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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  Happy with my Hyundai and selling dealer - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By William Greanbowlt - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I wasnt sure if I should by a Honda or Hyundai I know that Honda has a very good track record and product . But everything I read about Hyundai kept saying buy the Hyundai so I did I am very happy with the car it has more power a better ride and more standard than the Honda And to top it all of it has the best warranty, warranty was important but the Hyundai seems like a better built car.I was very happy with the dealership I had a salesman named Jerry he did not preasure me explained everything on the car and backed up facts with reports .

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  Outstanding small car - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By David - April 27 - 6:17 am

  My Elantra is one of the best cars I have ever owned at any price. It is comfortable for long trips, gets excellent fuel economy, feels solid, and is pretty reliable. This is one of the few cars I have owned that shines for long distance driving comfort. The car has quality materials except for the paint on the wheels. The wheels showed surface rust after less than two years and had to be repainted. I also had to have the exhaust "down" pipe replaced twice under warranty. It starts fo leak and gets noisy. Otherwise, no problems or complaints. My car is approaching 50000 miles and I still love it. Fuel economy is 34-40 mpg.

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  Gave it a chance. Fed up. - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By ifaub - April 24 - 5:14 pm

  My wife and I purchased this car used in December 2006. One main reason was for its reported gas mileage. Another was for its "value". This car has been one problem after another. Multiple issues with the brakes (took them 4 times back in the shop to finally fix the problem). The paint downright fading/falling off on the door handles. MPG is around 19/21 even after the ridiculously expensive 60k mile service ($1200) and bringing it back again for diagnostics to see if something was wrong to cause poor fuel economy. Nothing found, but tried to up sell the injector cleaning service. Now, the vehicle feels like the trans is having some problems. Done with it. Trading it in this weekend.

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  So far So Good - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Mark - April 23 - 4:33 pm

  Love our 1993 Toyota Corolla so we looked at the 2005 models but chose the Elantra instead. We are both 6 feet tall and have a bit more leg, head, and shoulder room in the Elantra than the 2005 Corolla. Costs less than the Corolla too, for the same equipment. And it can tow 3,086 lbs instead of 1,500 if we ever need it. Reminds me of the Corolla from the 90s - simple and clean interior design. Live in Phoenix, AZ metro area, been running the A/C non-stop and getting 28 mpg so far with mixed city/highway driving. Longer basic and powertrain warranty than any comparable car out there. Smaller turning radius than the Corolla, handy for U-turns on side streets.

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  Good _budget_ car - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By scott - April 21 - 10:51 am

  Like other Korean products, like Samsung phones, this car is high on well-designed features, but just misses on small things that Japanese competitors still consider (and prove to be annoying long term). Biggest pros: Features - sunroof, leather, etc Interior space- everyone is surprised at "how roomy" it is Exterior design - often mistaken for a SAAB 93 Biggest cons: Loud to drive- very little sound dampening Rough to drive- feel every bump in the road Electrical- have to replace a headlight every couple months?!? Other minor complaints... Why did they design the center A/C vents that way? They are completely worthless for the passenger.

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  I love my hyundai car! - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By mouse - April 21 - 2:55 am

  I have had my elantra for almost a year now. I want to advise anyone out there looking for a car to make sure to look at this one. The fuel economy is good, about 30 mpg but i do a lot of highway driving. The size is wonderful. Im very tall and it was the only car I looked at that I didnt feel cramped in. The best thing about my car was the price. I spent about 3000 dollars less.

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  good litte cheapie - 1997 Hyundai Elantra
  By den - April 17 - 9:55 pm

  Bought from an older gentleman 6 yrs ago some just general maint. Both my power Windows had to be fixed the car now has 61k and still works good dont know how long I will keep it the trade value is poor to say the least so as long as I can I will keep it.

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  save gas in style - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By babu - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Just a fun car to drive, my other car is 3/4 ton pick-up so you can see y i like this car half the gas twice the fun. Luv it

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  1st hyundai..HAPPY with the whole machin - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By HARRY GRAPE !! - April 17 - 10:00 am

  garage kept? looked/smelled/drove like a new car. lots of pep when nedded !! stock tires(michlens) still run grt. 1st wk.drove 1500 mi..FLAWLESS IN ALL RESPECTS.

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  Very happy - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By rachel - April 16 - 1:20 pm

  Weve had this car for a few weeks, and I am surprised how much Ive grown to love it- how well it handles, the beauty of the interior and exterior (European stying), and it appears to be very well-made- nice perfect lines throughout the body and all seams. Between the price for its class, the features, the warranty- its the best deal. Also it has lots of pep! It loses just a little with the a/c on, but with the 2.0 it definitely beats the Civics and the Corollas 1.6. Its so much fun to drive! I would never pay so much more for a comparable Honda or Toyota just for resale value- Id rather pay less now- its all relative in the end.