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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  Blush still on the rose - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By RuralOwner - May 17 - 11:47 am

  Im still trying to settle in. As a Dodge Ram driver who can no longer afford the gas to commute that way, the Elantra seems a bit on the low side with no place to put my jutting elbows. But the engine is responsive enough and doesnt intrude overmuch in the cabin. Pros: the controls are intelligently layed out and work well, the ride is less harsh than most small cars, and the heater/AC take very little time to get up to speed. Cons: Im having a hard time finding a comfortable seat position, though Im sure Ill eventually get there and and intermittant rattle in the dash is distracting.

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  low expence car great warrenty - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Tim - May 15 - 1:59 pm

  The Car has had a few small problems, Nothing to do wih the engin or any of the mecanics just pieces of the interior comming off,Hyundai fixes with no problems. The car needs more HP badly its very slow off the start and passing Well dont try unless you have a lot of room to get by, its only got a 138 HP engin I believe adding about 40 more HPs would help emensly not to mention it would make it a lot more fun to drive But if youre looking for a good transport vehical its great for that I have the Hatch and with the back seat down you can put a lot of stuff in this little car Ive had it 5 months now and just went in for its 7,500 mile service no big problems as of yet

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  My Review - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Nikki - May 14 - 9:13 am

  I recommend this car to anyone budgetting and low maintenance. The car looks nice runs nice and is nice. For the price it gives more than it costs. My mother loves it, it is compact but roomy inside. my brother who is 59 fits in the front and back sit comfortably. Working single moms, lay of the expsive suv this will handle the car seats and kiddies too.

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  Not a bad little car... - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By John - May 5 - 7:58 pm

  ... and, much to my surprise, they backed the warranty to the max! AND the RoadsideAssistance was very, very well done. With these warranties, I have recommended these cars to friends and family. Great little cars, practical as all hell and solidly reliable.

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  Love it - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Ken Dunyak - May 5 - 9:27 am

  First Hyundai was a 1991 Excel. Got 36 mpg. This 04 Elantra GLS with Automatic is fun to drive. It just wants to go!!!! Got it with 28K miles and Im getting 35 mpg. Better than rated.

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  One year later - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Huntsville - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Purchased vehicle on the assumption that it would be disposable in the end since it would be used for commuting. After 14 months and 33000 miles it still runs very well. No mechanical problems. The car has plenty of power for its size. Have no problem pulling mountains. Seems responsive and tight. Overall quality is far better than I expected. It is way ahead of the Nissan Sentra I previously owned.

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  I love this car!! - 1994 Hyundai Elantra
  By New Mom - April 26 - 8:40 pm

  I and my husbend bought this car before our baby was born. I love the space and the back seats lay down wich comes in hady when your use to haveing a truck. It handles gr8. I would sugest this car to every one. buy the way when I bought the car it had 161,000 miles on it.

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  What More Could You Possibly Want? - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Jet Jockey - April 24 - 1:40 pm

  What a great car! I was going to replace my Accent with another Accent, but after seeing and driving the Elantra hatchback, I was hooked. I got out the door for only $13k, and that included a moonroof and CD player. Considering it was only $2200 more than a sparsely equipped Accent GT, it was an incredible bargain. Handles great, extremely comfortable, engine is smooth and powerful, transmission is silky. Its too early to tell about reliability, but if its like my 01 Accent, it will be a gem. My first tankful of gas gave me 35 mpg (mostly highway driving). Stylish car!

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  dealer honesty would help! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Jill Gates - April 23 - 5:07 pm

  Owned a 2003 Elantra that was totaled in a rear end crash. The car had a very offensive wind noise at 50+mph. replaced with an 03 GT that has had nothing but electrical problems and the same wind noise. Electric door locks will lock you out (called tow services more than once), defroster and side mirrors activate door locks. Taken to 3 dealers for repairs. First threw up their hands. Second made us buy new battery all the time knowing the car was recalled. Third was great and is attempting repairs....finally after two years! Nice little car but very frustrating! Tire wear stinks.

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  Happy - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By sandi carano - April 21 - 10:52 pm

  I am very happy with my car I has some small trouble and would buy another when I buy another car