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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  I love my car - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By kelly - April 21 - 10:32 pm

  i had an 01 focus se before this, and was in an accident. I was actually just gonna get another focus, but then this car fell into my hands. I am in love with this car. It has everything my focus had plus more. Its a great car and very fun to drive, and would definitely buy another one, unless I moved up to the sonata.

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  Excellent car for the price - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Mike - April 21 - 3:16 pm

  I am very satisfied with my Elantra. It gets great gas mileage with the manual transmission, and has plenty of pickup for an economy car. The seats are comfortable, and I havent heard any rattles inside. Everything seems to be of high quality. The stereo sounds very good, much better than you would expect for a car in this class. Absolutely no complaints so far! For $13,500 after deducting the rebate you cant beat this deal. I have seen photos of what the new version will look like and the current Elantra looks better! Plus the new Elantra will likely have some quirks and design errors (being the first year after a redesign), so I felt more comfortable buying the current 06 model.

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  WAY TO MUCH BANG FOR THE BUCK - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By chris - April 21 - 2:54 am

  I purchased this car because of the rising gas prices. I could not afford to drive my Chevy Silverado. I was nervous, because of Hyundais poor quality in the past. I believe now this now probably one of the best investments ever. I now have over 70000k on this WITH NO PROBLEMS EVER, NOT EVEN A RATTLE! I cant wait until they make pickup-Ill be the first in- line.

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  I love this car! - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By wolverine state owne - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I was hesitant at first because I couldnt see how they could pack all these options into a car in this price range. My wifes 2001 Neon (Bought around the same time)has been in for three recalls and numerous cosmetic and mechanical problems. My Hyundai (which I paid almost $3000 less for) has had nothing but oil changes and tire rotations. I LOVE THIS CAR!!!

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  Get it now! - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Prince Planet - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Elantra GT for approximately half a year now. It has 6,000 + miles and Ive had 0 problems. When I first got the vehicle, I assumed that they must have gone cheap somewhere. If they have I havent found it yet. Theyve even gone so far as to put rubber inserts into the knobs so that your fingers dont slip off. Its a ball to drive and everything works all the time without fail. An excellent buy at any price.

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  Love this car!!! - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By tasallen - April 19 - 10:00 am

  We have had the car for only a few months, but we are in love! It rides smoothly, and is very quiet.

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  Great car! - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By Denverite - April 18 - 5:14 pm

  Have had this car 4.5 years with no problems whatsoever. Does just fine driving in the Colorado mountains in wintertime. Good fuel economy, averages around 32 mpg mixed driving.

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  Fine car for the money - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Tom Farina - April 15 - 11:26 pm

  This is a fine car for the money.Design in and out. Long list of safety features and warranty. Great gas mileage. Good build quality. Good pick up too. Auto shifter is smooth. Suprisingly roomy interior. Some road noise is pronounced on rough road surfaces. AM side of radio goes crazy under high power lines. Dealer said cant do anything!

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  The WORST Hyundai Ive ever had! - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By Melissa - April 15 - 1:08 pm

  Prior to the Hyundai Elantra, I had the Accent, and before that, the Excel. I will never buy another Hyundai again. I bought the Elantra with 10,000 miles on it. At 26,000 miles I had to replace the clutch. I put 138,000 miles on the Excel and nearly 80,000 on the Accent and never had clutch problems. The engine was replaced at 51,000 miles. Fortunately, this was handled by the warranty. Then, at 64,000 miles the clutch went out again. Why? Because HYUNDAI installed the wrong size, but it was MY fault. Another $1400 to the dealership. I get it back and the drive home the right front hub goes and another $300 later, my car is back home. Im lucky to get 25mpg...

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  Downgrade and Happy - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By TiburWolf - April 15 - 7:43 am

  I "downgraded" from a Tiburon GT with the 6cyl 6spd. I needed a more sensible car with 4 kids, better gas mileage, and 4 doors. The Elantra fit the bill and I am very happy with it so far. The true test will be further down the road, but now I can fill up once a week, fit most of the family in, and still get good gas mileage to work. The car is leaps and bounds more comfortable than the Tiburon, but with the loss of handling and responsiveness. I currently prefer the comfort with my hour commute. Everything works as expected and the engine is well up to the task of moving the bugger.