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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  10 - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Moira - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle. I was in an accident and although the vehicle was totaled I walked away unharmed. It is a smooth, fun drive and I am now buying another Elantra.

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  Read My Lips...NO NEW VOLKSWAGENS - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Peter R. LeVan - June 1 - 10:00 am

  My silver 2002 Elantra is an all-around winner. The 5-speed is a blast, beautiful fit-and-finish, great ergonomics...seems custom built for me. Inexpensive AND turns heads at the same time. Best of all...gas mileage. With apologies to Edmunds and Consumer Reports, I am consistently getting 38 to 42 mpg with the A/C turned OFF while driving 80 all day. This is one beautiful car, no matter the price.

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  Reliable - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By LuvMy Hyundai - June 1 - 2:08 am

  I am in real estate and needed safety and style. The leather seats, traction control, side impact are bags, under seat air ducts and anti lock breaks werent afordable elsewhere.

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  Love my car!! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Kristine - May 31 - 7:56 pm

  fun to drive, has get up and go for such a little car, has awsome turn radius. Had a recall,was notified promptly, and was takencare of quickly. it was the brake line.the leather seats are so comfortable, and easy to take care of, the leg room lacks a little for long legged gals for long trips, but not bad on the whole.

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  2006 Elantra review - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Eric - May 30 - 5:10 pm

  Very sound car. Good fuel mileage. For the money, better than Honda/Nissan or Toyota. Would recommend this car for anyone looking.

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  Good Car for the money - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Russ - May 29 - 8:22 am

  I traded in a toyota pick up for this car in an effort to save gas on my long 45 mile one way trip to work. i was very impressed with the gas mileage which is about 10mpg better than what i was getting in the truck. not exactly a luxurious car but gets you from point a to b. roomier than i thought at first glance. fits 2 adults and 2 kids comfortably. great trunk space. for only a small 4 cylinder, car has good get up and go power. i prefer driving this around town over our smooth riding mini-van.

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  Love my Hyundai - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Terri - May 28 - 7:56 pm

  I traded my 05 Accent for the Elantra because I wanted a more roomier car. I find these cars are well made and are priced right for anyones budget. I like the smooth ride and the handling of this car. The interior is sharp and easy to find everything. I have a black car with black and grey interior. It has a great sound system, better then the Accent I owned. It came with a CD player which was a plus for me because I had to have one installed in my Accent. The seats are a soft velour cloth and very comfortable and the lumbar adjustment is great because I have a bad back and I can adjust it to my likeing. Its a car with a lot of bang for the buck. It drives like a dream!

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  Hyundai Elantra - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By JNVMaisel - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Power is readily accessible and substantial. Suspension is firm to a point then breaks to real soft. Im considering changing the springs to Eibachs so not as high of a roll-over feel.

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  Good Car - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Gisele - May 26 - 10:36 pm

  I choose this car for my parents because of the affordability and warranty.

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  Good mountain car - 1998 Hyundai Elantra
  By MtnDriver - May 26 - 2:57 pm

  Great mountain car, handles good on snow/ice/solid snow floor. Put 10K miles on it in 6 months. Has good get up and go, especially on steep mountain grades- can go 65 in 4th gear up a big grade (5 speed). No major problems until now (wheel bearing replacement, exhaust system problem, oil pan leak) and the paint scratches really easily. Overall great experience aside from the mechanic visits.