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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  Amazing Buy!!! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Jason - March 1 - 11:19 am

  I purchased my 2003 elantra when it was about 2 years old and had abour 80,000 miles on it. Now, Ive had it for 2 years and am so in love with it. I have put on almost 60,000 miles in 2 years. Ive changed oil, brakes and headlights.... thats it! I think that is great since it is just shy of 140,000 miles. I have two jobs one requires occasional highway miles to be put on the car and the other is delivering pizzas. Yes 60,000 miles with about 2/3 of those as pizza delivery miles. Simply amazing! I was about to make an offer on a 1994 Honda Accord with over 100,000 miles when this fell in my lap for less than $1,000 more than what I was going to offer. My MPG averages City 24 /HWY 32

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  SO happy with my purchase! - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Alyssa - February 26 - 10:20 pm

  This is the first new car Ive ever bought;I was car shopping for over a year prior. I test drove Civics and Corollas (in my price range) for about two months and something wasnt grabbing me. As soon as I test drove the Elantra, I knew that was my car. The interior is really good looking (get so many compliments, especially at night with the blue lights). I also love all the features (esp. the XM and radio controls on the steering wheel) and the drive is very smooth and secure. The car turns well and I love driving on the highway (quiet, good pickup). NOTE: I got a spoiler and it makes it that much cuter!

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  Clutch-death, Best Warrantly? - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Bob - February 26 - 11:10 am

  There is a reason Hyundai does not cover the clutch...it goes out, soon and they know it. Ours went out at 60k and the dealer said it is not covered since a clutch is a wearable part. I said, a defective and very expensive part which is not covered under "Americas Best Warranty?" If you dont have a problem with a $900 bill to fix your clutch, buy a Hyundai. Else read the fine print on the warranty. Because of this, we will not buy another Hyundai.

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  Vehicle review - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Jennifer H. - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I am been really pleased with my vehicle. Excellent warranty and seems to be well made. Standards features are wonderful. A bit of a gas hog. Overall, it is a great car for the money.

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  Will never buy another Hyundai! - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By Caleb - February 24 - 12:10 pm

  I have had nothing but problems with my vehicle from the start!!! Ive had my car stall out in numerous places. Have had an oxygen sensor replaced, two (2) wiring harnesses caught fire! Ive gone through 18 halogen head lamps, my car viciously started shaking at ~ 30K miles, and the dealers didnt want to do anything about it. Also, the Hyundai corporate office will not be of any assistance to you. There "consumer affairs" department is a waste of money!

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  Hyundai, better than ever! - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By bizzy81k - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Very reliable silver 5-spd. Only problem- right headlight went out a week ago- but was covered by warranty. As for fuel economy, I average 25.6 mpg during a week of rides between my home and school (about 2 or 3 miles away) daily, and 20 mile trips to work 4 times a week. Not bad considering the way I drive the car.

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  Practical but not pricey - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By jayupark - February 22 - 9:40 am

  We managed to get the car near invoice price. Ive had it for 1 year now, and it has not let me down. It has enough power to not be considered slow. The fuel economy, while not stellar, is acceptable. In my humble opinion, there is no car in this price range that even comes close.

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  Great Little Car! - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By Jay - February 19 - 4:46 pm

  I have enjoyed this car greatly. It is much better than the Accord I used to have. I drive mostly city and consistently average around 28 mpg which is not bad. One of the best things about this car, though, is its performance (especially with a manual). This car actually has torque (unlike my previous vehicle). This makes for a peppy car (that gets better with a few modifications). Overall a great value.

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  Ripped Off - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Joe - February 19 - 1:28 pm

  This car is awful. Radio reception is horrible. Interior has new squeaks & rattles every day. Replaced muffler at 10K miles. Had to replace rear brakes after 18K miles (all highway). Dealers said that was normal wear & tear. Parking brake freezes on cold days & causes rear end to vibrate above 40mph. Called dealer twice about it & he said it was normal. Averaging only 29 MPG driving all highway miles with cruise control set at 70mph most of the time. Windshield wipers quit working one morning, then started working again on the afternoon drive home. Learned my lesson on this one. Ill never buy another Hyundai again. The car and dealer service are worse than I could ever have imagined.

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  Economical and Reliable - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By drbr - February 18 - 10:33 am

  We bought this car new in 2002. We test drove Toyotas and Hondas and tried Hyundai on a whim. Price not a factor, this was still our favorite of the three (Civic, Corolla and Elantra). It doesnt have much of a personality and some people sniff at the name badge, but for our money we couldnt be happier. Weve replaced the tires and brakes and have 57k on the vehicle now. We get 33-36mpg highway. People complain about resale but we plan to keep this little econobox until it wont run anymore. My highest compliment for the vehicle is that we bought it while I was still in professional school and now that Ive graduated IÂ’m still proud to drive it though now we could afford something more.