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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  An Elantra to call my own - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Steven Graybill - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I am so excited about my Elantra that I thought I needed to let people know why. I looked at several cars in this "genre" before I made my final decision. I bought me a new Hyndai Elantra in 1993 so I was already familiar with the company and vehicle. I did look at the cars that everyone looks at ie Honda and Toyota. Price for price and pound for pound I will put my 2004 Elantra up against the Civic or Corolla anyday. The financial incentives were awesome, saving me $2500.00, which was what the 5 year extended bumber to bumper warranty cost so I went ahead and got it. Now I can rest easy knowing that for the next 10 years my Elantra is covered bumper to bumper no questions asked.

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  Catchy Title - 2017 Hyundai Elantra
  By Rocky DaBoxer - October 20 - 10:06 pm

  It is a Hyundai and if you have Acura or Lexus expectations, you will be disappointed. If you are looking for a competent, well equipped vehicle that is suited for long and short drives then you wont be disappointed. I drive 1,000 miles a week and love the Elantra. It handles the highway with ease, greats great fuel economy, and is very comfortable for me. Cons: OEM Nexen tires on my limited edition Elantra SUCK. They are the worst tires I have ever ridden on and are ok in dry weather but dangerous in rain or snow. Power is a little anemic especially at 7000 feet where I live (we lose 20% horsepower at our altitude). Vehicle easily cruises at 85-90 mph once it attains speed. Engine is VERY quiet and so quiet that my wife has forgotten to shut it off a couple of times. Seats are comfortable for me so no complaints there. It could use a little more power but when Im feeling the need for speed, I hop into my Santa Fe Sport 2.0turbo which is a sleeper. Great vehicle and I really like it and think the average buyer will be impressed.

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  Plain - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By mike cook - October 20 - 2:00 am

  I have only had this car three months and already had to replace the fuel pump. two motors in the windows. It run ok. But other than that its just plain boring car That cd players should come with

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  More car than the Civic, for less $$$ - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By talldean - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I went out and intended to buy a Honda Civic, or something similar. I bought the 2004 Elantra, and Im *very* happy with that choice. 2/3rds the cost of a similarly-equipped Civic, I have no complaints after 15k miles. It also has 130 hp, instead of the 105ish that seemed to be the standard in this size/cost class.

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  I like it !!! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By wesren - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Elegant, excellent, reliable...fun to drive. She has also a "look". I have noticed other drivers turning their heads..what is that? a SAAB? The car runs great and if you know how to use the shift, even with autotran, you can pass others if you need to. I like it, and my wife likes it. Its loaded with the features like leather, sunroof, cd player, etc.not to mention 4 disc breaks, heated side mirrors, rear wiper... I like it..

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  Getting alot for a little - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Johny B - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Its amazing how you get so much in this little car for so little. The same features on any other car would cost you thousands more! Things like the airbags, leather, sunroof, the tripometer (I love that thing), heat mirriors, the seat, and the good cd/soundsystem. Another cool thing is the great handling it has for small car. I can drive that thing like I never thought possible! For only having one hundred and some horsepower it sure does have some go. And above all that warranty is the best!

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  Satisfied Elantra Owner - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By A. B. - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Have had Chrysler, GM, Honda and Toyota cars, as well as one of first Sonatas sold in this country. The Sonata was in the middle of the stack in terms of quality, but towards the low end. However, it appears as though Hyundai has made a lot of quality improvements on its more recent vehicles. With 13,000+ miles on it, the Elantra has thus far been a trouble free car, and has been an easy car to get into and out of, as well as drive, for this 62" driver.

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  Great Smaller Car - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Lane Benda - October 11 - 3:20 pm

  Traded large car on this car because of fuel prices and no longer needing a large car (Buick). Looked at other makes of this size car. This one was the best for the money and has a lot of new features found on cars costing much more. My wife loves it. Drives nice and looks good. Gas mileage on the road is OK. In town driving gas mileage is great. Has a lot of pep and can go in traffic great. Nice car for the money.

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  won over bu Hyundai - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Robertwithanr - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I was skeptical at first about buying a used Hyundai but after the first six months it seems to be even a better deal. I have owned Hondas and Toyotas but this is as good a car. Great economical and reliable transportation. 75K miles and still going strong.

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  Excellent car - doubly so for the money - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By bikerPA - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Owned since April 31 of this year. Just got it out of the shop at 10k miles - they dropped a new transmission in, the old one grinded shifting into second at anything over 2800rpm. Minor interior trim rattling on rough roads or when the sub is cranked. Other than that, this car is more feature-laden and fun to drive than anything out there under $16k, even taking other cars rebates into effect. The Mazda3 is more fun, with a stronger engine and better aftermarket support, but costs $5k more than the $11,600 I paid for my GT hatch... and if I sink half of that difference into suspension, wheel/tire, and engine upgrades Ill have almost as nice a car customized to my liking. Bravo Hyundai!