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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  Good Reliable Car - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By hdriver - June 26 - 4:09 pm

  27000 miles in the first 11 mos of ownership with absolutely 0 major problems. 33 mpg with 70% hwy, 30% city. Love all of the standard features for the price. If you buy, plan on keeping it forever, they dont hold resale at all! Only complaints are interior fit and finish, this thing is a rattle box.Rattles have formed from everywhere glove box, doors, overhead trim and gauge cluster all rattle or squeak. Could benefit from a 5 speed tranny,seems sluggish/bogged down unless you get on it. All in all though it would be hard to find a better car for the money. As long as reliability stays I will be a happy camper.

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  GREAT LIL CAR - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Sonny - June 24 - 1:52 pm

  This was my first new car and before I bought it I felt I had done a good job researching and it paid off. This car gets better gas mileage the listed in the epa estimates. I get 34 miles per gallon hmy and about 29 in city. It is quiet, smooth, comfortable, and has the space I have needed for moving things around, shopping etc. (I was able to fit my dishwasher at one point as well as a full sized treadmill in box). Good car, good price, good service at the dealership.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By TxWmn71 - June 24 - 1:06 pm

  I thought I would be downgrading from my Santa Fe to the Elantra, but I love this car. With gas prices the way they are, I love averaging 30-32 mpg (mostly highway driving at 80mph). I even managed 42 mpg with a strong tailwind. Going from a V8 to V6 to a 4-cyl, I am impressed with its power. I could not have asked for a better price in a car that includes leather heated seats, 6 CD changer and MP3 jack. I hear the seats in the back are extremely comfortable and there is plenty of leg room. The trunk can handle a 40" diameter folding table. A less bumpy ride would be nice, but it is tolerable. It has been very reliable. I would not want to be doing my 24k miles a year in anything else.

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  Awesome First car!!! - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Kristen - June 23 - 7:50 pm

  I just got this car two days ago. ive been searching all over for cars, and i finally settled for this one. Especially the SE you cant find it anywhere, we called every dealership to see if they had one and finnaly found one. The Elantra SE has a lot of room, and different compartments!its very comfortable. The car also picks up speed good.

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  Decent Car, but missed the mark - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Andrew Carson - June 22 - 8:50 pm

  I saw the car, and for $14,305, I thought about it before buying. I looked at the Lancer, Civic, Corolla, Sentra, Spectra, Focus, Cobalt, VW Rabbit, and the Mini Cooper. The Hyundai just seemed to be the best deal on a new car. I took it on a long test drive, and determined I had found the right one. Two days afterwards, I knew I had made a mistake. The seat doesnt line up with the pedals, the pedals are lined up terribly, and the seat is terribly uncomfortable. The pedals themselves are lined up terribly, with a gas pedal close to the seat, and the clutch having a long throw. Excellent value in a car unless you are over six feet tall.

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  Very good, reliable, fun car - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By Jo Squier - June 22 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Hyundai I have owned, and the quality of this car is excellent for the price. I have had no problems with it in the two years I have owned it. The interior is nice, the leather is comfortable and easy to care for. Make sure you get the floor mats from the manufacturer though, or they wont fit.

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  ok for the money - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By jeff - June 17 - 4:22 pm

  Daily driver, the first year the car seemed pretty solid. After that you started hearing more noise. Too much maintance for such a small car. If you dont follow the schedule it will void the so called 100,000 mile warranty!

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  Okay car, but I found better - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Patrick - June 16 - 4:24 pm

  OK car overall. Nice interior - instrument panel and blue lighting were nice, but pleather was cheap. POOR GAS MILEAGE! About 18 MPG - Lower than sticker. Brake pads had to be replaced constantly. The auto trans was not that good, never had any probs with it, but it coulda shifted smoother. Engine had a rattle to it when accelerating up hills - had it checked out, but was told that the noise was normal and didnt seem to effect performance. Also when turning steering wheel, it made a scratching noise. Overall, the car had a few rattles and noises that were minor which didnt effect the performance of the car, but were annoying since they were constant.

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  Awesome - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By LoRob - June 14 - 9:35 pm

  I have owned my car for almost 4 years and I love it. I did alot of research and test driving of many cars and the Hyundai Elantra GT was the best car for the best value. I love almost everything about it. It has been very reliable and a fun drive. I will not hesitate to purchase another Huyndai in the future.

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  Buh Bye Hundai........ - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By No Thanks - June 13 - 12:22 am

  I bought this car to replace a 2003 Elantra GT 5 door, which was a good car. It was a pretty good car until I was in an accident 10 months after purchasing it. I was hit head on and the drivers airbag did not deploy when it should have. At least the seat belt worked. I contacted Hyundai about the airbags not deploying. Hyundai didnt seem to care. Since the Elantra depreciated quite a bit in 10 months, I got a disappointing check from the insurance company after my car was totaled. I went out and bought a Mazda 3. which was my 2nd choice. Hyundai has standard airbags in their cars, but I guess the deployment of the airbags is optional. Thanks Hyundai, but no thanks...