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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  average - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By portugal - October 2 - 2:00 am

  i have a lot of problems with the stering wheel,shakeing at avarege 65mph. I need to replace twice the front rotors, tape side doors and right side wheel bearing. The air vents make a lot of noise at 75mph and i had to replace left side view mirror and so on. I will never buy a hyundai again.

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  i love it! - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Melissa - October 1 - 11:56 pm

  This car is so nice to drive! Just take one for a test drive and you will fall in love with it. I can make a 360 degree turn effortlessly and accelerate faster than my 2005 v6 sonata! My friends call it "a mini Lexis IS250". I have never felt more comfortable and safe. Truly a best buy, especially for the buck!

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  A little trooper she is. - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By mona - October 1 - 11:03 am

  Six months after buying my Elantra, I was hit from behind by a semi (which pushed me into the car in front of me). Other than a pulled back, I was fine. My car, on the other hand, had to have quite a bit of work (body and two things under the hood). Over four years later, Ive never had a problem with the engine -- despite her smash- up. Im no mechanic but that record speaks to me of her reliability more so than if shed never been in such a collision.

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  Unbelievable car! - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By joe jones - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Great car for 25000, nevermind the 17000 sticker price

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  Nightmare on Wheels - 1999 Hyundai Elantra
  By brian rawson - September 25 - 10:20 pm

  I bought this car almost 3yrs ago for 2500 with 62k mi. From the start it had a bad hub bearing, a few months later the ignition coil went, ive changed brakes at least 2 or 3 times and changed the spark plugs more times than i can count. Every time i turned around something else was going wrong. I did all the maint fluid changes etc and still at 90k the trans started to go. it has 117k on it now and is on its last leg. Dont buy this car, it was my 2nd elantra and i should have learned the first time. I will give it credit for still running after all its problems but hyundais are cheap for a reason theres a reason why you get the 100k warranty, dont expect more than that out of it.

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  My Cheap SAAB.. - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By joffficer - September 25 - 10:00 am

  After a long search for my second New car the GT won! Ive owned over 20 cars (most used), but the Hyundai has been one of the best picks so far. Fit and finish are great as well as the options included. The interior is very comfortable for me and my wife, and plenty of useable room. Even with the auto it has good power, and Ive been averaging 25-30 mpg with mainly city driving. Handling is very good for a front wheel drive car, and the stock tires hold well in snow/rain and dry conditions.

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  First 25k - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By Pidman - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I love my GLS. There is nothing fancy about it, but it gets me where I want to go. Isnt this the same response that many people give for Hondas and Toyotas? Had to replace the A/C fan almost immediately because of factory installation, but otherwise perfect.

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  the best - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Hyundaifan - September 20 - 10:00 am

  no wonder the elantra is one of the best in its class, if not the best. It has lots of room, a powerful engine, a smooth ride and the best price, off course. I own a 2001 for almost two years, 30 k miles. I love it more every day. Thanks Hyundai

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  great car - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By heatc1 - September 20 - 2:53 am

  very nice car

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  Just the Best Car - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Sanots - September 17 - 11:13 am

  The more you drive this car, the more you like it. It feels great to drive it. The ride is smooth and enjoyable. It has a great suspension. It is equipped with great standard fitures. I cant wait to drive it again today. It is just the best car in its claas.