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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  Glad i went for it! - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By Cleaver - October 9 - 2:00 am

  I was ify about buying a Hyundai i will admit.Mildly put the Excel was JUNK! I have owned every Jap vehicle known and loved them all but i took the chance and after 21/2 yrs am still happy with my decision. My GT runs flawlessly! I have with a few tweaks here and there acheived 37mpg on a trip and have never got less than 30!! You couldnt touch a Honda or Toyota with all the accessories for under 20grand and some options arent even available from them! You do hear complaints but remember Toyota and Honda in the 70s? Look at them now! Personally the worst vehicles are American sadly...Look at the recalls!,After 100yrs or close to, We still cant get it right

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  I Love my Elantra - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Donna R. - October 9 - 2:00 am

  My Elantra is fun to drive, stylish, great on gas and roomy. Excellent value. I would definately purchase another Hyundai.

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  Hyundai Elantra - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By mommythree - October 9 - 2:00 am

  I love my car!

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  A very Very Happy Customer - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Frank Bauer - October 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought my oldest daughter an elantra in 2002 for her high school graduation present she was leaving for college and I liked the warranty. But after her driving it for 2 yrs and no warranty claims and the satisfaction she got and the peace of mind I got I bought my other daughter a 2004 Elantra for her High School Graduation Present. When I get the 2002 paid off Im going to buy my wife the sharp looking SUV that Hyundai has to offer. Thank-You Hyundai for putting the customer first.

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  hyaundi - the right stuff - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By bubba4u - October 9 - 2:00 am

  inexpensive,yet doesnt feel cheap.reliable.a great car for someone who racks up the miles quickly.highly reccommended

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  hyundai elentra -2004 - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By brian M - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Car is very relaible, handles well- fairly comfortable to drive. Needs more power on hilly roads but if you use cruise control on hills it does fine. Get 33 mpg on trips but get similar results from my 2002 camry.Great car for the money

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  Great Little Car - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By K_N_Texas - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Elantra as a little commuter car to drive to work instead of a truck. I am very happy with this little car. It is surprisingly peppy and fun to drive. It sounds like a sports car in sheeps clothing. For the price you cant beat it. Im amazed they are not flying of the lots... but had I not come out to Edmunds I might not have ever looked at them. Compared to a Honda or Toyota you get a whole lot more Bang for the buck.

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  Good on gas, not too much else - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By jelmisc - October 7 - 2:00 am

  The dealership gave me an incorrect purchase agreement and it took me over a year to get the correct title and VIN.I have had extensive problems covered under warranty (broken seat frame,cracked manifold,etc).While they cover the work I am left carless and it often takes multiple visits to get the repairs done correctly.LCD panel on radio blew-not covered.Was part of a class action lawsuit due to "overstated horsepower" which is very noticeable when accelerating. Received terrible customer service at Rockland Auto Plaza (Nanuet, NY) and had it not been for the excellent service at Liberty Hyundai (Suffern, NY) I would have ditched the car long ago.We probably will never buy another Hyundai.

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  Nice car for a little $$ - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By matto2001 - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Went originally to buy an Accent. Dealer was out of 2001 Accents, so I looked at a base model Elantra GLS. Was very pleasantly surprised by the quiet yet powerful drivetrain. Has been a very good vehicle so far (10,500 miles).

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  Fantastique !!!!!!! - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Judith - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a Elantra GT and it is absolutly amazing. It looks like a SAAB.