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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  You need one - 1995 Hyundai Elantra
  By paintchip - May 5 - 5:39 pm

  This was my first car and it has lasted me 2 years and counting. Considering it is only 6 years younger then I am this car has held up great. I havent had any Major problems with it just regular maintenance which is usually really cheap for this car and the two previous owners who I personally know have also never had a real problem with this car. The only thing I dont like about it is that is slow as hell and accelerates a little slower then I can run. Also the interior which has held up fantastically is a Nice fit for me at 5,9" 150 lbs but for any one bigger they would have problems especially when I have the seat all the way back and my knee hits my keys.

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  Excellent Value!!! - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By RMJ - May 4 - 2:00 am

  After actually looking at and driving the Elantra compared to the other obvious choices in this auto segment, my wife and I were blown away by the quality of workmanship, the smooth and quiet drive and the overall value for the dollar! I noticed that the 2004 model has a revised interior, making it equal to or better than the competition. We are so very impressed!

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  My purple Elantra - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Karen Milton - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Easy to drive and fun. A lot of interior space for the 5 of us. Easy on gas, low maintenance. Secure feeling in winter weather. Roomy trunk. Rear cup holders an added bonus.

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  Love It!! - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By LivLarge - May 3 - 10:00 am

  Dropped it with some Eibach Springs and threw on some 18" wheels and my neihbor with a Lexus IS300 is jealous becuase the kids in the neighborhood think mine looks better. I get heads to turn all over town and people in parking lots are always asking me if it really is a Hyundai. Couldnt be happier.

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  I love my Elantra GT - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Eddie/Nilda Vazquez - May 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my red Elantra GT for almost a year now. I went from an Accent to an Elantra GT and its amazing how different the vehicles are. Obviously the prices alone are going to make a difference, but for the price, I could not be happier with my car. Not only do I love how it looks externally and internally, it has pretty good pick up. Im a twenty year old college student and its perfect if you want a mature, good looking car.

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  Terrible Car - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By E.Martinez - May 3 - 9:41 am

  I bought this car with 50k miles in 2005. Its been a problem after another. I had to replace the engine at 80k miles and now at 98k it has the transmission issues. The Motor Mounts were also replaced. Yes, its a cheap car. However, the maintenance becomes very expensive. I change the oil every 3k and do excellent maint. on it. Nevertheless, its still a problem. Would never buy a Hyundai and/or Kia in my life again. Pay a little more upfront and save a lot later when purchasing a Toyota, Honda or Nissan. Most of Kia and Hyundai engines are joint venture with Mitsubishi and they are not very reliable engines.

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  Great little car... - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By glassfern53 - May 1 - 7:11 pm

  This Elantra was my second Hyundai (and, Ill probably buy another). Never had a single problem with this car. The gas mileage is ok (24 mpg city and up to 30 mpg highway). Im a fanatic about maintenance, but, great quality at a good price. Thanks Hyundai for this baby!

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  MY 06*** Love my car - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Tracey - May 1 - 10:45 am

  I bought my 2006 Elantra New May 06. It now has 21000 miles on it and it has been very good to me, I have had no problems with it at all since i bought it. Reliability is a 10++++ plus i bought the extended 10yr 100k bumper to bumper and i have to say that i feel 100% safe w/free roadside assistance with a push of a button on the phone.

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  My Elantra - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By pfk981 - May 1 - 6:41 am

  I purchased my Elantra GT in feb 2006. I now have 50,000 miles. This has been a great car. No major problems. The only real complaint I have is the stock rear brakes are very soft brake pads. I always noticed that my rear wheels had more brake dust than my front (not normal). After they started making noise (35K) I replaced them with better pads and all is good. I enjoy driving it to and from work everyday. I would definitely purchase another one.

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  Sweet car for price - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Ryan - April 29 - 2:05 pm

  I dont have one negative thing to say about this car. I havent had one issue whatsoever! Very pleased with this car, and will be sticking to the brand in the future.