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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  Serves its Purpose - 1998 Hyundai Elantra
  By to dust - June 5 - 1:47 am

  I bought the car(new) because I was saving for a house. Now 3 children later, I use it to commute 70 miles a day. It now has 110,000 miles and it is a perfect car for my needs. It does not handle great, it is not the most comfortable car, and over 70 mph it sounds like the rubberband is going to snap. Overall, it has been very reliable and I still get better then 33 miles to the gallon. I have been very satified with the decision to buy this car.

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  good car - 1995 Hyundai Elantra
  By LAN - June 3 - 5:45 pm

  The only problem Ive ever had with it is the trim panels, the buttons that hold the door panels kept comming off. Fun to drive only mechanical problems were brake pad replacements, head light replaced, new tires. I bought it as a second car for local travel, and ended up taking it on a couple crosscounty trips. Would buy from again.

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  2000 Hyundai Elantra Wagon - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By robert j. Esposito - June 1 - 8:56 pm

  My Hyundai is very reliablity. It has not given me any trouble in 5 years. For the price I paid ( $12,400.00 )and the miles I have driven ( 90,000 ) I think I made a very good deal.

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  my cheap honda - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By ben digennaro - May 30 - 11:56 am

  car is very reliable,easy on gas,looks good. the price cannot be beat by civic, corolla,or mazda. i think they set a bench mark.

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  A wonderful car - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By twowheels - May 30 - 12:58 am

  Its been a wonderful car. Drives well, comfortable, good mileage, and a GREAT bargain! Id replace it with another if the need arose.

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  Love it - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Barbara Hardy - May 28 - 7:11 pm

  Fun to drive, plenty of pep

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  Toyota/Honda Who? - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Raleigh GT - May 25 - 2:41 pm

  Best bang for my buck out there in 2003! No other car make offered leather in its class. I love all the extras! The purple dash board is cool too.

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  Love My Elantra! - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By Nayko - May 24 - 1:32 am

  I bought this car used in the fall of 2004, with about 50K miles on it. Ive been driving it almost everyday since and have never had a single problem! It runs really well and didnt have any problems starting up in Chicago winter weather. Fuel economy is decent too. While it isnt particularly luxurious or anything, its still a great car especially when you consider its price.

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  The Elantra is the Best! - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Hector/Hector - May 20 - 10:00 am

  The Elantra outperfroms all cars in its class except one, The Toyota Corolla. The Elantra does not outperform the Corolla but ties it! The Elantra has a higher top speed then all cars in its class! Since I;ve been driving my car, it gives me a reason to drive. The interior is welcoming and secured. The exterior has a sexy European look. Since Oct. 2000 I have never had any problems with my 2001 Hyundai Elantra. Not only do you get more than just an ordinary car, but you also get an unordinary warranty! 10years/100,000 miles on the engine!! Now, thats tight! Pick the Elantra, it is guaranteed to be the best choice in the class!

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  Like my Hyundai Wagon - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By Dave52 - May 18 - 5:44 pm

  After 4-1/2 years and 116000 miles, I still like it. It does everything, and has been incredibly reliable. I do my own work, other than the timing belt changes. I use synthetic oil at 6000 mile intervals, and have gone thru two sets of tires, but no brakes yet nor exhaust. Mileage averages 31-33 for normal commuting, I got down to 24, but that was towing a thousand pound camper, car fully loaded, with A/C on, doing 75 mph. I expect to own this until it dies, so I dont care about resale. Usual gripes about cupholders, lightweight plastic in the door panels. Roof rack is rugged, no problem with canoes or ladders or furniture.