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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  Is this Hyundai Elantra really that good - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Reliable Info - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2002 Elantra (7 months/ 3200 miles, as 2nd car). First off, poor mileage for a small car, < 20 mpg city driving. Engine revs up until 30 mph, then RPM spikes up, and shifts to higher gear. Once there, it drives well. Small rear seats, esp with infants car seat in the middle. Flimsy trunk hood and that leads me to worry about overall quality -unsure how sturdy it is in a collision. For all that, the car has its plus points. Drives well on the highway (40 mph or higher zones), AC works well, and nice defogger that clears up real fast. Handles turns better than Corolla (which I test drove), interior is much quieter than Saturn & 2002 Nissan Sentra.

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  Awesome Little Ride - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Mcnack7 - October 23 - 1:40 am

  So I just bought the Elantra, pretty much the first one in the area which is pretty sweet. I have only driven it for about 150 miles, but all the first impressions are Great! Interior with all the blue lighting is awesome. Standard features are great too (with prefered package on GLS model)! It drives very smooth, very smooth, Its easy to be going faster than you think you are. 70 on the highway with low noise. test drove 06 Civic, 07 mazda3, 06 Chevy cobalt, and a few others, and there is no doubt in my mind that I bought the wrong vehicle! Its the best in its class.

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  Elantra a solid build - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By cpjiardina - October 22 - 1:06 pm

  Good build. Fuel economy at 65 rates around 35-37 mpg. Got 45 drafting a semi at 60 the other day so all in how you drive.

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  Not reliable after 100k - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By Michael - October 21 - 3:10 am

  I was the 2nd owner, and had it for miles 77K through 114K. During that time, I replaced: front rotors, cracked exhaust manifold (free recall fix), plugs and wires, window regulator, o2 sensor, washer pump, horn, wiring, transmission (OUCH!). The previous owner had replaced the mass air flow sensor and throttle positions sensor. The entire exhaust rusted out too-- salt is tough up here though. Still, thats a lot of repairs for ~30K! And I did the timing belt stuff and tires, which is routine-- but it hurts to do all that and then have the tranny go.

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  Would buy again! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By DBiz - October 13 - 8:34 am

  Have put 45K miles on mine and its been great. I have a small car ego: my main concerns are reliability and gas mileage. This car excels in both areas. Only corrective maintenance needed in 4+ years is to replace headlight bulbs and a blown thermostat (car overheated). The thermostat repair was covered by warranty and I got a free tow through the roadside assistance plan - no problems with either. I drive 50 miles a day for work, mostly highway, and get 32-35 mpg cruising at 70. Its probably closer to 20 mpg around town. Other mentions: Excellent storage under the hatch...good power and torque, you can pass easily on the highway...easy to use interior controls.

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  My 2007 Elantra - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Bill - October 5 - 4:44 pm

  Although the electric power steering takes some getting used to, I really like this new & improved Elantra. My other car is an 05 Elantra, so its easy to compare them.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Finetooner - October 4 - 2:51 pm

  Thus far, it does practically everything better than any similar car I have owned. It is loaded with amenities, has a huge backseat, is peppy, handles very well, and has been dead-reliable. It is an ideal commute car...very nimble, meneuverable, and squeezes into places other cars cant. Yet, it cruises the interstate with ease and is very steady and predictable. Drawbacks? Very few but here are a couple: It eats high and low beam lights. The CD player is inop and AM reception is poor. Wow, thats about it. A great little car and a great value.

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  Nice while it lasted - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By Liz - October 4 - 1:17 pm

  My 2001 Hyundai Elantra has just 65000 miles on. I have done regular maintenance, including just doing all of the manufacturer suggested 60000 mile maintenance. Now, at just 5000 miles out of warranty (I am the second owner, bought it at 18000 miles), it has a cracked piston!!! This repair is estimated at 2000. I called Hyundai and they said there is nothing they can do for me. I have enjoyed the car and have had few problems with it up until now, but PLEASE a car should go at least 100,000 without having any major problems like this. What a rip off. I have also been very disappointed with the cheap paint on the car that degrades under any sort of pressure (bird poop).

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  Big Car Like Ride and Quietness - 2017 Hyundai Elantra
  By Paul Cherubini - October 3 - 6:07 pm

  I travel alot and rent cars alot and I was truely amazed by ride comfort and quietness of this 2017 Elantra. On Portland, Oregons coarse and inherently noisy freeway road surfaces the ride was remarkably free of excessive road noise and vibration - definately better than any other midsize car I have driven (Corolla, Sentra, Focus, etc). The front seats were larger and better padded than any of those other cars too. And the front seats felt roomier (Im 62" and 250 lbs and did not feel cramped). The instrumental was more complete (gauge type tachometer, engine temp, fuel level). The engine is so well insulated against noise that its barely audible when accelerating moderately around town. The car was easy to control at freeway speeds even during 30-45 mph crosswinds. The suspension soaks up sharp road bumps well without the uncomfortable stiffness of most new cars nowadays. I used to think the Toyota Corolla was the most comfortable and refined Asian midsize car, but the 2017 Elantra has clearly surpassed it - and by a long shot.

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  BMW Replacement - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Dallas - October 3 - 3:39 pm

  I traded in my BMW 328i for this Elantra and I really couldnt be happier. I do miss the luxury of the BMW, but I love the gas economy of this Elantra. I am getting about 38 MPG combined city/highway. The comfort is very nice and the interior is put together very well. Just yesterday I drove this car through very heavy rain (it was practically a monsoon), but I didnt lose traction even once while going in excess of 75mph through standing water. I have owned a Honda, Acura, Ford, BMW, and now a Hyundai, but I would put the Hyundai at the top of the list because of its handling, reliability, and gas mileage.