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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  The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By Dentheman - January 19 - 12:13 am

  I reviewed this car right after i bought it when i was in love with it. After a year and a half of ownership, i have realized the good and bad of this car. Replaced alternator, transmission at around 56,000 miles. Constant power window problems. Have had engine light issues for the last 5 months. My car was a flood car, but that doesnt explain issues like interior door handles snapping without warning. Bottom line: If you only have 13,000 to spend, Elantra is a good choice. If you can afford better, definitely get something else. I intend on moving up to a Camry or Accord soon.

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  I Call It My PseudoSaab - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Bushwatz - January 18 - 10:00 am

  First the cons... the trunk cover panel rattles slightly at low speeds and my AC fan developed a rattle after 10 months. Now the pros... Of 5 new cars Ive owned, only my Honda Accord gave me less complaints in the first year. Its a true pleasure to drive. Great, responsive handling, generous driver and passenger room, solid passing power, and that gorgeous styling. Im just sad to say that in 6k of driving, Ive seen another one on the road once.

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  I love my car - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By meffagogo - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Its so good, comfy and an awsome sound system, throaty valve system on the exhaust an responds well to tuning.

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  Elantra GT, the best in class - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By marex - January 18 - 10:00 am

  After trying almost all small sedan/hatchbacks for my wife decision was easy. No other one offered so much space, features, usability, power and luxury at once in that class for that money. Even as VW Passat driver I enjoy driving GT. Hope the brandname would get more recognition for the quality not only the price. Thanks Hyundai for this beauty!!!!!

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  Hot Little Number - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By FlyDriver - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Plenty o character in this car with the best apparent value of all I researched and tested. Hot, fun, practical, and a bit different (read: better) than your neighbors. Im consistently glad I chose it, and my friends are pleasantly surprised when they check it out.

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  tremendous value - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By wonderwall - January 16 - 7:39 pm

  I bought this car to replace a much beloved Mazda Protege 5 which was totalled in an accident. The Hyundai is more comfortable at the expense of handling, but I am very pleased. Initial fuel economy wasnt so great, but is improving with each tank. I am impressed with how quiet it is once speed has been reached. The cargo area is quite spacious and the seats are almost as comfortable as Volvos Ive ridden in. Fit & finish are top notch and I found material quality better than the Honda Civic that I looked at. Feels like a more expensive car than it really is.

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  Is this title catchy enough - 2017 Hyundai Elantra
  By Isaiah H - January 15 - 11:56 pm

  You get alot of bang for your buck. At around 18,500$ after rebate, the Elantra value edition is baller. To me ,I think it feels more like a 23,000$ or 24,000$ car with everything they put in it. It is a very quiet ride, even at high speeds (its even pretty quiet at 100 mph I tried). And I get excellent gas mileage without driving an ugly car ,or being" that one prius guy" everybody knows. The only 2 things about the car I think could be improved are. #1 unless it is in sport mode ,the acceleration is somewhat disappointing on lower gears. And #2 some of the plastic in the interior gets scratched pretty easily with metal high density objects. It looks very nice on the inside, but if you play with knives or something in the car, it may not be great for long . One of my scratches was actually cause by me dropping my cell phone onto the cup holder . Like yeah that easy to scratch. But its a dope car . Buy it if you arent afraid of plastic scratches.

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  01 Elantra - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By fhar - January 12 - 12:43 pm

  Great Car, rides great. Great gas mileage. Roomy interior for family of four.

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  Dependable - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By CaseyJPS - January 11 - 2:58 am

  Ive had this car 2.5 years and it has been as reliable as my Miata. Warranty work has included a new battery, drivers side visor clip, and mirror covers on visors (I live in the desert and the car sits outside in very hot weather, so the interior plastics are very challenged on this car.) Replaced original tires around 20,000 miles. Gas mileage averages 22-23, and has topped-out at 33mpg (at a constant 75- 85 mph). I am convinced this car will last forever. The build quality, fit and finish is excellent (the "trunk" area could use a bit more attention however).

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  Good, until crash - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Em - January 9 - 1:28 am

  The car was given to me by my father. The car drove exceptionally well. The only complaint he and I had was the lowness of the drivers seat which getting out of every day led to bad backs. Unfortunately, I had an accident, in a frontal crash, where the Elantra ended in disaster and was totalled. I hope the 2005/2006 models are improved in safety.