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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  I love Hyundais - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By lauram - September 16 - 1:02 am

  This is the third Hyundai Ive owned and I loved all of them. My last one had 250,000 miles on it, yes you read correctly thats not a typo, 250,000 miles. And its still going, I sold it to the salesman who sold me my car! He bought it for his daughter and he loves it. I never had a problem with any hyundai, I cant say the same for the 2 fords I had. terrible cars. give me a hyundai any day. I am totally sold on these cars.

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  Great car, best seats in the biz - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By mirobert - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Great car! We were looking for an "appliance" car for my wife to drive to offset the bad ride my Neon R/T was rapidly becoming. However, I refused to jump on the Honda bandwagon after seeing how decontented and bland Civics had become. Were very pleased. Its all we expected, and really fun to drive too.

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  Elantra - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By Brad Amann - September 13 - 2:00 am

  We have had this car for two years. I think it is a great car for the money. It isnt fast but has enough power to pull 4 adults up a hill without feeling like you will not make it. With dual front and side air bags and a nice interior there is no reason to pay more for a Honda or Toyota unless you just like the name.

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  I MISS HER!! would suggest to anyone.. - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By KasieD - September 11 - 11:29 am

  Ok, i had my car for 2months, until a drunk driver smashed her. I found a steal on 80,000 miles for 5,000. This car had such great pick up. It was amazing on gas. i am a college student so gas mileage is everything. i loved this car. it was cute for a girl car and peppy when it needed to be or when i pushed it. I loved this car, was the best i have had. i went from a 89 grandprix se. to a 96 dodge neon, to the best car i had had so far 01 elantra gls. I am tempted to go for another to last me. I can 100% bet it will last me thru college. i would suggest this car to anyone. especially a parent trying to find their new driver an amazing first car!

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  Honda Civic Replacement - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By EX-Civic Owner - September 11 - 6:43 am

  After owning many new Hondas including the Civic, I found a replacement for the Civic in my Elantra SE. With a KN Air Filter and 100% synthetic motor oil, my mileage is consistently 35-36 MPG combined city/highway. This rivals the Civics economy. The Elantra also has many more creature features than Civic for about $4,000 less.The ride is solid and very stable. The comfort is a little better than a Civic and the exterior is every bit a good looking as the Civic. If the reliability ratings continue into the future as they have in the past on Hyundai, then Honda better watch out as this car will eat its lunch. I was wondering when some car maker would catch up to the Civic and the Elantra has

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  Excellent car in price class - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Ray - September 6 - 10:20 pm

  Make no mistake, this is not a 32,000 dollar car, though Quality for cost is superb. Between 16,000 and 18,000 you will not find a better quality means of transportation. The Elantra is fun to drive with a great popular package features. The warranty on the car matches and or beats other motor companies. Surprisingly roomy interior, I am 62 and sit comfortable inside the vehicle. Fuel mileage is at 35 mpg with 65% highway driving. Exterior to interior noise control is that of a 26,000 to 32,000 dollar sedan. Purchasing this vehicle was not on the spur of the moment, Four months of going to one dealer to the next. Finally the right car for our family at the right price.

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  Your answer to Honda and Toyota - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By MODRIVER - September 6 - 8:35 am

  I did extensive comparison between Honda(Civic & Accord) and Toyota (Corolla). Did not include Camry because of bad cust reviews. It is a shame that Edmonds, Kelly, Consumer Reports give a so so look to Hyundai and go GA GA over Honda and Toyota. For cabin room, comfort, gas mileage, fun-to-drive, etc. you cant beat the Elantra. Plus the best price and warranty. I have had mine for 3 months and love it as does my wife. The Civic & Corolla were too small. The Accord seats are stiff while cabin room is almost the same, The Elantra has more front leg room which I like and is much more comfortable. Give this one a good look because it definitely beats the competition!

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  A very good car - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Alex - September 5 - 1:43 pm

  I spent a couple of weeks testing other cars like Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, etc, and after driving the Elantra for sure it was the best decision. Ive had it for over a month and I love it, the gas mileage is good (about 25 mpg city driving), you get ABS Breaks, power windows & locks, 6 air bargs, etc as the standard package. I think its a very good choice for the money you pay.

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  2003 GLS - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By KoiReef - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought as a commuter vehicle, and chosen because of price and warranty. A tremendous value. I am a firm believer in bang for the buck, and there is a lot of car to like here for the price.

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  My first new car - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Jamien - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I tested the Saturn Ion 2, and the Kia Spectra. When I drove the Elantra, I knew I had found the car, the deal, and the warranty for me. It accelerates well, feels good, looks good, and with only an extra 400$ I got all the power gadgets I wanted. I love the way it shifts, and it has plenty of places to put my stuff. A lot of the interior was similar to the Spectra, but it was way more comfortable. Steers like a dream, nice stereo, even if it is just a cassette, but I had to have a cassette for my xm radio.