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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  A great buy, few problems - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Rings - January 14 - 7:34 am

  The 2004 Elantra is definitely something i will be keeping around for awhile. Some people might say that Hyundai does not make reliable cars, I dont know about Hyundais past but i assure you that this sedan is nothing but reliable. I had purchased the car with only 18,000 miles on it and now it has over 50,000 in just one year. I still have not run into a single mechanical problem nor any interior problem. I had to replace the brakes but those are wearing parts. I drive both highway and city getting a 28mpg. It is most definitely not at its best when in snow though, it is actually not a snow friendly car at all. Ill just take it easy in snow and keep driving fun, good on gas, reliable car

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  Great first car. - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Will Cilvik - January 14 - 2:00 am

  This is my first new car and its everything I could have asked for. I just got back from my first road trip (1200 miles round trip), the seats are comfortable, the ride smooth,enough acceleration to get around the tractor trailers and excellent gas milage(I got 35 mpg on my trip). The car is decent in the snow, not an AWD vehicle, but capable enough. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a brand new car, especially with the HUGE warranty and the huge list of standard features.

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  Hyundai GLS Not bad.. - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Nuketroop - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Car is not bad.. dohc gives it a bit of pickup too. Even for an auto.

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  Cant Beat the Price - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By WP 34 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I just bought the Elantra GT but had a hard time finding one. I hear they are jumping off of the lots. I added the options package 7 and for the price couldnt touch a Toyota Corolla. The Toyota was very uncomfortable and I had to lean forward very far to operate the radio. The Elantra has more interior room. At 6 3" tall, I am very comfortable in this car.

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  VERY DETAILED Elantra 2007 Review - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Jon NJ - January 12 - 4:40 pm

  Overall Very Good VALUE for the $ compared to Corolla and Civic, 2-3 grand less. Was about to buy Corolla, but Elantra BLEW it away. Looks better and is LARGER & SAFER than both. After driving over 6k miles and 6 months, heres the COMPLETE deal below. Too many reviews have the good, but not the BAD---and there are some! Dealership service HORRENDOUS & sales person was big liar. Medium bumps a bit harsh, mileage no way near claim, closer to 28-30 local/city combo, quick accelerating bit loud but quiets out. Side mirrors nice & big, but too big when parallel parking. BUT GOOD FAR outweighs the bad. Its simply the BEST value for $ no doubt! Watch out Toyota & Honda! Why pay more for less?

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  Very happy! - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Lovin it! - January 12 - 11:10 am

  This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. Granted, Ive only owned it for a few days now, but I am yet to be disappointed. I cant hear the engine and cannot tell if it is even running. The drive is smooth and the steering wheel is very easy to handle. I feel like I am apart of the car when I am driving it. I previously owned a 99 Mazda 626 that I loved very much. But I have to admit that the Elantra is much more fun to drive and is easier to maneuver. Plus, the gas mileage is a whole lot better than the 626. There is a lot of trunk space and there is more back seat room than I would have expected for an economy car. I love the cup holders, CD Player and sound system!

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  bwaller78 - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By bwaller78 - January 12 - 10:54 am

  I purchased this car a month ago, and found that this car is really comfortable, handles and turns well. I am getting 26 mpg avg on 90% city and 10% highway driving. Acceleration is good for 4 cylinder motor. Wind noise is normal at 80mph+. Car is built sold, doors shut and sounds solid. Excellent value for price, strongly recommend checking out this car before spending an extra $2000-$4000 to get same quality on other competitors.

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  Fun and Low Maintenance - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Loopy - January 11 - 8:33 pm

  Looking for a fun commuter I was all set to buy a Civic until I found that it didnt offer leather or traction control or a $14K price tag. Fuel pump went 1st mo which was replaced by dealer same day. Oil change every 3K, replaced brakes once at 60K and now have 120K on orig clutch. 30-32mpg combined city/hwy. Upgrades include Tiburon rear anti sway bar and 17" wheels which make it very fun in the twisties. Dont try this at home but is very stable at 105mph. Recently have also replaced headlights every 6mo and found my first rust spot behind rear wheel. Excellent in the snow with winter tires. I, too, barely get NYC AM stations from 60 mi away. Very happy with this ride.

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  GLS 5m - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Ben - January 11 - 10:51 am

  A very affordable car, with features you would pay thousands more for if it were from Japan. It can seat 4 adult males and not have the unlucky ones in the back seat feel like they are in a penalty box. I average 28.5 combined and best ever highway mileage was 32.76 loaded to the gills. If you have a great deal of stop and go traffic in your commute I would suggest the auto transmission. Buy it, and then drive it for 10 years and then sell it for $2,500.00 . Thats my plan BR

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  You get what you pay for, if that - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By StangFan247 - January 10 - 8:12 pm

  Even for an economy car, this car falls short of the competition. The handling is sloppy, acceleration is weak, and same goes for the brakes. The only "plus" about this car is the gas mileage, which is still not too good for a 2.0 4-cylinder (est. 25-27 highway). The interior is not that appealing, and the seat is quite uncomfortable, and after about a year, the interior smelt worse than my friends 93 Ford Escort. There is absolutely no style whatsoever. Ive seen pizza delivery cars more appealing than this tin can on wheels. Get a Civic or Jetta.