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 GLS - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By JP_ - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Never thought that I would own a Hyundai. I went to test drive the car because of the warranty. I was impressed. This is nothing like Hyundais of old. The interior is well laid out and comfortable. Even for a 60 300 pounder like me. The exterior is not hard to look at. Performance is good for a 4 banger, and the transmission is silky smooth. The car also comes fully loaded for under 13 grand.

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  Unbeatable Value - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By chillyb - May 25 - 11:13 pm

  I purchased my 2001 1/2 Elantra GT in June of 2001. I now have almost 10k miles on the odometer. I am very pleased with the performace of my GT. I have had no problems with the car and it has been a pleasure to drive. The most impressive thing about the car is the tremendous value it offers. A similarly equipped vehicle in a Honda, Toyota, or Mazda would costs thousands more. With the GT, you can have all of the bells and whistles without feeling guilty for what you paid for them.

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  Unbreakable - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By Chicago Dom - May 25 - 12:45 pm

  Bought this car for my daily commute, inexpensive and good fuel economy. Not a single problem with this car, absolutely nothing has gone wrong with it. Have changed the oil only 7 times during 205k miles and still get the same fuel economy as new. Still have yet to change the clutch!!!!!! I didnt think they made cars this solid at this price point. First Hyundai Ive purchased but it wont be the last. For the price, youd have to be insane to pass on this car, its built like a tank. I will be a Hyundai supporter for life.

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  Elantra Sedan - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By RAA - May 23 - 10:00 am

  Purchased an 04 preowned Elantra with only 10K miles and saved even thousands more for a really nice car. Comfortable, secure, good mileage, love it.

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  Long on Value - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Elton - May 22 - 7:32 pm

  I already own a Ford Focus and have owned Hondas, Nissans, and Toyotas. The first years mediocre performance of my 2005 Ford Focus SE made me look to an import. Honda, Nissan, and Toyota have priced themselves out of the budget market without providing that much higher quality and finish than Hyundai. I had reservations about Hyundai, but I did my research and was surprised at the reviews. Ive now owned this vehicle for a month and have averaged 27 mpg in city (Atlanta) driving. I have not found any quirks with the car and am pleased that I have had no buyers remorse. The car could use a few more horsepower, but with the 5 speed is still respectable. It may be dated, but its a bargain.

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  2005 Elantra GT - Ottawa, Canada - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Eric - May 21 - 1:13 pm

  After 3 months of highway driving, there was a very noticeable vibration in the steering wheel at speeds greater than 100 Km/hr. The rack & pinion was replaced free of charge, but I was charged for an alignment. Two weeks later, the vibration was back. This time I was charged for a wheel re-balancing. The CD player was repaired three times in a year. The tires were bald after 40,000 Km. There is excessive brake and wind noise. The drivers front headlight bulb has been repalced twice in 40,000 km (I seldom drive at night, so only the running lights are on).

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  My Wonderful Car - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Ms Crofut - May 20 - 8:48 pm

  Bought the car new and have loved it every since. Have a one month old and a just turned 2 year old and I appreciate the ease of putting the car seats in and out. I enjoy having a sporty looking car with room for my family. I have taken several long road trips and have enjoyed the over all handling of the car on different terains. The size of the trunk is also a plus since having two small children requires alot of space to haul all of their extras (play pens, swings, etc.) to and from the babysitters. Overall I have and will continue to recommend this car to anyone who asks. For the money their isnt a better car out there.

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  great auto - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By ariola - May 20 - 10:43 am

  good handling,& comfort,winter & summer

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  Great Car to have - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By zencat - May 19 - 7:48 pm

  good reliable transportation with personality

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  My GT - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Clyde Vandivort - May 19 - 4:00 pm

  I have mostly enjoyed my Elantra GT (we have another GT, and 03 model). I live in the mountains of West Virginia, and do a lot of driving due to working 45 miles away. My GT is fun to drive on the twisty roads, and returns excellent gas mileage. The stereo works great and keeps me entertained enroute. My only complaint is that I have some vibration on braking, due to warped brake rotors. I am surprised at this, with only 12,000+ miles.