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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  Beware of Hyundai - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Tom Larson - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I would STRONGLY advise against purchasing a Hyundai. I purchased a new 2003 Elantra hatchback last July, and 18,000 miles later, the clutch failed. I was just informed by the dealership the clutch is NOT covered by the warranty, and Ill have to shell out $900 to get it fixed. Ive been driving other various manual transmission cars for 20 years with no problems. The Hyundai is a poorly made vehicle, and the much vaunted warranty is total sham, if not fraudulent. Again, I would stay away from Hyundai!

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  First New Car - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Gary - January 1 - 10:13 pm

  I bought my Elantra new and for a great price. It has been a great reliable car for my family. I have had only a few minor problems. The CD player went out a few months after buying but was replaced under warranty. Also, I have a few blown head lights. I have taken our car on a few long trips and hand no problems and great fuel mileage. As long as you keep the oil changed, you should have little to no problems with this car.

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  Blown away by wind - 2017 Hyundai Elantra
  By Unhappy camper - January 1 - 12:13 pm

  Updated review still feel the same about the wind noise, but its a nice little car otherwise. Take it out on the interstate and run it at highway speeds, because the wind noise it HORRIBLE!!!! I commute for work and seriously get stressed out by the noise. Sounds as if you are in a really bad wind storm all of the time. I have taken it back to the dealer and they say its the design of the car! I love the way it looks and handles but if I had it to do over probably would shop for something else because of this.

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  Decent car for the price - 2017 Hyundai Elantra
  By Kevin Shayer - January 1 - 11:27 am

  The acceleration with the turbo is jerky/cuts out. That is very annoying. Happens around 2000-3000rpm mainly. The consensus on forums is that its the way the car is tuned from the factory causes the wastegate dump to open and close to frequently causing the acceleration to feel like it drops out for a split second many times in a row. 7 speed gearbox is decent but shifts awkwardly at times. Exterior car looks great. Interior is awesome. Seats are comfy, dash layout is great. Dual AC works perfect. Ergonomics of everything fits well. The look and feel of the interior is very Audi-esque which I very much like. Passenger side door handle seems a little loose. Had the car for a month and a half. Overall satisfied. However would like the acceleration issues fixed. Entertainment system crashed and rebooted itself last night. Hopefully that doesnt become a regular thing.

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  Buy one - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By pinetree - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Just had my 2002 Elantra GLS 2 months, but boy am I pleased! Didnt even go out to get one, but who can (or would) pass up that warranty!! Whatever it might lack in pizzaz and bulk, it makes up for in build quality and overall plain ol fashioned dependability. I love it!

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  You get what you paid for - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By marvin - December 31 - 10:00 am

  The Elantra I bought was below expectations. It had three major problems within the first 7K miles. In one case, the maintenance technician had to drive it for 400(yes!400) miles to determine the bug.

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  Cant afford the GT, Buy GLS Hatchback - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Richard - December 21 - 7:46 am

  For the money, the best car youll find GLS Hatch, hss same underpinnings and stearing as GT. Save the $2 Gs if you dont have it. Get the CD player with 6 speakers & cruise. Get a respecable 28 mpg overall.

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  Totally happy with my puchase - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Adam - December 20 - 8:52 am

  I got one of the last 06 Elantras they had on the lot. I was looking for a deal, and boy did I get one. Ive been looking at cars for the past few months, and I never found one that has the looks, features and pricing of the Elantra. It has great pick up, handles beautifully, and has a great warranty.

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  Good Commuter Car - 1996 Hyundai Elantra
  By Broadway - December 19 - 9:34 pm

  Have put on 100-140 miles daily for for almost 8 years of use. Now have 279K on vehical. Major service include refurbished AT tranny at 147k ($1300) and recent water pump ($450) plus timing belt service, used power steering pump,gas filter,2 radiator fan motors,3rd set of tires (90K ea) Have not replaced alternator,muffler,or injector servicing. Check engine light has been on for 100k now. Have crack low on exhaust manifold but still get 35 to 38 mpg freeway,combo 30-33. Still no oil,tranny leaks...amazing! All my previous American cars have messed up my garage!

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  disheartened - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By disappointed - December 18 - 7:58 am

  The car was taken back to the dealership within 24 hours for problems. Currently on 4th set of tires within 3 years. Emergency brake locks in cold weather and wears down tires (been towed several times). Maker doesnt take blame, rather passes the buck. Solutions are not guaranteed that problems are fixed, yet my wallet takes the brunt. Dealerships report that my problem is not a warranty issue. Frustrated!