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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Extremely Impressive for a "Compact Economy Car" - 2017 Hyundai Elantra
By Wikoli (Victor) - March 29 - 3:46 amTraded a 2014 Sonata SE with sport and tech packages, which was a great car, no problems for a 2017 Elantra Limited with Tech and Ultimate packages. This is a totally new Elantra from the 2016 and I think Hyundai hit a home run. Had our choice of blue/black or red/beige. The blue was a March 2016 man date with 95 miles and looked abused and demoed poorly with sluggish acceleration. The red/beige was a July 2016 man date with 8 miles and demoed great with spirited acceleration and looked beautiful, and was very clean and still had new car smell. So we went for the red. Very impressed with the quietness for such a small car (aircraft grade chassis adhesives.). Very impressive for a "compact economy car". First tank was 36 MPG. Great nav and entertainment on the sharp 8" display. Incredible Infinity audio system, best since our 2007 Nissan Rockford Fosgate. No CD, so well have to transfer our music. Beautiful interior with dash setup same as new Sonata. They separated the climate control display and outside temp display from the LCD, good move. Got the Continental tires instead of the Korean ones, dont know, but Im assuming theyre better. Drawbacks are steering is a little compact-ish, just a little stiff and pulls slightly side to side on uneven roads curvy roads. Also, the suspension, which is actually pretty firm, but it will waddle a little on the road and in parking lots with sudden direction changes. These are my only complaints, which are minor. And Im comparing it to the Sonata with the sport package the drove like it was on rails. And the Elantra of course is more comfortable and quiet. Quality, fit and finish is impressive. Only exception was the RR door which is sticking out very very slightly on the latch side. The 1.6L engine runs great and has decent power, and has multi-point fuel injection, which is much preferable over direct injection (the 2.4 GDI Theta II direct injection on the Sonata has a recall on it). The 6 speed auto is extremely smooth. New exterior styling beautiful, toned down a bit and more European. Excellent nav, audio, interior (obviously some hard plastics), beautiful leather seats, blind spot monitoring, lane departure, adaptive cruise, auto dimming RV mirror with homelink, heated F&R seats, power drivers seat with 2 memory settings, rear view camera, sunroof, auto opening trunk, what can I say? After $6500 in rebates and discounts, its like a mini luxury car for 21.5 K. Perfect for my five foot wife. Did immediately install a K&N air filter which gives you a couple of extra horse on the 4-banger. Heres hoping no serious recalls on the engine or anything else. These new cars are so high tech you never know.
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Great Little Car - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
By Ashley - March 28 - 5:36 pmI love this car. Its great on gas, its fun, and its cute! Im hooked on Hyundai Elantra. Whenever this one has seen its best days Im getting another one. Its well worth every dime!
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Great car - 1995 Hyundai Elantra
By My Hyundai - March 27 - 4:34 pmI have owned my Hyundai for 13 years and only have had to have regular maintenance on it except for the sensor which just went out this year (2008) My car is a 1995 Elantra. My husband and I basically keeps it going with regular oil changes and regular maintenance. I have owned at least 5 cars in the past but this is the best one except for the gear shift which sticks a little at this point. This car drives better than most brand new ones. It has a smooth fast and easy take off. Some of the others that I have owned usually hesitated after the light turned green as if to say do I want to go or not. I really like my 95 Hyundai!
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Good purchase - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
By Dan - March 25 - 1:08 pmOur Elantra is perfect for shuttling our four kids around to school and sports functions. We are getting about 28-29 miles per gallon in mixed driving. As many reviewers point out, this car does not give you a nice smooth ride, and is easily blown all over the road by high winds, but I think that is to be expected by cars this size. It does however handle well. I experience some annoyingly long gear shifts in the automatic transmission but it is still rather responsive little engine. After 1 year of ownership with heavy use I recommend this car. Only problem experienced so far was with a light in the driver side sun visor.
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Going on 5 years and 2 transmissions - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
By Kim C. - March 24 - 10:44 amOne month after purchasing brand new the problems began. Had to arrange multiple visits to dealership for various issues:1 month-check engine light repeatedly on 3 months- rotors had to be cut, new brakes warranty covered as per recall. 5 months-black around Windows and hatchback hinges needed to be replaced. All minor compared to the transmission exploding (pins blew out the side- pics avail) at 31k miles. Not covered in 100k mile warranty because I did not have trans. Fuel changed at 30k as suggested in manual. I compared w/ other vehicle manuals Toyota, Nissan and tran. Fuel change is suggested @ 50k miles. Suggested not required or car would stop running. Now 79k mi. And need new transmission.
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Long road, but Hyundai has come far - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
By mightiess - March 23 - 2:00 amThe Elantra is a very attractive car at an attractive price. Comes standard with power mirrors/windows/locks, AC, quad-design headlights, steering wheel tilt, 60/40 split rear, plenty of storage/cup holders, etc, etc. Where else can you get so much for so little with an excellent warranty from Hyundai?
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Very happy with this car - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
By Harleyuki - March 23 - 2:00 amI bought this car fully equipted and am very happy with it. Comfortable ride, sound system is nice, everything is tight and its fun to drive. The options I wanted came standard in the Elantra!
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TOP value/price! - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
By charlie/Hedbring - March 23 - 2:00 amWith my spinal cord injury, the car I purchased had to be tops in comfort, tops in reliability, and tops in ease of use and handling. Given my medical bills, the car I selected had to be under $20,000 all inclusive. Enter a lengthy internet search that lasted weeks. The Hyundai Elantra GT hatchback w/ auto-shift won! I have had it one year; lots of stop/go traffic; record snow (upstate NY); record cold; wet spring/summer -- no negatives! Even Coogee, my rat terrier service dog loves it! What a car, truly!
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All Around Good Car - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
By greenthoughts - March 23 - 2:00 amThis car is really nice for the money. So far, I havent had any problems. To be a small car, it is actually roomy inside. It is perfect as a fist car or an additional car for a small family.
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Wow! A++++ - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
By Sunny42100 - March 23 - 2:00 amGreat value for a single mom wanting reliable transportation for a busy life! Love it! would purchase another one in a heartbeat!
