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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  Well built automobile - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Frank Hayes - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy this fun car.The design and quality of this car would make you think that it cost thousands more than it actually did. Service has been excellent. Best kept secret in the automobile industry. Recieve alot of comments.

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  Car Has Poor Review - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By jent - September 6 - 2:00 am

  My transmission fell out of the vehicle 10,000 miles after i bought it. I have had nothing but problems with it. DO NOT BUY ONE...THEY SUCK.

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  Car Has Poor Review - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By JenT - September 6 - 2:00 am

  My transmission fell out of the vehicle 10,000 miles after i bought it. I have had nothing but problems with it. DO NOT BUY ONE...THEY SUCK.

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  2016 Manual Elantra...to Replace Our 2013 Elantra - 2016 Hyundai Elantra
  By litesong - September 2 - 11:43 pm

  From another reviewer: We just upgraded from a windy sea blue 2013 to a windy sea blue 2016......we love the blue....////////// Well! We replaced our 2013 Venetian Red auto Elantra with a 2016 Venetian Red manual Elantra!!! The 2016 is deeper with a bit more metal flake, but still not spectacular. As good as Hyundai cars are, their colors need to be much more like Ford colors, richer, more depth, more undertones, more.....jump. Other unadvertised improvements between the 2013 & 2016, are more precise & responsive electric steering, & major improvement in the really quiet & smooth 1.8 liter engine. Both the auto 2013 & manual 2016 obtained the same mpg, ~33mpg to 35mpg with 25%-30% city driving, 36mpg with 15% city driving, & with 100% ethanol-free gasoline & 15% city driving, 39mpg. Also with E0, long distance highway driving gave 43mpg for the auto(could be more?), & 46mpg with the manual.

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  Fantastic and Fun little car at low cost - 2016 Hyundai Elantra
  By Roy Smithson - September 2 - 11:03 pm

  Be sure to get the Option 2 package with larger, wider alloy wheels and P205/55R16 tires. These wheels and tires increase handling and stopping power immensely. Beware the Korean Kumo tires that come with it, as I had tred break lose inside on one on my 2009 Elantra SE. This can be fatal, but fortunately I caught this when it was just beginning to cause vibration due to a lump when tires were perfectly balanced. I immediate had all 4 tires changed to Michelin Premier A/S. For the 2016 Elantra I just bought, I had the dealer take car to Costco across the freeway from them to install 5 new Michelin Premier A/S for about $750. I bought a 5th wheel identical to the 4 on ground, and a tire change kit, thus ending up with a full size spare--which fit in trunk well, rather than the ridiculous air and sealer kit, which will ruin tire if used. Another cheap mfr deal: There is no auto-transmission fluid dipstick, and no key locks on door or trunk. If you lose keys, youre out of luck, as only way in is with push button on key fob. This saves them a few pennies and says to heck with my customers... just as no spare tire at all does. Only thing is, all mfrs are going this way.

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  Your Moneys Worth PLUS - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By RJones - September 1 - 12:26 pm

  I wanted a reliable, fuel-efficient, 4- dr sedan with a sporty look, but could not afford a Honda. I found the that the Elantra had comparable features but priced much lower. I bought the Elantra with 64K miles (& an extended warranty - just in case) and I dont regret my decision, it runs like like a dream. So far its been an excellent car - no work necessary. Its roomy enough for my 62 boyfriend to drive comfortably. I get about 26 mpg (highway & city mix.) It handles metropolitan rush hour traffic very well and it looks good doing it. I would definitely consider another Hyundai when I am looking for my next car.

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  cheap car, good warranty but need it - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By hyundai owner - August 24 - 5:25 pm

  Bought the car brand new. Only a couple of minor problems in the first 6 months. The sun roof quit working. After that major problems. We blow all the lights every 6 months. The car has had 2 new computers, a couple of wiring harnesses, sunroof completely inop and will not replace it, mulitple plugs, wires, and coils. Spent 3 months straight in the dealership 2 years ago with no loaner. It is a nice car and has been really well maintain but has severe electrical problems no seems to be able to figure out. It completely dies and wont run or runs and dies and an hour later will start just fine then die again. Dealt with for 3 years. Only compensation 100,000 mile full warranty.

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  Excellent in all aspects - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Marco - August 23 - 6:14 pm

  This car has many safety features. It’s comfortable, reliable, fun to drive and very detailed in both interior/exterior design. The features it offers are seldom found even in high-end brand of cars. Fuel economy is amazing. I average 39.4 MPG. Sometimes I exceed 40 MPG due to the manual transmission, which allows better RPM management. That’s why, overall, I don’t have complains, because it perfectly meets my “wants” and “needs”. In essence: I love it, and look forward to purchase either/or the 2006/2007 version, same model, if still in production (hopefully).

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  other than mpg, a good car - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By hegls - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Its been about 11 months that Ive had this car now, and its survived plenty of city commuting and a cross- country road trip admirably. Generally, a very good car in both contexts. Surprisingly comfortable for a small car with a 63" driver...even on longer road trips. A little noisy at high speeds. Handles well.

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  It Rocks - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Agnomen - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I compared this to the Nissan Sentra, Mazda Protoge5, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Chrysler Neon, and others. Nothing even came close in terms of value for the money. I have only had the car for a few days, but so far, Im very pleased.