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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This is a GREAT car. - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
By Peter Laurie - March 23 - 2:00 amFor the price, this is the best car Ive owned. Yeah, its cheap, but that only makes my friends wonder why they spent 10K more on a car. The hatchback is terrific. I can get anything into the car, including a 6-foot step ladder. Does it have a lot of power? No. But with no desire to go off road, I can drive anywhere I want to. Occasionally, I know I cannot pass a porsche when Im going uphill. The car has a super-designed interior. Feels just right, even for big guys. My wife and I both like to drive it.
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good fun will travel - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
By sebaka - March 23 - 2:00 am38 mpg with stick. Peppy and I feel good that I can afford a more expensive car but drive this. Know what I mean?
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happy with my hyundai - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
By conz - March 23 - 2:00 ami bought my 2001 hyundai elantra in march of 2001 i put so far 60,000 miles on it so far and dont really take that great of care of it and it still runs great. it gets wonderful gas mileage and it seats 4 adults quite comfortably. i only had one problem with it so far and that is the headlight bulbs dont last more than a year but they are cheap to replace. u can purchase them at kmart for 7 dollars each. i highly reccomend this car to anyone.
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Great Value - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
By dmason - March 23 - 2:00 amGreat car for the money. Safe, easy to insure, peppy and comfortable for medium driving needs.
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reviewest - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
By tanyaL - March 23 - 2:00 amIts the best comfortable ride I have ever been in, with such a great price such as the Elantra. You couldnt find a better car then the Elantra with the price range.
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A nice second car - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
By Claystin68 - March 23 - 2:00 amBought the car for going back and forth to work. Occasionally picking up the children.
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Been solid as a rock - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
By Doug - March 21 - 4:52 pmThe dealer had quite a number of 03s left as the 04s were coming out, so I felt the "deal" was good. Looking at all the cars in this price range, Edmunds comment was it was a "good commuter car". I drive a hundred miles round trip to work and back, they were 100% correct. It still averages almost 30mpg. Ive been very pleased. Never been back to the dealership. Change the oil ever 3-4 thousand miles. Original tires tires lasted about 45k. With 68,000 miles on it (I drive a Mustang convert most of the summer), Im looking for a new one.
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Value in Hyundais Elantra GT - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
By timtriolo - March 21 - 10:00 amThe most standard features @ the best price in the market. Interior detail is sensitive to comfort, design, performance.Others comment my GT looks like a SAAB!Quiet and peppy powertrain. Warranty is untouchable.Drawback=lackluster trade- in value.Dealers say this is changing, but so is dealer attitude:theyre becoming arrogant. Some said my researched figures were bogus,or tried to short--change me on my trade. Found and honest dealer and got a fair trade+$500 under invoice on GT.I bought discontinued Cranberry Color(replaced with weak Chianti Red).warranty is untouchable.
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An intelligent buy - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
By Dave Martin - March 21 - 10:00 amCivic and Corolla better? Maybe a little, but this car is a gem for its price. The base features are amazing. Design is a little conservative, but not lame. Build quality seems excellent. 13,000 miles and no problems at all. If you are looking for a really good car at the best value out there, buy this.
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Pleasantly Surprised - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
By Mattman - March 16 - 8:30 amPurchased my GT hatch with 62K for $5600 and after a routine dealer service (rather pricey) have had absolutely no mechanical issues in almost 20K of driving. Mileage is great and theres plenty of highway passing pep. Interior space is incredible. I fit two solid plastic 8X4 ft. folding leg tables AND 8 non- fold hard plastic table chairs in the back and was able to fully close the boot. Who needs a truck? Only annoyances I have are the standard rear seat drip leak & the factory CD player doesnt play burned CDs. In the grand scheme no biggie. The Excel days are CLEARLY over and with their model linup expanding I can easily say Hyundai will again be in my future.
