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:

• 

  Exactly what I need. - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By JeffGuidry - July 1 - 2:09 pm

  I use this car as a daily commuter in Houston and for about once monthly trips home to Louisiana. Gas mileage averages 27/28 mpg in combined city/highway driving, and mileage on the highway varies depending on how much speeding up/slowing down I have to do for 18 wheelers and slower traffic. I have gotten as good as 40 mpg on one trip setting the cruise control on 70. The car is remarkably comfortable and quiet for a compact car. The OEM tires have nearly 40,000 miles on them and will soon need replacing (strangely, the rear tires wore down sooner than the front tires, having never been rotated.) I am a very heavy man and the car is quite comfortable, even on my 4 hour road trips.

• 

  Excellent starter car - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By Strawb3rrygash35 - July 1 - 10:17 am

  My parents bought me this car as my first vehicle. A lot more reliable and fun to drive than my sisters Mitsubishi Mirage. This car was bought with only 33,000 miles this past May for only 5,000. Ive had no huge problems. This car is still under warrenty. Good gas milage, never under 30 mpg. Peppy on take off, but doesnt accelerate too great on hills. Tires worn almost out on 35,000 miles. A bit shaky when you hit 65, I think because it needs new tires. The tape player doesnt work and isnt covered under warrenty. Great feature of door handle in the trunk, so if someone is stuck in the trunk, they can open it.

• 

  Better Than... - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Joe - June 29 - 6:37 pm

  My wife and I prviously owned a Saturn Ion. Compared to that the Hyundai Elantra is head and shoulders above that competition. With the high mileage I put on a year I needed a great warranty. You cant beat 5yr/60,000mile bumper to bumper. Weve had the car for under a year, but after 20,000 miles it still runs like new.

• 

  check engine light - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By michele - June 28 - 8:47 pm

  I took home my 2006 Elantra the next day after 40 miles the check engine light came on. I took it back to the dealer he said every thing was fine. I got 1/2 mile and the check engine light was on again. I see another review that has the same problem. I am wondering is this a problem. They say I will get a new car tomorrow. The code is cyl 4 missfire when they run a computer check.

• 

  Corners like my old 65 BMW 1600 - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Sabrina Hill - June 27 - 10:21 am

  When I was stationed in Germany from 1969 to 1971, I had a 1965 BMW. I put a LOT of "spirited driving miles " on it on the two lane "Bundestrasses" and loved the way it cornered. The 2006 Elantra that I bought in May pleasently shocked me by the way IT handles. I set the cruise at 65 to 70 mph, cross my legs at the ankles, and just drive the car through the corners on the two lanes out here in rural Texas. If anything, the car doesnt feel like Im pushing it in the corners, it just goes through them. This will be the first of many Hyundais, when I pay this off, Ill keep it, and replace my 1990 wrangler with a then new Tucson. BTW, I get 36 to the Gal. on the two lanes out here.

• 

  Happy, inexpensive motoring - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By Bob - June 23 - 12:39 pm

  Bought used and have been very satisfied with car. Many features make this seem and feel like a much more expensive vehicle. Style is attractive and interior well thought out. Always thought Saab 3 series was such a pratical car, then they stopped making it as a hatchback. This car is just the same, small outside but hugh inside carrying capacity.

• 

  GREAT value and fun little zipper - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By William Fuentes - June 21 - 8:10 am

  I bought the Elantra because I am a big guy and needed a compact car that would fit my frame. The seating is great and with the 8 way adjustable seat I found it incredibly comfortable. I have driven it constantly since buying it, wearing it in and testing it in different situation. The power is there to pass and it is incredibly responsive making it fun to zip in an out of traffic. It looks sleak and had an incredible amount of standard features including cruise control, power windows/doors and remote keyless entry with alarm. All and all this is a great purchase and I would suggest it to anyone looking for a reaonably priced car with enough power and features to make it enjoyable.

• 

  Worth More Than They Sell Them For!!! - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Doug - June 21 - 5:56 am

  Ive spent over a year looking to buy a new car. I needed something reliable, safe, and economical. This car has it all in spades! Its unheard of to have stability control in a car at this price. And its a blast to drive. It has WAY more torque than the civic so it really moves when you hit the gas! Feels like it has way more horsepower too. And it steers with a perfect mix of feedback and ease.

• 

  Luxury at a low cost - 2017 Hyundai Elantra
  By Joe Laslo - June 20 - 3:54 am

  2017 Elantra Limited . Originally I was seeking a SE model but found a dealer that gave me the Limited model for the same price I was going to pay for the SE . Its best to shop around until you get what you want. Make sure you get all the incentives available too, then dicker a bit.

• 

  2nd Elantra - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Kelly - June 20 - 1:28 am

  I checked alot of cars before buying the Elantra 5 speed hatchback. I owned a 2000 Elantra SW that gave me no problems for 6 years, the brakes were still just over 50%. Our 2nd car is a 2003 Camry auto, so I wanted something sportier. I ended up with an Elantra hatchback standard, fully loaded. H rated tires, sunroof, suspension package, fast, maneuvrable and with tinted windows, and disabler ignition thrown in for free by the dealer, This is one fun car. Surprisingly better made than the 2000 Elantra. The Camry is a nice ride, but the Hatch is fun and very nice looking. The trip computor says Im averaging 8.4L/100 KM. Hopefully that wil improve as the car breaks in