscreen displays, added sound insulation and the Sport trim level, these Elantras are otherwise identical to the current version.
 The fourth-generation Elantra ran from 2007-'10. Having established the Elantra as a legitimate contender in the compact segment with its previous-generation car, Hyundai updated the Elantra's styling, improved its handling and ride quality, and revamped the interior to near-premium levels.
Two main trim levels were available: GLS and SE. The GLS came reasonably well equipped, though it lacked stability and traction control. Those came standard on the SE after 2007. The SE also had more features and a sport-tuned suspension. In your used-car search, you might also encounter the top-line Elantra Limited ('07 only) and the Elantra Blue, which was an entry-level model offered for 2010 only.
Fourth-generation Elantras came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine good for 138 hp and 136 lb-ft of torque. The transmission was either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. Cars sold in California-emissions states could have cleaner tailpipe emissions (PZEV) but were rated for 132 hp.
Changes were minimal for this car. For 2009, the Elantra received enhanced suspension and steering tuning, along with new interior instrument and radio displays. A USB/iPod audio jack also became available. But in general, we were very impressed by this car and praised its roomy and comfortable interior, agreeable ride quality and value for the dollar.
The third-generation Elantra was produced from model years 2001-'06 and represented a considerable step up from the earlier cars. The sedan was bigger inside and out, and revised sheet metal gave it a more upscale look. Reliability and overall quality were also much improved. The standard features list was generous for the car's price, and included amenities like air-conditioning, full power accessories, side airbags, 15-inch wheels and an AM/FM cassette player. The 2.0-liter engine generated 135 hp (138 after 2003) and was mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic.
An Elantra hatchback, the Elantra GT, was also offered starting in 2002 and came with additional standard features, including leather seats and a CD player. Initially, the sedan was available only in base GLS trim, but by 2003, Elantra sedans could be purchased in two trims -- GLS and the top-of-the-line GT. Although it still lacked the refinement of segment leaders like the Honda Civic, the third-generation Hyundai Elantra shone as a solid choice for buyers seeking maximum value for their money.
One would probably do best by avoiding the second-generation Elantra – built from model years 1996-2000 -- though it did at least take a turn for the better from the forgettable original. The car got a welcome boost in power with the addition of a new engine, a 1.8-liter four-cylinder capable of 130 hp and 122 lb-ft of torque. Airbags were added to the safety features list, and a wagon body style was also offered. The Elantra's engine was upgraded yet again in model year 1999, to a larger 2.0-liter. Overall, the second-gen Elantra represented a decent buy in the economy car segment. It wasn't as polished as the offerings from Honda, Nissan or Toyota, but it was well-equipped and fun to drive.
The first-generation Elantra was produced from model years 1992-'95; during this period, Hyundai's hauler was available as a sedan only. Sadly, the car's build quality and reliability reflected its bargain-basement price. Elantras from this era were notorious for being sloppy in most of the areas that matter. They were none too quick either, as all models were motivated by a 1.6-liter inline-4 good for 113 hp and 102 lb-ft of torque.
User Reviews:
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Hyundai proven to have been a good buy - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
By Happy Owner - July 20 - 7:40 pmThe Elantra Gt gave me what I wanted. Looks, utility ( thats why I chose the GT hatchback) dependability and price. In 76000+ miles the only things that have gone wrong are 3 low beam headlights bulbs, 1 battery, the thermostat and just recently the A/C compressor. The brake pads show little wear at this time. I was rear-ended by an 18 wheeler and took such a hit that the motor mounts broke. After the repair you would never know that the car was ever hit. Still rides and handles great. Excellent brakes headlights are strong. All in all it has been a very good car in every respect. I will probably replace it with another Hyundai one day, if it ever wears out.
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Nice Vehicle - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
By littleindiana - July 18 - 4:38 pmLove the car. I went from a mini-van to this car and I can not believe the room it has in it. So far we have taken it camping and on vacation to see family. Everything has fit in the trunk. Unfortunately, the fuel pump went out at 3800 miles. It has taken almost 2 weeks for them to get the part and to repair it. It drives much better now.
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Impressed after a week. - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
By avtbud - July 18 - 4:35 pmIt has many standard features that are options on the other comparable sedans, an unbeatable warranty and a great price. Its my new automatic Regata blue Elantra SE and I love it! It has great handling and gives me a comfortable quiet ride. I averaged 30 mpg on the dealers tank which is pretty good in hilly VT. I bought it relying on this web site not knowing that Consumer Reports had rated it one of his top picks of 2008. Ill try to post again in a few months. Peace.
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Elantra - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
By markh - July 17 - 10:00 amA great car, rides nice, handles well, looks good and decent gas milage.
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I love my Elantra - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
By tiggeristhatyou - July 17 - 10:00 amI just bought my Elantra, and I love it. I had a Mazda Protege for 9 yrs and rode a Toyota Corolla for a short period of time and I must say I love the Elantra the best. Even my sister who commutes with me to work daily, feels the Elantra is much more attractive than the 2003 Corolla I was driving and 10 x better than the 1995 Mazda I had for the last 9 yrs. I have no regrets in buying this car. The price is no comparison to the value.
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Great Car, Fun to Drive - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
By Aung - July 17 - 1:57 amThe car is very fun to drive. Handling is Great. Braking and cornering are very confident. The car always has good grip on the road. The engine gets noisy (rev) around 3500 rpm but I think its kinda sporty. Fit and finish is excellent despite a few negligible low-quality material, IMO, better than Corolla and Civic. Blue ambient lighting is very cool. Controls are well placed and ergonomic. Seats and headrests are comfortable. Steering wheel audio controls are convenient though I keep using the dial on the center its a habit. Regetta Blue looks awesome. I heard its a rare color. The ride is very smooth and comfortable. Those multi-link suspensions on front and rear really helps a lot.
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Great Buy - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
By Vicap - July 16 - 8:43 pmHaving rented a Hyundai twice while my Nissan was being repaired I was very impressed with the Elantra. I finally decided to buy one. I was even more pleased with the price. Dollar for dollar, this is by far the best car Ive ever bought
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Its a great deal - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
By Hisham - July 16 - 4:00 amAlthough I just bought the vehicle, I can tell that it is a good choice. Unlike some suggestions, it felt very stable on the road at speeds over 90 MPH. The standard features and looks are great, as is the price.Add all this to the warranty, and youll find yourself getting a great deal.Compared to competition, Hyundai offers more for a reasonable price. Compared to the Corolla, it has better looks, options, and is more sophisticated. Compared to the Mazda3, it is a smoother ride and also has more options to offer. Finally, I found the Civic quite pricy and the looks on the Elantra are better. Add all this to better safety features and warranty, and youll find that this is a good choice.
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From Truck To Car - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
By Tom - July 14 - 7:59 pmFor the past several years I have been driving a Full size 1/2 Ton truck and moved to the Elantra because of the price of gas. Once I got past the idea of staring at truck lug nuts I have found this car to be very fun to drive and the ride is way better than my truck. Cant complain about the gas mileage either, I am getting 31 mpg on the highway and a little better than 26 mpg in the city. I cant even come close to the gas mileage in my truck.
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the honest truth - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
By susan erlich - July 13 - 9:59 pmI am a third time Hyundai owner. I started in the 80s when they first came out and I have been buying them ever since. I have to admit that I noticed the difference between this car that I own and the other two that I owned. I presently have 2006 elantra, and am looking into purchasing a 2008. I love these cars. There reliability is superb and I encourage everyone that I know, family and friends to buy a Hyundai. They are great cars and they have come a mighty long way!
