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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  Very Happy - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By elantragtlover - August 9 - 11:09 pm

  I bought my Hyundai Elantra GT 11 days ago. I went from driving a huge 8 cylinder SUV to this small hatchback. I dont even miss my truck! I am thrilled every time I fill it up. I is half the price to fill and the gas lasts twice as long. The Elantra GT is exactly what I was looking for. It is fun to drive with plenty of room for all of my things. The sixty/forty split back seat allows for larger things to pass through than in the Elantra sedan. I am having a blast driving this cute little "zippy" car. I highly recommend it to anyone.

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  I love my Elantra!!!!! - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By cjalb72 - August 9 - 10:25 am

  I have owned the car for just over a month!! I was a Toyota and Honda snob!!! I do say WAS a Snob!!! After driving this car I was amazed @ the fit and finish, the 10 year Warr., @ the price!!!

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  I am completely impressed! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By TinaBean - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I looked at the Elantra because of the low price, and I actually bought one because of everything else! 1st, the car looks great, especially in sleek, shiny Black. It drives as smooth as my Cutlass did & has more room. The real clincher was the Sales Staff, they were not the "evil devils" I had anticipated meeting, they really bent over backwards to make me happy. I ended up getting a car w/more options than I anticipated, the keen Sales Manager noticed some minor paint defects on my 1st choice & gave me the only other Black one on the lot-for the same low price we had agreed on. The warranty, the service, the ride, the price - who knew Id own a Hyundai!?

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  GT is GREAT - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By fullermj - August 3 - 10:00 am

  This was my first brand new car, and I was a little apprehensive about the Hyundai. But my parents had an Elantra for a few years with no problems, and I figured I could get the most car for my $$ with the Elantra GT. I love it. The styling (it looks like a Saab 9-3), the handling, and its got a lot of room! Ive had it for almost 15k miles, no problems.

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  cant beat it - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By cc1 - August 3 - 10:00 am

  bang for the buck! other than the fact that it could use 4o more horse power the gt is impossible to beat. (most cars costing 5 grand more could also use more power) leather,all the bells @ wistles, 4 wheel discs,5 door hatch, unbeleivable warranty. im very sattisfied

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  Surprising pleased! - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Scott - August 2 - 1:12 pm

  Traded in my Dodge Ram and, after the initial regret, am not looking back. A much smoother ride, more than enough comfort & room (both front and back seats), and MUCH better mileage made my transfer from truck to sedan less painful. I debated for a month or so & actually settled on a Kia Spectra, but after comparing optional to standard features & the over all comfort & ride, went with the Elantra. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a mid-size sedan but not wanting to spend alot of money. My first road trip last week was the test for roominess during a trip. The results: passed with flying colors!

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  Nice car for the money - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By brybry - July 31 - 9:30 pm

  Weird for me to say but I have been researching this car for 1 year. It has everything I want such as power everything and cruise is very important. CD now comes standard also. It has 2 years and 24,000 more mile warranty than most others in its class which means nothing out of my pocket for an a/c going out (if it should happen)

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  Extremely Happy - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Extremely Happy - July 28 - 5:19 pm

  I brought my vehicle(not a Hyundai)in for a tune up and too kill time I went to the dealership next door and started test driving vehicles to see what kind of vehicle I wanted to own. I took the 5 speed for a ride & then the automatic. I loved them both. They were both roomy & comfortable, I couldnt figure which one I wanted. They were both awesome. They both had speed. I chose the automatic because of the sunroof & kenwood mp3 player. I still plan on getting the 5 speed. I get great gas mileage.

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  incredible for the price - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By raybeem01 - July 26 - 7:47 pm

  Extremely well made for the price, runs flawlessly, with effective manuevering excelleration is ausumn when needed. Highway long distance driving, absolutely perfect. Negatives, some of the paneling in the trunk flimsy and easy to knock out of position. Should have cd player instead of tape in the radio system

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  watch out for that warranty - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By john o - July 25 - 4:44 pm

  they fail to tell you how much is excluded from the warranty and non warranty repairs are very expensive