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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  worst realibility & bad dealer service - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By falkie - July 28 - 1:46 pm

  This car was driven only 70K miles. Dim light burnt out, both at the same time. Passenger power windows stop working. Having contious problem with transmission at 70K. Warranty, which is a complete deception as if you are the second owner instead of 100K/10 YR you only get 60k/5YR. The service/dealership are rude and abusive. Would get charged for a simple repair 5 times more than it cost at normal shop. Never would buy a hyundai again. You get service and care adequate for the money you pay. Next time would spend couple of thousand more and buy toyota. Hyundai is realiable and cheap until the first repair or 60K. Engine wiring harness cost $1100!!!! Dont waste your money on this garbage

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  On the fence about this car... - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Ashley - July 25 - 11:43 am

  I still havent decided if I want to keep this car or trade it in! Interior seems very cheap, back seat that folds down will not click back into place, hood has crease across it like a 2x4 got shut in the hood (but dealer is the only place the hood is opened when they do the oil change). Noise in dash like something vibrating around in glove box but nothing is in there. Great MPG, easy car to drive b/c of size, love the hatchback and fold down seats (when they lock back where theyre supposed to!) which give plenty of inside cargo space. Cheap exterior construction. Seems underpowered compared to Civic, Jetta, and other comparable cars. If I dont buy another its because of the dealership.

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  26 miles per gallon average/32 Hiway - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Suzan Gone! - July 23 - 11:44 pm

  excellent point a to point B car Maintenance first year $200dollars 2 oil changes & 1 year service/15kmiles Fuel economy 26 miles per gallon average/32 Hiway close 17 City/last 1500 miles 27 average. Ride with ABS,Traction control,braking better than average. Consumer Reports buying guide rates better than average/contradicts reliability ratings average/accident avoidance better than average frontal crash test Good A

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  Awesome Car - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Dave - July 23 - 8:50 am

  This is my second Elantra. My first was a 2002. The 07 is a beautiful car. The steering is great and the acceleration is much better than the 02. The larger interior space is a welcome change. The automatic shifter is really cool. I purchased the premium package with the sunroof. 1st one sold in my state. Lots of heads turn as I drive by. the car has some cool lines, and the blue lights in the dash are easy on the eye and very appealing. The styling and features are better than that of the Sonata. Truly a great car!

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  excellent - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By josh s - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I was a little wary at buying a hyundai by thier past reputaion but not any longer. This car is great! It is fun to drive with tons of features. I was lucky enough to get a program car that came with the moonroof with shade and a cool looking rear spoiler. I am very happy i bought this car and way better than my 91 pontiac sunbird. great price too.

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  A great fun, reliable car! - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By pirategirl - July 21 - 8:59 pm

  Ive had my Elantra GT for 5 years and I absolutely love it. Its given me no problems, its fun to drive and with the hatchback and fold down seats it has a ton of cargo space. I opted for the manual 5 speed, I really didnt think the automatic had enough pep in it. Were now in the market for an SUV as well and were definately looking at Hyundai - cant beat the value.

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  Good little car - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By BobL - July 21 - 10:08 am

  Good little car for the money. Warranty is not what its cracked up to be. Gas mileage could be better for the size of the car. Clutch is slushy, almost NO feedback. Died after 30,000 miles and found out it ISNT covered under the powertrain warranty. Dealer wanted $1300 to replace, went locally and had it done for $800. Never had a clutch last less than 80,000 miles before.

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  MY evaluation is 7.8 just like 05-04 Ela - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By chazbro1 - July 19 - 7:35 pm

  06 hyundai Elantra has been a good car I am averaging better than 26 miles per gallon/32 Hiway 17 city. No problems I have my reservations because it has taken Hyundai 20 years to make excellent cars Koreans along with the Japanese quality is approximately 11 problems per car. Hyundai Kia were tied for twelvth J.D. Power survey for initial quality. The top third of 36 manufacturers with and industry average 125 problems per car(industry ave)

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  Gr8 Car! - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By ITSME - July 17 - 7:03 pm

  I have had my Elantra a little over a week. I have already been on 2 long trips. It does so good. I love it. My friends all love it. And even my friends who said "Dont get a Hyundai" are very impressed! And are thinking about getting one! The car drives very well. I love the gas mileage, espically coming from an SUV. Its very roomy. Drives great. And has an awesome Heat/A/C system! I love my car. I hope to keep it for a long time.

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  worth every penny - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By Ela - July 17 - 1:34 pm

  From the day I drove it off the lot Ive never regretted owning my elantra, milkruns, cross country jaunts, piled high with friends into town its simple interior makes it easy to clean and pack full of stuff. The fold down back seats have been a huge convenience as Ive moved big pieces. The engine is great for the size of the vehicle, and once I replaced the factory-standard tire I found the ride to be really enjoyable! Fuel efficient, especially for a car form 2001, its had a two mechanical issues in five years, but the warantee is the real deal, I didnt pay a penny.