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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  Review of our Hyundia Elantra Wagon. - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By Ralph Jones - December 22 - 5:32 pm

  Has been an excellent vehicle for us. We spent two summers traveling, 8500 and 11500 miles respectively. Very, very comfortable for its size. Gas mileage is generally in the 28-33 mpg range. As a spunky engine which if pushed on starts will drop mpg to 25. Have run Mobil 1 which has kept wear to a minimum apparently, since doesnt require addl. oil between 3500-4000 changes. No maintence beyond standard belts, transmission oil changes every 30,000, tires and battery change.

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  Great Car - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By Cindy - December 21 - 8:08 pm

  Purchased as Program Car with 25000 miles. Has been run both in city and hwy regularly. No problems with it at all. Just normal maintenance of oil changes, tires etc. Has over 100000 miles now and no sign of any problems. Gets good gas milage and great commuter car. Handles well in traffic. Highly pleased with price vs value.

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  My Second Hyundai - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By timtriolo - December 20 - 2:00 am

  After owning a Tiburon and having no mechanical problems with it, I purchased my Elantra GT. I knew it to be a steal with all of its standard features and great styling. So far, Ive been just as happy with this Hyundai as I have been with my first. The structural integrity is incredible. I was hit three times by a drunk driver in a hit and run accident, and my car didnt budge from its lane. The leather interior is as beautiful as it is utilitarian. People tell me it looks like a SAAB. I got the look without paying the high premium I would have for the SAAB. My neighbor teased me about purchasing the Elantra; his SAAB has been in the shop twice this year.

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  Live and Learn - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By txgal76 - December 19 - 5:21 pm

  I thought it was a good purchase for the money. They Hyundai has treated me better than my last car (Saturn) but the costs in maintenance and repairs has become too much. I will not purchase a Hyundai again. Too many issues with this car. Spend the extra money and get a higher end vehicle.

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  Got a spare Tranny? - 1998 Hyundai Elantra
  By BoyDestructo - December 18 - 1:05 am

  We bought this car used a bit over a year ago with 60K on it. It has proven to be more cheap than inexpensive. Everything about this car feels cheap. Now, with 71K on the odometer its in need of a new transmission. Not inexpensive, definately cheap.

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  Great Car - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By James McDonald - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I looked at several other options and for the money this was by far the best deal. I gave it a little going through durring the test drive and found it really quiet and responsive.

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  Love my 2016 Hyundai Elantra - 2016 Hyundai Elantra
  By Brittany - December 14 - 1:07 pm

  Highly recommend this car. I am so proud to own it, only 2 problems i have noticed. One, driving with passenger side window down there is always a funny noise like driving on a flat (not a big deal to me). Two the handling when driving over a bump is kind of shaky but not too bad it only took me a few times to learn my car and how to handle a big bump. Above all this car is amazing and can not talk negative about it in any other way. I made the right decision and picked the right car for me!

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  Great Car for the Money - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By tjjazz - December 14 - 2:00 am

  After testing lots of other vehicles in this class, Elantra offered more bells and whistles than any others. I use it as commuter car and get reasonable mileage, very comfortable ride. Can easily fit tall folks comfortably in front and rear seats. Has lots of storage. Nothing better on the market for the money! I am so glad I went with this one.

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  Tight little car! - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By soozers - December 12 - 10:47 pm

  Ive driven a lot of cars and used to work at a car dealership. The dollar/value ratio is outstanding and for the money, you cant go wrong. Im waiting for Hyundai to launch a small size pick up to compare with Toyota Tacoma. That would be cool.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR!! - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By EPMD - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I LIKE THIS CAR MORE THAN MY 94 VW GOLF, AND THAT CAR WAS GREAT TO ME.