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 value - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Rob_H - December 15 - 10:00 am

  $13,250 total out the door for 02 Elantra GLS! AT, Power everything, spoiler, CD, & moonroof. You cant beat that price for any other brand new car. Plus complete bumper to bumper warranty. This is my first inexpensive car and Hyundai exceeded my expectations. I got a great deal! Grab one too and share the joy.

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  Im Jealous of my Wife... - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By FolsomTom - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for my wife and now I borrow the car whenever I get a chance because it is so fun to drive! This car is a breath of fresh air compared to all the other "H" cars out on the road -- and what a deal. The other reviews have said this, but where else can you get Auto Trans, Leather Seats, Moonroof, AM/FM-CD, a peppy little engine and a genuinely COOL exterior styling for $14,300 (bought it through CarsDirect.com). PLUS the 60,000 warranty! These guys are picking up where Honda and Toyota left off, and they cant rest on their laurels -- get one before the world figures it out and the price goes up.

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  Not a car for colder climates - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By MMRick726 - December 13 - 8:57 am

  I bought this car new in Sept. 2006. I wish I would have known how badly it drives in slippery and snowy weather and I have the manual transmission!! The windshield washer fluid pump freezes in weather below 32 degrees and it makes it impossible to clean your windshield when something should splash on it. Above 32 degrees, it works perfectly. Go figure.

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  Great Car for the money! - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Stephen - December 12 - 3:30 pm

  I must admit I wasnt at all excited about getting this car. I had to lower my payments quickly due to some financial changes. I looked at the Mazda 3 & the Honda Civic. I just couldnt get a better price for the features that I got. My car is loaded with everything including leather. Im very impressed with the fuel economy & I already have over 6k miles on my car. Rear seat passengers are always impressed with the leg room that a car this small offers. I am very happy with my decision and recommend this car to anyone in the market for an upscale economy car. it cant be beat for the price.

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  You get what you pay for - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Matt - December 8 - 2:45 am

  Not a bad car, but could use some work. The older it gets, the more cheap it feels. There are a lot of squeaks and rattles on the interior. Road noise is overwhelming, and makes it difficult to have a conversation. Simple parts are expensive and hard to find. Fuel economy is not as good as it should be for such slow acceleration. The paint is of poor quality, and easily scratches and chips. Leather interior feels and looks like vynil. Sun visor mirror covers broke without being touched, and drivers side visor will not adjust without making a horrible sound and feeling like it is going to break.

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  Its Fabulous!! - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Bethesda - December 5 - 4:26 pm

  I love driving my Elantra!! When I was car shopping I was deciding between a Honda Civic & Toyota Corolla. Just before I had decided between the two, Hyundai came out with the New 2007 model for their Elantra. It looked very similar to the Civic, but it was signifiantly cheaper. So, I got the Elantra in January in the color that I wanted. Its Fabulous!!

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  almost completely happy.. - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By bryzbryz - December 2 - 2:00 am

  40k on gls. been all over U.S. 5spd fun, but handles like a big fat kid juking on a layup. couple of problems - headlights go out often. the HVAC began blowing defrost regardless of controls. took it in and dealer replaced a "module" under wrnty, but charged me $35 to reset check engine light (seems that i left the gas cap loose, which caused light to come on). light doesnt go off for 70 starts, so owner thinks bad problem, take car to dealership for what they think will be a routine wrnty check. meanwhile, the dealer gets $35 bucks. seems shady. shouldve bought used nissan or honda.

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  1st but not last Hyundai! - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Justin in Eagleville - December 2 - 1:37 am

  I knew this was the right car for me after the first test drive! In fact I talked numbers with the dealer as I sat behind the wheel - I didnt want to get out! I was also looking at the Nissan Sentra and the Mazda 3, but they just werent all the car the Elantra is. I used to have a 2005 Scion xA, and I think Im getting the same fuel economy with a bigger vehicle. I like the fact I was able to get so much more car for my money than co-workers and friends got for their cars! I HIGHLY recommend to anyone. I love the XM radio and havent even used the standard radio or CD yet.

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  I LOVE my Elantra! - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Shirley from SC - December 1 - 9:45 am

  I absolutely love my Elantra. I drive an hour to work every day, and with my Elantra, this drive is awesome! I love the gas mileage, 36 mpg, with combined city and highway. All the safety features are great, and the car handles very well when driving. More than once has saved me from terrible wrecks, being able to get out of the way of other people who were having a bad driving experience. Absolutely nothing to say bad about my Elantra!

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  Best car I ever owned - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By John - December 1 - 8:22 am

  This is the 14th new car I have bought, and it is hands down the best of the lot.