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:

• 

  Very Impressed - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By llslice - November 10 - 11:01 pm

  This car has a quality feel to it. Very smooth shifting automatic,good pick up and turning circle. Firm comfortable leather seats. Switch gear for climate control and turn signal has the feel of Toyota quality. Windshield washer nozzles spit out 3 streams each.Ice cold A/C. No wind noise on the highway.Sporty handling. Bright brake lights(I can light up the persons face sitting behind me at a stop light) For the weekend mechanic oil filter and spark plugs are easily accessable. NOW THE BAD: It took 3 trips to 2 different dealships to fix the leaky moonroof. Front and rear passenger seats need to sit higher for more thigh support.Mushy brakes. Overall a great bargain.

• 

  great economy car - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Greg - November 9 - 3:57 pm

  I have had no real problems with this car. I wanted a vehicle that could haul my upright bass and other instruments but also had decent gas mileage. The Elantra hatchback fit the bill. It has performed marvelously. It has many of the ammenities of luxury cars at an affordable price. I liked the car so much, that we bought a 2002 Hyundai Accent hatchback as a second vehicle. By the way, it too can fit my double bass, but the neck does extend between the two front seats!

• 

  reliable and easy on the pocket - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By Grl_car - November 8 - 4:25 pm

  I have owned this car for 5 years now and have no complaints about it. Obviously its not a sports car and should be driven as such. Its great for normal everyday commute and use. We drove it New York twoce in three years with no problems at all. The interior and exterior are holding up better than i expected and I have never had to use the warranty. Normal service and TLC does it. Very reliable, very down to earth, and extremely easy on the pocket.

• 

  Fun things do come in small packages - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Ralph - November 5 - 10:48 am

  The car is small, yet big. It is a comfortable car on long trips and surprisingly it holds alot of luggage, bags and whatever else you want to bring home from vacation. Fuel economy on this car has been great. I drive a mix of highway and city and I have been getting between 29 and 31mpg, On trips, I have been getting 34.5mpg. It is fun to pull in to the gas station, fill up and leave, while the SUV guy is waiting and waiting and waiting to hit the full mark.

• 

  Best thing Ive done for myself! - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By K - November 4 - 8:56 pm

  The rebate caught my attention, I wanted to upgrade from my 2001 Hyundai Accent, and this was a perfect find! I love the exterior (black) and the two-tone interior. Excellent features for a ridiculously low price - sunroof, cruise control, XM radio, fog lights. It it very spacious, and driving it feels so comfortable. Wishing for lumbar support, though. You cant beat the warranty, and the extra features, and the gas mileage, and the sleekness, and the value...and I could go on! Ive driven 350 miles since I bought it and I havent filled the gas tank yet!

• 

  Love to drive it! - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By aauummm - November 4 - 12:03 am

  I traded in my 2003 Elantra for the 2005 Elantra GT, four door. The GT is well worth it. I like the leather seats but think they should be heated. The car is comfortable on the road and in town. On the road it rides like a much larger sized car. It takes curves like a sports car. Its roomy and well laid out on the inside. Ive added HID headlights, a Wheelskins leather steering wheel cover and an exterior temperature monitor.

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Hyundai Man - October 31 - 9:21 pm

  I got my 05 Elantra last month, and have put over 700 miles on it. It is a great car-much better than any of its competitors. Purchase price was $11,600, and it is the best value for the money. It has a peppy engine that has a nice growl, and handling is similar to a Jetta. Its very agile around tight corners, and really holds well to the road. I would strongly suggest this car, and think the world of the great warranty!

• 

  A Great Experience All Around - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By JayCee - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my first experience owning a foreign car and so far, its been a great one. My Elantra has been a ot of fun to drive. I have 20K miles on it and the only problem so far has been a burned out headlight which was easily replaced. I have the smooth shifting 5 speed and get great gas mileage. My friends call it the K Beamer (as in Korean BMW). Great looking exterior fit and finish, a very functional and well though out interior and a larger then expected trunk. My Hyundai dealer has also been a pleasure to work with. I plan to by the larger Sonata for the family later this year. Way to go Hyundai!

• 

  A Great Experience All Around - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By jaycee - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my first experience owning a foreign car and so far, its been a great one. My Elantra has been a ot of fun to drive. I have 20K miles on it and the only problem so far has been a burned out headlight which was easily replaced. I have the smooth shifting 5 speed and get great gas mileage. My friends call it the K Beamer (as in Korean BMW). Great looking exterior fit and finish, a very functional and well though out interior and a larger then expected trunk. My Hyundai dealer has also been a pleasure to work with. I plan to by the larger Sonata for the family later this year. Way to go Hyundai!

• 

  Great car for the price! - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Drew Miller - October 29 - 8:13 pm

  I am incredibly happy with my purchase. I had test driven the 09 Corolla, Dodge Caliber, Mitsubishi Lancer, Kia Spectra, etc. The only car that I liked more was the 09 Corolla (the 08 is horrendous to me) as it handled better and was a more comfortable ride. However, the Elantra offers many of the exact same features and includes a warranty that on the Corolla you have to purchase in addition to your vehicle to even come close. The Elantra does lack power on uphill climbs, but it cruises everywhere else. Im getting about 33-35mpg mainly highway, about 28-29 city since buying it (have filled up twice). After the special financing, bought the car for $10K LESS than the Corolla!