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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  Comment - 1997 Hyundai Elantra
  By agliettipc - April 14 - 12:26 pm

  The car is exelent. It runs very well, confortable, economic, cheap parts

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  Great - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Tom - April 14 - 6:58 am

  It is a great fun to drive with Elantra. Fuel economy and reliability can not be criticized in comparison with those of Civic and Corolla. Interior design is well-organized. One drawback is not equipped with ABS. but 2007 will be standard. I hope I soon get that too.

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  Wonderful vehicle! - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Amy - April 13 - 2:29 pm

  My husband and I both have a 2005 Elantra. They are both great cars for the money! The features are superb and the ride is fantastic. Our cars are roomier than a VW Jetta and ride better too! Great pick up for a 4 cylinder I can keep up with the best of them! The body style is classy and the vehicle has a solid feel that cant be beat. One of the best values on the market with the warranty! LOVE it!

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  90k+ miles later, Im still rolling. - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Mr. Volente - April 13 - 8:33 am

  I havent had any major problems w/this car at all. I did have a recall which they fixed no problem. Everything else has been smooth sailing just about. The only thing that is a bit of a problem is are the lights- the die a lot so you have to keep replacing them, especially the fog lights. The car is quite durable, Ive been through a few dings, and no problems. During one snow storm, I ran straight slam into the highway railing very fast and very hard and just knew the car was done for b/c of the sound of the impact. Somehow the car keeps driving, I get home, check it out, only 2 scraches, not real damage. Awesome. Gas is good, Im getting about 28-29 per gallon. Trunk space awesome.

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  I love my car! - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By rdi0824 - April 13 - 6:23 am

  I recently purchased the GLS model. I am currently getting approx. 32 mpg (I calculated 31.9) with combo of city/hwy miles. I love that I dont have to gas up all of the time! Its a very smooth ride and I love that its a smaller car but I am not confined whatsoever while driving it. Its very roomy for its size! I look forward to having this car for a long time! Grab one while theyre having the cash back incentive promotion!

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  This Car is Fantastic !!! - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Justin Smith - April 12 - 9:18 pm

  I have been driving this car for 8 months or so and it has lived up to all my expectations. I skipped the sunroof and abs but couldnt be happier. I only have roughly 6000 miles on it (because I work and live at a college) but I take it on road trips home (3 hours one way) and it easily cruises at 80mph on the highway with no problems. The ride is generally excellent! I would call this car a crossbreed between a Volvo, a BMW 3 Series, and a Honda Civic. My friends are jealous that their cars arenÂ’t as nice and cheap and thatÂ’s the way I like it!

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  Nice Car - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By Steve - April 12 - 8:17 am

  I traded my 1997 Ford Crown Victoria Police Car in on a an Elantra because of the gas milage. I was impressed by my moms new Tucson and thought I would give Hyundai a try. Ive put a little over 5200 miles on it since Ive bought and have a few little weird problems but nothing big. I had a headlight burn out already, when ahead and put a nice seat of head lights in it. I did belts and front rotors and thats it. There is werid noise in the front end like something is grinding that I only hear at about 75 mph on a windy day. Other then that it has been a pretty good. Im getting ready to take it on a 1000 mile trip this weekend. I do mixed driving and Ive been running right around 27.

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  Overheats - 2017 Hyundai Elantra
  By Nick - April 7 - 10:18 pm

  Just drove the car out of the dealer 7 miles down the road the car over heated. The car is brand new 0 miles before I drove it out the dealer I check all fluids and light condition everything check ok. Car is too noisy,you can hear everything inside. 2006 had better noise cancellation than this car. The sit is not really comfortable to a big person. Other than that features are pretty nice for the price the car is worth.

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  reliable car - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By Pat Schulz - April 2 - 5:50 am

  Very reliable car very little repairs necessary. Remote entry was only problem too costly to fix.

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  Pleasantly Suprised - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By kaman - April 1 - 2:00 am

  I wasnt intending on getting a Hyundai but my father-in-law convinced me to go take a look. I test drove several different cars in this price range (Honda, Saturn, and Ford) and was very suprised at how well the Elantra test drove. The Elantra was as good and cheaper than the Civic, and has better interior than the new Saturn Ions (in my opinion). The 5 years warranty and is what sealed the deal.