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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I love my Elantra GT 2005 - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
By nick - July 13 - 2:50 amAfter visiting a Mazda dealer for used Protege5 2003 car, I went to the Hyundai dealer. The Protege5 2003 is a very good car, but when I tested the 2005 Elantra GT, I felt completly in love. First this car is very funny to drive, even in winter weather (it was - 15 Celsius, and full of snow when I drove the car for the first time - in Montreal, Quebec). I tested the car for at least an hour, and my choice was made....financing package was unbeatable - 0%/5years - first payment will be in May 2006!!!! I bought the GT premium version - sunroof, ABS (great brakes), spoiler...but no TCS (Traction Control), they told me it comes only in the GT version, no premuim...I did not understand why...
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Pay more for somthing else....... - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
By Pete - July 8 - 8:00 pm72 thousand miles and transmission will not shift. But not a transmission problem. Warranty is a crock. Hey Folks you pay for what you get. Also sun visors fell off, auto locks stopped, not to mention a dash light problem. The car is simply crap. Dont risk it. Pay 3 to 5 grand more for a good car.
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Best Car Ever - 1999 Hyundai Elantra
By TWHITE - July 7 - 9:19 amI recommend this car to anyone that is looking for something reliable but stylish. This car is great for long distance road trip and for short inner city driving. I purchased this car brand new and with over 120k miles it is still running great. I am looking to upgrade my Hyundai Elantra to a Sonata. But this car is well worth it for anyone single, married, with or without children.
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Pay now or Pay later - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
By Cheap? - July 7 - 8:10 amWe bought the Elantra VE because it handled well on a test drive and we seemed to be getting more for our money, however over the past five years we have spent $8000 in maintenance and repairs. The key fobs wore out in less than two years rendering the alarm system useless. Every problem has been solved on the second visit, not on the first - so we have paid twice to have each problem fixed. The brakes always squeal, the rubber door seals eroded away in less than a year and the fuel system has been cleaned twice. We may have paid less for the Elantra than other 4-Door sedans, but we spent it on repairs over the past 5 years. Our advice - buy North American and pay the extra 5- 8 K up front.
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Hasnt been a bad car, BUT... - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
By kshively - July 6 - 6:24 pmI bought this car in spring of 04. I have had a few minor mechanical issues. I have kept up with required tune-ups and maintenance. The gas mileage starts to suck after the car hits about 60000 miles. The paint looks like crap (my car is black, so you can only imagine), and the interior is not very durable at all. I have really babied this car. I love driving it and have actually considered "upgrading" to a new one. Just kind of squeamish investing all that money if in a couple of years its going to visually be an eyesore like the one that I have now!!!
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Excellent car with great mileage - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
By Jeeves - July 6 - 1:41 pmIt has been close to a year since i purchased this Elantra. This is an excellent family car and can easily accommodate 5 6+ footers. Excellent speakers, good fuel economy and trunk volume make it a worthwhile purchase.
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Best Car Ever - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
By Gemg - July 4 - 9:43 pmBought new out the door for 14K, pretty good. Ive only done routine maintenance, the car has never had a single problem. Most trouble free car Ive ever had. An unassuming simple car but a little nicer than "basic transport". Always gets 30+mpg. Even got 38mpg between Reno and Sacramento (all downhill LOL!) Commuted in Colorado going 40 miles each way from 5000ft to 8500ft elevation each time. Sub zero weather and never garaged. Someone ran a red light and hit the side from drivers door forward at 60mph - totaled it. My daughter who was driving and my son the passenger walked away with only bruises and sore muscles. Now looking for another Elantra to replace it.
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Hyundais Sports Sedan - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
By jimpimms - July 2 - 10:50 amA bona fide sports sedan, and all for a paltry $13,999 MSRP. The included equipment for that price is phenomenal. Even with the moonroof-ABS-traction control package, its barely over 15Gs (plus delivery, fees, and taxes). Fit and finish is superb, inside and out. With the traction control option, the car refuses to plough in the corners, and holds the road like its on rails, even in the wet. The gutsy 2.0 litre 140hp engine accelerates spiritedly, ride and handling are well-balanced, and NVH is minimal. Add the impressive warranty and 5 year unlimited mileage roadside assistance, and its a deal you cant refuse.
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Review - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
By spiffsteruno - June 28 - 10:00 amThe Elantra is not a reliable car. It was at the dealer every other week for transmissino problems. The car has died on the highway and hyundai did nothing for me. I had to wait 2 hours for their tow truck to get me and they didnt even give me a loaner. I am very disapointed with this car.
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Satisfied but not ecstatic - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
By dbh1 - June 28 - 10:00 amI had to have the starter replaced. This was covered under the 5 yr 60k warranty. The roadside assistance program works.
