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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What an awesome machine! - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
By Patricia - August 23 - 9:36 pmI really like this car. I have a 2005 Elantra and I am amazed at the differences. Both are excellent autos, but I really like the classy feel to my new 2008. She gets great gas mileage, good on the roads, and just overall a very comfortable car.
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Save your money - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
By Unhappy - August 19 - 12:58 amThis car is a nightmare!I have driven it 37000 miles and so far I have had 3 headlights replaced, the car is rusting out and paint is peeling off. Clutch and transmission both went last night with no warning. Dealership said "sorry its out of warrenty". So much for Americas best warrenty.
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Everything I wanted - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
By Rudy - August 18 - 10:49 pmI purchased this car because I regularly travel on two lane roads for two to three hours at a stretch. I wanted something that gave a comfortable ride, had good pull up hills, and got 30+ miles to the gallon. My Elantra gave me all of that. We are now looking at the 2008 Elantra for a family car.
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Cheap and best car - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
By Eshu - August 15 - 2:00 amI am very happy with Hyundais simplistic design with comforts that are small. Ex: See the side trays in which you can use it as cup holders. Better power in the compact range. Best warranty. Good Hyundai customer care, at least initially. They called and enquired about the car and its performance. Overall satisfied.
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Love this car! - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
By foreverh - August 14 - 6:30 pmI didnt know what to buy when I started out looking. I had a 1999 Saturn SC2 that took a dump at 75000 miles. I was looking for something more reliable. I can not believe how much I love this car in such a short time. I test drove a few cars in its class like Honda and Toyota, and I have to say that for the options and money this one is just better. There are always going to be things that the others do better, but Hyundai caught on that its the extras that matter. I have the same extras as the SE, but without the 6CD changer.
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first time buyer for hyundai - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
By junkyarddog - August 14 - 10:00 amthis is an exceptional buy for what the vehicle has to offer for the money.
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High value car - 2017 Hyundai Elantra
By Bin - August 13 - 2:05 pm -
What a fun car to drive - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
By Jong - August 10 - 10:00 amThis is such a well-built car, very fun to drive and cost much less than its competitors such as Civic and Corolla. If anyone is shopping around for a small sedan this is the choice that one should not miss.
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Great Car - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
By Leslie85 - August 10 - 2:00 amI love this car. I wish I had gotten it a while ago. Competatively priced and I only have a $185 a month car payment and I am 18 so that is great. I hope everyone has good luck with theirs as well!
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Elantra wins - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
By NYPD - August 8 - 8:35 pmThe Civic performs better and that is it. Safety, quality, interior, leg room, and really every feature other than performance belongs to the Elantra so for me the choice was easy. I dont need to race this car, I have my 9 second quarter mile Camaro for that.
