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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  2007 hyundai elantra - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Mr. Sloan - December 21 - 1:26 pm

  you will have to spend 8k to 20k more to find a car with this many features gas mileage and quality. If this is any indication of cars to come from hyundai, Toyota and Honda are in serious trouble. HYUNDAI doesnt even advertise the fact that on the sun and sound package you get a tape cassette player along with the 6 cd changer. Now I am enjoying my music from the 60s,70s &80s. The 07 Elantra is an "out the park home run". Interior and exterior chrome accents, two tone interior "leather", blue back lit instruments, green lit gear indicator, and awsome laid out console make you feel like you are in style and luxury. Im amazed at the smooth effortless power you get from its 4 cylinder.

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  Great overall, lousy in snow - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By alfagirl - December 21 - 10:14 am

  This is my 2nd Elantra, first being a 99 wagon pleased with both, but one consistent problem: both are horrendous in snow. I think the tires are just too wide, and they float. Ive driven in snow all my life - Italian sports cars to trucks these are the first cars Ive ever been seriously uncomfortable in. Snows all around help, but narrower rubber would be the best. Overall, great car, 5- spd gets 34 mpg consistently - on my 8 mile commute and highway (at 80 mph last time). Just replaced rotors all around - I dont normally go through brakes, but..??? Would recommend to anyone - great package for the price!!

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  Cheap car/ Poor quality/Bad Service - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By KrisMJ - December 21 - 2:00 am

  My current milage is only 10,000, but when I stopped by Hyundai repair center to fix my brake sound and steering wheel vibrating, they chrged me about $600, which is out of warranty. Its very funny. Ill never buy Hyundai any more and dont recommend anybody. Please dont buy Hyundai.

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  Great car for the money - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By republik - December 21 - 2:00 am

  in the test drive i noticed that the Throttle responce was lacking i asked the sale men what could i do to improve that and he recommend a K&N air filter i did just that i put on a COLD air INtake and this car Just FLYs now. im not a young Hoodlem either. (Im 25) but honestly this car needs some improvements and the money you save on the car deserves some money spent on it.. my suggestions - Tiburon V6 sway bar - Cold air intake - better tyres - new stereo - Synthectic OIL (moble 1) - Grounding Kit - Platnum Bosch +4 Plugs

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  Best car ever!!!! - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Sarah - December 20 - 6:16 pm

  I just bought the 2007 model in Carobon Gray and I love it. Its fun and comfortable to drive. At first a little sluggish, but now its moving really well. Hyundai said it learns how you drive so around 1,000 miles it pickes up more speed! MPG could be a little better, but very attractive exterior and interior, very roomy, and a nice price!!!!

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  Respectable - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Mark - December 20 - 2:47 pm

  Really a very pleasant car. Very easy to drive, well made, quiet at cruising, nice touches throughout the car despite its very reasonable price. Good on gas at averaging 28-33mpg. Decent sound system with Mp3 capability. Acceleration a bit course but not unbearable. Steering is very light and took some getting used to. Would recommend to anyone who wants a problem free car thats very relaxing to drive. Certainly feels as if its made to last in the way its screwed together and performs.

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  happy owner - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By radu - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I drive my Elantra for 1 1/2 years now and I am very pleased with it. Now Im thinking to buy a Santa Fe.

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  warranty fail - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Anna - December 18 - 8:08 am

  I was in love with my car. I took out extended warranty, bumper to bumper warranty(inside and out). I convinced 12 of my family and friends to buy a Hyundai. I serviced my car religiously. Warranty ran out at 100,000 miles and at 110,000 I now need a new transmission. Paint starting peeling at 108,000 headlights fogged over at 102,000. If it werent for so many Hyundai transmission problems I would look for a new transmission. Now that Ive read about all the other people that have had the same thing, why bother.

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  Cool car - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Carlo - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car, european style for a fraccion of the price.

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  Perfect for many. - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Ronald J. - December 15 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for value and price. Where else can you get this look and all the bells and whisles for a great price?