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 - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By stoddsmith - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Was a little hesitant buying a Hyunda, didnt know much about them. But what I could get for what I wanted to spend drew me into the dealership and the car itself hooked me. The car performs like a higher priced sedan for about 15,000

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  Fun lil Car - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By Edgey - February 28 - 1:47 am

  I bought a 2000 Elantra used with bout 58k on it. I only had to replace the altenator, battery, and the front left wheel bearing. Great car, ran great, was a lil sluggish to shift under heavy acceleration. I bought it in 9/03 and then totaled it 1/05 with 86K miles on it, when some twit in a rental made a left in front of me. Seemed to crush a little to easily, the whole front end was trashed. Sounded good, handled good and no repairs, except the aforementioned ones. For reference the wheel bearings suck to do on your own. The old filter isnt the easiest to get at. But it has a nice ride, comparable smooth to some smaller cars. OH and the air bags work great :)!

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  Reliable but Terrible in Bad Weather - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By curt123 - February 26 - 6:59 pm

  I got a great price last year on my previous 2004 GT Hatchback with the Automatic Tranny. Not much pep and transmission was confused easily. Tires lost tread very quickly and gas mileage was a major disappointment average 22mpg due to having to floor it often. Inside is very nice but leather showed distress within a few months. Last winter spell was its last, nearly crashed serveral times going to work on light snow covered roads. Good cheap college car in dry flat climates but in Pittsburgh it was not going to cut it, got a 2005 Subaru Forester this weekend (7,500 more), no comparison and I finally dont have sweaty palms in snowy conditions.

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  Excelent - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By tomus - February 19 - 8:33 am

  Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla??? he, he, he If you want realy good car, only Elantra should be your choce for 13000$

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  Pleasantly surprised. - 2018 Hyundai Elantra
  By Brian McDonald - February 19 - 4:50 am

  This is my first Hyundai vehicle after much research and i am pleased with my purchase. There are great discounts on this model in my case 3k discount. I wanted a reliable comfortable car with decent room and great gas mileage. The Value Edition Elantra fit the bill. My test drive revealed an uncommonly quiet and smooth ride for the class. Im 6 ft tall and was able to easily find a comfortable driving position. Once warmed up engine was smooth and quiet for a four cylinder. The performance for me was more than satisfactory as im not heavy on the gas. If i wanted more performance i would have opted for the sport version but you also pay more for it in gas and insurance. The sport driving mode gives this car a decent amount of pep if you want it but you take a hit in gas mileage. Regular mode is just fine with me. Ive been averaging 34 mpg in mixed driving. I hit 41 mpg in just hwy driving at one point. In addition this car has a real spare tire, a hand brake as opposed to electronic , real knobs for tuning , volume and other functions! Apple car play works flawlessly as with Bluetooth and phone functions. The fit and finish are top notch. I am impressed with Hyundai and will likely buy another one fir my next vehicle.

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  Long-time Hyundai customer has a LEMON - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Jon Thomas - February 19 - 3:33 am

  PLEASE be careful when purchasing this vehicle. I am a long-time Hyundai owner, previously owning a Sonata. I recently purchase a brand new 2007 Elantra. I have had nothing but problems with it since I bought it. A week after the purchase the transmission was acting up, jerking and stalling. The service department said it was a manufacturing defect in the seal. A week later now, STILL having major transmission problems, and still stalling. Also, the left turn signal wont cancel and the service department said it worked find. I am truly disappointed in this vehicle and regret buying another Hyundai.

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  Great Car, little money - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Lee S - February 18 - 3:49 pm

  My wife and I bought an 04 Elanra VE as our first car. Weve had it 6 months so far and other then the radios clock being fast, weve had no problems. The exterior looks of this car are great we love the front end especially. The warranty (in Canada its 7 year powertrain/5 year new car) was one of the main factors for purchasing this car. Fuel economy is not great, its OK, but I find my 95 Saturn gets more fuel range, but I drive it more on the highway so it is hard to compare. The VE comes with air, power locks, windows, mirrors (heated), keyless entry. The handling has a good combination of smoothness over bumps and stiffness when cornering. The engine is powerful enough for our needs.

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  $ for $, Best Buy Out There - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By ChuckO - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I have been extremely pleased with the reliability and versatility of this little car. Very tall friends fit comfortably in the front or rear seats; very long packages (9 feet) can be carried with the rear seats folded down. And its reasonably fun to drive. Its no Porsche, but for $13,500 out the door, I could buy five of these for one Porsche. On top of everything else, the dealership gave me ten free oil changes.

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  reliable - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By jlong - February 18 - 2:00 am

  a good solid reliable vehicle for a first time new car buyer

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  Crash Revue - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Gaels Guy - February 16 - 11:56 pm

  Well for any of you who might wonder, this little car can take a shot. I was rear-ended by an 18 wheeler tanker.I had to stop for a #$#*&% that pulled a u-turn in front of me and I made a successful stop. Good breaking with the GT (I dont have ABS). Just as I was thinking "close call", WHAM!! I took a shot from the rear. I mean a SHOT. 6,500$ worth of damage. No damage to me. Not even any aches the next day. It hurt when it happened and I was dazed a bit. I am waiting to get it back hopefully this Friday.