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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  Happy with Hyundai - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By bratsche - August 8 - 10:00 am

  What can I say? This car has it all! Every feature you could want, for an unbelievable price. I cant speak for the long term yet, which is my only trepidation, but Hyundai has the boldness to offer the best warranty in the business. Ive had my car for about a month now, and I can personally vouch for the quality of construction and engineering. This is a truely well built car. Under the hood there is plenty of room to work with, which means maintanence and repairs will be easier to do. (Read: cheaper labor costs at the shop) Compared to the Civic Si, the GT has got it beat in almost every statistic available! Continued in "Favorite Features"

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  Best Car I Ever Owned - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Patrick - August 7 - 3:33 pm

  I love my 07 Elantra, is interior and handling is amazing, I drive all over and its fun to drive. My wife owns an 01 Elantra and the improvements over the models are noticable sitting next to each other. I bought the manual, and it takes a second to get used to but the 07 is very refined compaired to the 01 manual. The Elantra is a very powerful car and for the size of the car. And the gas mileage can not be beat, with 328 miles to the tank, I go two plus weeks on one tank. This Elantra will be with me for a long time.

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  Best Bang for the buck!! - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Christian - August 3 - 10:06 pm

  Love this Elantra, just got it with 55K miles on it, and it is so much better then my Saturn! Now at 58K, nothing has gone wrong. Hope to keep it that way. :-D Engine: very peppy and quiet. Transmission: 4 speed auto with O/D, very smooth shifting. Interior: power windows, locks, CD player with premium sound, OEM wood grain kit. (Can you believe it!!?) Seats are great! AC and heat work awesome. Exterior: 15" steelies with hubcaps (want to get OEM rims) tinted headlights, aftermarket daytime running light kit (dims highs @ 75% power), white paint, mud flaps all the way around.

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  Great Little Car - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Rosie - August 2 - 10:54 am

  I bought the Elantra SE in carbon gray. I knew nothing of Hyundais prior to this purchase. I didnt even know anyone who owned one. I wanted something small with good mileage with all the nifty stuff I hadnt opted for (okay - couldnt afford) in my previous car. This one beat the Corolla and the Civic hands down in value. Ive had it 3 months and it is just plain fun to drive. I only drive it to a commuter lot 4 miles from home and I wish I got to drive it further.

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  Good commuter car! - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By BJ Pace - August 1 - 1:51 pm

  I bought my car new in October 2004. The only repair that it has needed was when my driver side window rubber folded over and the window didnt operated properly. That repair was covered under warranty. This car is economical, easy to park, and handles well. A plus is the leather is holding up. The moon roof slide and tilt are nice to use on a evening drive. I would recommend buying this car used because most 05s will still be under the manufacturers warranty.

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  Could have been so much better! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Disappointed in PA - August 1 - 10:50 am

  Let me start by saying that we liked our car(bought it new). It was a good deal, but gave us too much trouble-we just traded it in on an 07 Mazda3. It is a MUCH better vehicle for a few thousand more. Also-Hyundais dont retain their value well. A week after taking delivery a hose clamp fell off-car lost all its antifreeze. It was towed & fixed however that was merely the tip of the iceberg: -Driver seatbelt fell off into wifes lap! -Various trim fell off in 5 different places -Ongoing transmission problems -Climate control broke -Emergency brake "broke" & ruined the rear rotors -radio, clock, visor clip all broke All this is not acceptable in just 4 years and 39,500 miles!

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  Incredible value - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Eric Bigelow - August 1 - 2:00 am

  I have the Elantra GT, and what other vehicle offers 5 year 60K mile warranty (bumper to bumper), full leather interior, 4 disc brakes, sunroof, CD player, fog lights, and very stylish guage display for UNDER 14K before tax, tags, and title. i have recevied many compliments and surpirsed looks from people who have taken rides from me. Its not the same Hyundai that your broke uncle or older sister drove ten years years ago. This is a real car at an incredible value. This is the best big purchase Ive made in as long as I can remember.

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  Traded in a Lexus, very pleased - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By DrImage - August 1 - 2:00 am

  We sold our 94 Lexus ES-300 and replaced it with this vehicle. I was not expecting the quality that we have with this vehicle and I am overall very pleased and at about 1/3 the price of a new Lexus ES-300.

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  Elated with Elantra!! - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Shantay - July 30 - 2:50 pm

  I went to the dealership in hopes of grabbing the Mazda3 i-Sport, that is until I stumbled upon this cute, stylish, sporty little Hyundai. I test drove the i-Sport & several other cars in its class & I know I made the right decision. I am thrilled about all the bells & whistles that are "standard" with this car: curtain airbags, anti- lock brakes, power windows & locks... I have a 7 month old & I feel confident that he is safe while we are driving around town. I actually look forward to my commute to & from work! This is my first car & Ive only had it for a week- I absolutely love my Elantra! My boyfriend drives a Lexus GS300 & he wants to drive my car over his!!

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  Horrible car - 1998 Hyundai Elantra
  By Jennifer - July 28 - 7:47 pm

  This car was a mistake to purchase, but I have had it for a year and a half. Between transmission issues and constant problems. Do not buy any hyundai.