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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  Test Drive this Car and You Will Love It - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Tim - November 14 - 4:36 pm

  I just bought a new 2005 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4 Door Sedan Automatic Transmission about a week ago, and I love this car. The styling and standard features of the Elantra rival that of a luxury car, but the price tag is $10,000 - $15,000 lower. It has a lot of power and size for a small car, and gets good gas mileage. I have only had the car for a week, and have been driving it around the city, and have put 200 miles on it, and I still have about a half a tank of gas on it. Trust me, test drive this car and you will love it.

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  HyundaI Elantra GT - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By NMayer - November 14 - 3:42 pm

  I think it is a GREAT car. Would buy Hyundai again.

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  cheep cheep - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By mr man - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Yes this is a car that you will pay well under 20,000 for. The ride is very stiff and if you have to spend any time in it for traveling or camuts, you will need to get out to strech you legs. All i realy can say is get a good acupunchest or ciropractor (youll need it anfter a few weeks of driving). Though it has a nice warrinty the factory mantaince can get a little pricy. The gas milage is great. I would never buy this car again and never recamend it to a friend or family member. It could be a good interductry car for the 20 somethings just starting out in the world.

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  someone made a mistake on price - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By happy cons - November 14 - 10:00 am

  i cannot believe the price of this little vehicle i got a gt hyundai w spoiler leather interior mp3 cd player bucket seats fold down back seats room enough in back for passengersto sit confortable large trunk sunroof and really sporty look plus i did not go broke amazing

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  Love it! - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By SFBlue - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 2003 Elantra GT 5spd over a year now. It is the best car I have ever owned. It has every option I wanted... and more (for thousands less). It is the most powerful car in its class which helps on those steep hills and winding roads.

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  Hyundai reinvents the GTI - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Mazmanfl - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Hyundai hits a home run with the Elantra GT! Not since I purchased my Volkswagen GTI in 1986 has a car so captured the fun to drive spirit and bang for the buck value of my Elantra GT. It has competent road manners a great ride and is quick and responsive providing excellent driver feedback. I find myself going for rides just because and with gas at almost $2 a gallon it gets decent mileage in the high 20s around town and mid 30s on the highway that doesnt brake the bank. The standard leather interior, great Kenwood stereo and hatchback versatility make this little Saab impersonator hard to beat.

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  second elantra and still happy - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By kcirnev - November 12 - 10:23 pm

  Bought a 2004 Elantra after owning a 2002 Elantra that went problem-free for the entire two years and 50,000 miles. No problems really with the 2004 except for a temperamental clutch that was replaced promptly--seemed to be affecting the cars starting. Im on the road about 4 days a week and continue to be very satisfied after 15,000 miles.

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  The Elantra Is Raw - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By Kdawg - November 12 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my elantra for a year now and in march of 2002 I put 17 inch crome rims on it with some yokahama spec 2 tires. recently I have put an A.O.S cold ait intake and In november I will be getting a cat back exhaust. The car is very fast for its price and is faster than the civic which is signifigantly more money. I have had no problems with my car, no noises or anything. I like the interor but I am going to get racing leather seat covers and door panels. rpms I love my car and dont know why some people are having so many problems.

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  Best car for me - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By JoAnn Hunt - November 11 - 5:50 pm

  I just purchased my car recently. I had a 2002 Hyundai just like it. I was in an auto accident, through no fault of my own and my 2002 was totaled, I went out and bought another one within 6 days after the accident.

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  Pleasantly Surprised! - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By tony p - November 8 - 12:30 pm

  When I was shopping for a car I was looking for a 2nd hand beater. Something simple to get me back & forth to work. I wanted something inexpensive and after much looking I found the Elantra at a local stealership. Wow! Where do I begin? Dollar for dollar you cannot beat what this lil car has to offer. First of all these cars only come in one trim that means you get EVERYTHING! Power windows, locks, AC, am/fm radio, etc... Even the powerplant is not dissapointing. The 2.0L DOHC provides plenty of zip for this car. The fit and finish is very good. Hyundai has definitely learned from their mistakes and done a complete 180. I highly recommend this car!