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:

• 

  Surprised - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By HappyLynn - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Downsized from luxury vehicles (Mercedes, Infinti) due to financial necessity. I never expected to love this car so much! One of the most surprising things to me is the ride -- it feels heavy and solid on the road, surprising for such a small (and inexpensive!) car. It handles well, has good pickup, and doesnt generate a lot of noise on the highway. And its loaded with features which would have cost thousands more in other makes.

• 

  very satisfied - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By gambler2 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my 2001 GT since mid 2001 and have 23750 miles on it. The only trouble I have had is two light bulbs burned out, the first one was replaced incorrectly by a service writer at the dealer. I replaced the second one.[no problem since] I average 27.4 in the winter and 31+ summers. I would like a softer ride but the car handles excellent, so I guess I cant have everything!

• 

  2004 Hyundai Elantra ) - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By drago65 - April 17 - 5:22 pm

  21K in just under a year and she is running great. Running so nicely I just purchased a 2005 GT for my wife. All regular maintenace done and no problems with anything.

• 

  You get what you pay for.... beware - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Buyer beware - April 14 - 10:20 pm

  I bought this car looking for a reliable vehicle with a good warranty and a useful design. I thought that with a 5yr/60000 & 10yr/100000 warranty that Hyundai was confident in their product. I was wrong. At 61000 miles the radiator blew at 70mph - resulting in an engine overheat and SEVERE engine damage (needs a new engine) Hyundai will not honor the powertrain warranty if damage is caused by an unwarranted part (the 1000 mile over warranty radiator). Its in the fine print on most powertrain warranties. Hyundai has accepted no responsibility or offered any apologies for their cheap Korean part (radiator). You get what you pay for - sell it before it goes off warranty!!

• 

  WOW - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By My 1st - April 13 - 8:39 pm

  This is my first Hyundai. Matter of fact my first car (Ive always driven trucks). I love it!

• 

  Consumers Choice - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Baltimore Jeff - April 8 - 4:52 pm

  I did loads of research before buying this car as a cheap, reliable commuter. Looked at Civic, Corolla and other imports. For the money, I could buy new with a better warranty and more features with the Elantra than I could ever get with any of the others. GT 5spd hatchback with all the options. With the backseat down I can fit in a loveseat with the hatchclosed. I used this car as an installer for interior window treatments. I once got 32 boxed 2" wood blinds into the back with the hatch down. Could not believe it! I am 63" 255lbs and I have no problem getting in and out, or with an adult sitting behind me when I drive. The size of this car is deceptive. So far, very happy!

• 

  Good for a while... - 1997 Hyundai Elantra
  By Abner11 - April 7 - 4:08 pm

  Bought the car used in January 2003 with 36,750 for mileage. Had no problems at all for the first year - plus, and I drive A LOT. In August 2004 I had to replace the pulse generator and oil temperature sensor because the check engine light was coming on and the car was racing a little bit off the line. Cost about $400 at the dealership. Then came Christmas 2004 and all hell broke loose. Brought it to the dealer because A) the engine started racing again and B) the exhaust was awfully throaty. Dealership told me I needed a new transmission, a new front pipe and a new manifold because the existing exhaust pieces were rusted. Also, oil pan rusted through and let go, and head gasket blew.

• 

  2000 - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By Dennis - April 3 - 11:41 pm

  OK, You might not agree with me but this has been one of the most dependable cars I ever had. Yes Ive had plenty, starting with a 55 Ford and I might add Ive never purchased a Ford since. I changed the brakes at 45,000 and thats the most I have ever gone on brake pads. The only down side was I replace the battery at 30,000 and the tires. I dont like the current looks of the new models so that would keep me away from purchasing one at least until they make some external design changes.

• 

  Mistake - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Cannon - April 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car like 5 months ago and I have had nothing but problems. The first month I had the car the Check engine light came on and the car wasnt shifting properly. They had to replace a switch in the transmission. 2 months later the car wouldnt start and I had to bring it in again. The car is overpriced and yea the options are great but the wind noise is terrible. It sucks to drive in the rain so far cause it seems the car tends to slide on the we roadway. Its not that fun to drive and even thought it says GT it doesnt drive like any other GT I have ever had. The only thing that makes this car appealing is the warranty, and you will need it.

• 

  The best buy in its class - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Rick Jones - March 31 - 10:00 am

  The Elantra is HUGELY underpriced. Dollar for dollar, its better than the Civic, Corolla, or Focus. Its a big improvement on previous Hyundais... quiet, responsive, and comfortable with more than enough power. Options galore, looks good, well built. A great buy. I didnt intend to buy Hyundai when I went shopping, but it beat out every other compact car, and I looked at all of them.