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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  Elantra - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By eex_heywood - December 17 - 10:03 am

  So far, so good! Love the car...looks ALOT better than the 97 Elantra we traded in for it! Little funny acting in 3rd gear around town..kinda quirky or something, but straightens out at 2000 rpms. Only 1200 miles on it now, but so far this cars very good! Id recommend one to anyone looking for a smaller family vehicle, without any worries.

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  excellent performance in accident - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By PA driver - December 16 - 2:05 am

  It was a cute, fun to drive little car. Gas mileage was decent. It did act up on a cold start for a while, had it to the dealer 5 times, they kept giving it back with same problem, so thats a service dept problem, not the car itself. I recently was in a head on collision on the highway. The car was totaled, but the passenger compartment stayed intact. The front end absorbed most of the force before it got to me. My most serious injury was a broken heel, so compared to what could have happened, that car did an amazing job of keeping me alive. My head/face was untouched except for a bloody nose from the airbag. Im definitely considering another Hyundai for my next car.

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  Wise Choice - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By monkey - December 13 - 5:23 pm

  Satisfying vehicle. Excellent value. Good power. Great features.

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  Amazing Buy - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Kyle Perea - December 10 - 1:26 am

  I looked around at other cars such as the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic, but the Hyundai Elantra stood out to me because of its low price and vast amount of standard features. We got the Popular package with the 08 Auto PZEV GLS and its everything anyone would need! Runs very smoothly, gas mileage is excellent, and it is very roomy. My parents cant believe how big the interior is! It has more rear seat room than our Subaru Outback! The trunk is also the largest in its class and the rear seats fold with a trunk pass through. ABS is also standard! (The Focus and Corolla dont come with ABS standard!) Love the blue illumination at night, very hip. Great price and great buy!

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  130,000 miles in my Elantra - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Brad - December 9 - 7:56 pm

  I bought my 2003 Elantra GT sedan in March of 03 with 34 miles. I now have 130,000. I chose this vehicle beacuse it had more power, features, rear seat space, and value than anything else in its class. The GT really is an undiscovered gem. I have the 4-door with the 5-speed, which is the best combo. The acceleration, luxury features, sound system, comfort, and dependability are unmatched in the sub- $17,000 class. I have only had one promblem, a faulty thermostat that caused it to overheat at 79,000 miles. Probably my fault because I drive it really hard and dont keep up on the maintainance. That being said, this car is a tank. 130,000 miles, all original parts and still going strong.

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  Bought Another Elantra GLS - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By NYYankeeFan - December 8 - 9:16 pm

  After owning a 2007 Elantra GLS for the past year (actually my husbands car), I decided when my minivan lease came due this month I would buy another Hyundai Elantra GLS...Well, I did and Im so glad. The 2008 Elantra has a slightly different driving feel. The steering wheel has a more sportier/sturdier feel. The controls are all well placed, and the well thought out compartments and bag holder would make any mom smile. Though from the outside the trunk appears small, it can fit my sons base drum and all its parts when the two back seats fold down. Its a sharp little car with a big car feel. Grips the road and is great on turns.

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  like the car - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By like the car - November 30 - 3:36 pm

  runs great, warranty a real plus, get lots of compliments on the style, affordable but doesnt look it

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  Great Car - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By sean w - November 29 - 12:12 pm

  Is an excellent point A-B and back car. If concerned about reliability and price it is an A+

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  A good car for the price - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By CN - November 29 - 10:17 am

  This replaced a Camry that had too much crash customizing. Overall, the car is well designed. With the rear seat down it holds a large amount of cargo considering the size of the car. There is adequate legroom for people over six feet tall. Sunroof tilts up to open as a no-draft. Less noise than opening a window. Still noisy though. Overall noise with all windows and roof closed is acceptable but not non-existent.

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  For the Price Cant Beat It - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By sassy - November 22 - 5:06 pm

  Already have 4000 miles on it and only had it for 2 car payments. Great little car. Perfect for the commuter who drives a distance. Would recommend it to small familes and a first time driver. Never thought I would own a non-American car, but I am sold.