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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Great car - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
By Jennifer - March 21 - 6:06 pmI looked at buying a new car for a long time and I am happy I went with the Elantra and even happier that I decided on the GT. This is a great car. And as long as it doesnt end up being a turkey like every other car I owned (the latest being a 96 Plymouth Neon) I will remain happy. This car has a good smooth ride, and is comfortable to drive.
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Great value for the auto cost - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
By John - March 20 - 7:13 pmThe car has great lines and is fun to drive. The 10 year thing is great for us retired folks.......
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01 Elantra GLS @ 18k miles - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
By djbrowneyjr - March 20 - 10:00 amOriginally I thought it was an excellent value for the amount of standard features you get plus the warranty. I have not been happy with the Shift Flare problem that the automatics are notorious for. Brought my vehicle in for checking because the transmission fluid was black and smelled burnt. Dealer flushed the system and put in new fluid. 300 miles later the fluid is turning black again. Was told by the dealer that "Hyundai transmissions get hot", that is why the fluid turns black. "Dont worry, you have a 100kmi warranty, if the transmission goes bad we will just replace it". Based on the black transmission fluid, I expect the transmission to fail.
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Great little car - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
By Hrlyridr - March 15 - 2:45 pmI bought this used with 36,000 miles on it. Ive had it a year, and couldnt be happier with the value I got. I call it my little eBeater (got it on eBay). Handles New England winters. Llove the sunroof, room for both kids, and best of all - it was cheap enough that there was no payments.
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Wouldnt buy anything other than Hyundai - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
By Hyundai ElantraElite - March 14 - 8:57 amI test drove the Hyundai Elantra Elite (top spec). Im from Australia. and its fantastic - I cant get over the quietness of the 2.0 litre 4 very refined and has plenty of up and go. interior is lovely and drivers seat adjustments are great. Comfortable seats, huge boot, and everything is standard and does everything quite well. My next car will be another Hyundai!
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Great bang for the buck! - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
By xo1rider - March 11 - 6:53 amI was in need of a 4 banger with good gas mileage. Id settled on the Honda Civic when I saw the ratings on the Hyundai, read the reviews and checked out the warranty. For what I paid and how it is equipped I saved several thousand dollars over the Civic. I love the fact that it comes with standard XM radio, the interior room is great and the back seat feels like a full sized Ford.
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Hyundais Done it Again! - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
By JohnD - March 9 - 5:23 pm2,000 Miles into my daughters new 07 Elantra and Im very impressed. Hyundais done a really nice redesign on this vehicle. I wouldnt have considered its predecessor, but Im thrilled with the quality and value it represents. Not only does it get great gas mileage, but its a very solid car and loaded with features for the money. My choice was narrowed down to it and the Honda Civic LX. The Honda was very nice too, but for nearly $3000. less, the Elantra offered more features and a longer warranty. My parents were the first ones in the family to buy a Hyundai, the 06 Sonata. I was impressed with the quality and value of that car and believe Hyundai is getting the formula down.
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Happy with 2003 elantra ve [canada] - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
By jcl - March 8 - 2:00 amGOOD PRICE. VERY COMFORTABLE.VERY QUIET. ONLY 2000 KM SO FAR.CHECKED OTHER CAR COMPANIES,AND NO OTHERS COULD EVEN COME CLOSE TO WHAT HYUNDAI HAS TO OFFER ON PRICE AND EQUIPMENT.SO FAR VERY SATISFIED.dealer and sales staff very nice and helpful.
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Good value and safety for young drivers - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
By Lorjefer - March 5 - 11:03 pmSo far so good
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Best Value For The Money - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
By rtgeleynse - March 2 - 10:00 amWhat can I say, it is a whole lot of car for the money. Its fast, its fun, it gets good gas mileage, and I only spent 16k on it. Watch out Honda! Hyundai is taing over...
