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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  good car bad service - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By unlucky - January 13 - 10:00 am

  been to shop twice and problem still exists

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  One Of The First - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By suzuki - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I actually bought one of the first ones in Sept. of 2001, but there was no option for that year on the above form.

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  8/17/03 - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By HAGGIE - January 13 - 10:00 am

  VERY FUN TO DRIVE. MY WIFE ALWAYS WANTS TO TAKE IT.

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  What a great ride - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By stepie82 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my car!!! It drives great and I have never had a problem with it. The people at the dealership call to remind me when I am due for tune ups, oil changes, and regular checks. For the price this car is fabulous. It was definately a steal.

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  Best in class - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Dman - January 11 - 12:20 am

  I bought the car with 56,000 miles on it. The miles are all highway miles as the guy drove it to work everyday. Bought right after he traded it in. Now it has 59,000 and I had no problems whatsoever even though it had been used heavily. Im sure itll last me way above 100k especially considering its a 2003.

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  Blown Away by my new Hyundai - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By dbraun - January 7 - 10:30 am

  I wasnt looking for a Hyundai at all. After seeing the quality and driving this vehicle, i was sold. I paid under $14,000 for this car with CD, Alarm, keyless entry and power everything. I was looking at a Civic but this is what the Civic used to be. I am blown away.

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  Excellent Buy! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By CCmonster - January 6 - 5:20 am

  My husband and I bought this as our first new car after doing a lot of research. We really wanted a hatchback and this one fit our budget without sacraficing quality!

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  smooth driving must cost more - 2016 Hyundai Elantra
  By joe c - January 3 - 5:20 am

  If you are looking for quick take off and power with four in the car forget it. Noise in cabin from suspension is poor. terrible in snow. the traction and anti-lock brakes make it hard to drive. the car wont move if you get stuck. shifts gears terribly. great gas millage. nice sound system. great controls for everything. very well equipped. lots of space. nice color choices. looks good.

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  my elantra - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By m.greenwood - January 1 - 4:58 pm

  I love the way the car handles on the road and enjoy the comfort of the car. there are some interesting quirks that take a while to get used to ie. driving lights that turn off when the ignition switch is turned off, also The passenger airbag light is hit or miss depending on where you sit in the front passenger seat.

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  For Real! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Texas - December 29 - 7:54 pm

  This CAR IS FOR REAL! Ive been getting around 26 in the city (semi- aggressive) and around 32 on the HWY (70-80 mph), 34 if I drive normal. i have never had leather, a 6 cd changer, or a moonroof! I Love it, baby! Couldnt of got that with the pontiac vibe, toyota matrix, mazda 6, or the chevy maxx (with extras, all these OVER $23,000!!! It just doesnt add up, does it?)