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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Toyota, Honda and Chevy Killer - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
By Hyundai is Great - July 21 - 4:07 pmI was on a budget with this car so did a ton of research. It really is true that there is no car out there on the market that you can get for the price of one of these with all of the features. It drives extremely smoothly at least up to 85 mph (havent gone over that), better than my last cars v6 (1992 pont. grand am). Many hidden goodies too like rear cup holders that pop out of the seat, automatic lights off, adjustable lumbar support and heated mirrors to mention a few. I got the one with the moonroof/abs/traction control for a little above $14000--cant beat it. Buy one before the new elantras come out, there will surely be a large price hike in the new ones with same features!
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Im Impressed - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
By shazdaddy - July 20 - 10:00 amIm glad I did my homework. I have owned several cars and trucks and this is by far the best for the money. love the midnight gray color. Very responsive and agile. Perfect for small family on a budget.
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Great Car - Style/Safety/Price Superb - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
By JM2 - July 15 - 2:00 amI own 2 Elantras. They are great vehicles re: price, style, quality, performance and, in my opinion, safety. I recently skidded on ice and hit a tree broadside on drivers side w/my 2002 Elantra). The drivers *side* airbag (not available on many more expensive cars) deployed and likely saved my life. I got top dollar on the "totaled car" -- so they hold their value) and I promptly bought a 2004 to join my 2003. Got super customer service, as well!
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2ns Elantra in 2 months - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
By Hyundai man - July 11 - 2:20 pmIn Sept we brought a 06 Elantra and were very happy with it, untill it was totaled a week ago. We were not injured ,much to the suprize of the local EMS people.I am now sold on Hyundai. Returned to same dealer and feel in love with a Black 07 SE. Lots of room ,great looks and a ton of standard features. Best of all got a great deal on the cars. Even with under a 100 miles on it already getting 30 mpg.
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I Like My New Elantra GT - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
By MJ - July 9 - 8:10 pmJust got this vehicle. I really like it so far. It works great to haul the kids around in and looks sporty. I wish the MP3 player was still standard - I had to buy my own at $200. So far so good and the warranty is a great piece of mind.
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More than I expected - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
By Nancy - July 7 - 2:33 pmI recently purchased a 2006 Elantra GLS and I have to admit when I test drove it, I wasnt expecting much. What a surprise. This car has some muscle after all! Pickup is great. Comfort? Definitely. Plus, a smooth quiet ride. My only complaint was that the molding around the back door came loose, but is easily fixed by the dealer.
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elantra review - 2017 Hyundai Elantra
By JOHN HOLLOWAY - July 7 - 12:59 amradio / infotainment center overkill.... keep it simple . less distracted driving with simpler / few choices .
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th only bad thing - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
By Tara - July 6 - 11:43 ami live in nyc the only bad thing about this car is the rims i usually get 2 flats a month for going over the pot holes they do not realy hold up other then that i love my car
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My Hyundai :-) - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
By Buckster60 - July 4 - 10:00 amMy Atlantra is just a fantastic car, Ifeel I am getting much more vechical then what I paid for, It is well built, Has plenty of Power, Ride is Sporty and secured. Just a great car, and Yes I would buy another one.
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Best small car out there - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
By Silent Wolf - July 2 - 12:11 pmBought this car new with only 13 miles on the odo. Now have logged 11,700 on it. Only had a couple of issues first being wiper blade had hardened and they replaced that free saying " Ya sun exposure tends to do that when blades arent used on the lots. Sorry about that." Second was a cluth slip around 8k but it did it only once and the dealer shop couldnt find any issues. I love the space and the decent performance from the best engine in the small car class. Downside is sacrafised fuel economy. But its alot better than previous cars ive driven. I do have my own plans for the car later in life.
