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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  Excellent value - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By daveg - May 28 - 8:57 am

  Purchased this car from the original owner at 54K miles for $6K. Had one power train problem repair and otherwise routine maintenance. It has been doing very well so far. General fit and finish is good, though the exterior color on the posts between front and back windows is beginning to peel a bit. Mileage is reasonable, performance is acceptable, it is roomy and reasonably comfortable. I replaced the factory stereo and have been happy ever since.

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  i had wanted a passat but.... - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By wow - May 27 - 2:00 pm

  after exteensive searching, i had labeled a 99 vw passat my "dream car" but with the price and the bad things i keep hearing about maintanence with vws i kept looking. after seeing the 02 elantra gt i have a new dream car. i cant get over how classy it looks, how loaded it is in just the base model or how inexpensive it is!

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  LEMON! - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By Scrmonster90 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  If only I could go back & turn back time. What an AWFUL experience with this car. It took almost 3 months to get, because I wanted the ABS/traction control in a certain color. Then, after only 6 months the car started dying after being filled with gas. I finally said THATS IT & went to the BBB Autoline & took it to arbitration. The arbitrator decided in my favor & its being repurchased by Hyundai. I cant wait to see the look on the faces of the people at the dealership. They treated me as if I were crazy that the car died. Back at em & beware of purchasing one of these vehicles!!

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  Fast, Fun and Features Oh My! - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By drvrage - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I am so very pleased with my Elantra after 5000km. I love it a little more each day. I adore the firm handling that really conveys road feel without being too harsh. The power is invigorating and makes the car fun to drive in manual form. If driven normaly, gas mileage is good for engine type and car weight. Features leave me wanting for nothing.

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  2002 Elantra GT Hatchback - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By smille0131 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  A thouroughly enjoyable driving experience for under $20,000. This vehicle is a refreshing example of what a manufacturer can offer if they choose to do so.

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  ELANTRA GT - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By GUICHE - May 27 - 2:00 am

  BEST VEHICLE EVERY HAD HOLDS 4 LG ADULTS WITH COMFORT.GAS MILAGE OUTSTANDING 32MI ON HIGHWAY AT 80 OR BETTER.RECCOMEND RADAR DETECTOR.NEVER FEEL SPEED.HATCH BACK HOLDS MORE THEN SUV`S SON` HAS LEXUS RX 300 WE HAVE TO USE MINE WITH 3 ADUTS 2 CAR SEATS/ LUGGAGE TO GO AIRPORT.WITH SEATS FOLDED IT IS STATION WGN .ALREADY TOOK HOT WATER HEATER.A DISWASHER. REFRIGERATOR IN IT HATCH CLOSED.GREAT SUSPENSION LIKE SPORTS CAR .

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  pleasantly suprised - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Danlo13 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  There usually is a catch to unbelievably low sticker prices. Not this time. Although I expected the standard features and read the good reviews here before buying, I was pleasantly suprised by the steering and shock absorbsion. Even with the auto transmission, the car climbs very steep hills easily. More suprising was that it handles rough roads more comfortably than my American make (2001) minivan. Handles the curves very well and has good acceleration.

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  Thank you Hyundai! - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By johnny marshall - May 22 - 8:44 am

  My other gas guzzling vehicles sit while I drive this dependable gem everywhere. It has everything a I need, moonroof, cd, cassette, a/c, power locks, Windows & everything has worked from the beginning. Great gas mileage approx 34 hwy. My wife calls it her "little beamer". Reliability is a vast understatement. Its 7 years old and I still have 3 years left on the drivetrain warranty that I didnt have to pay extra for. What puzzles me is other auto makers claim to make better cars but charge you extra for an extended warranty. Hyundai has the guts to back up their product and I love it! They hit a grand slam!

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  Still going strong after 210,000 miles - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By Bought new - May 20 - 4:14 pm

  Upon deciding if I wanted a new car or not, my thought was basically this: Invest 1,200 dollars into an 8 year old car with 209,000 miles, and drive it for 2 more years, or buy a new one and have a 500 a month car payment for 3 years. I no longer drive 35,000 miles a year, so the deciding factor for me was doing a compression test on the engine. It was still well within factory specs., and it uses NO oil between oil changes. The body is still in good shape, everything still works fine. Why buy a new one? I will say I have changed the oil every 3k miles with fully synthetic oil, Slick 50 every 50,000 miles, timing belt with exterior belts every 60k, and regular tune-ups.

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  Great Value - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Art S - May 20 - 7:50 am

  I needed cheap transportation but still like some comforts and the GT is a great bargain. My daughter loves to drive it when she is home and she has a new Beetle and loves it but talks about how much fun to drive the GT is. Personally I love the trip computer and that was what made the difference for me.