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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  Hyundai experiences of a large man - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By WallyJr - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I am a large man. The Elantra was one of the few small cars that would fit me with head room to spare. For a small car it has been surprisingly comfortable. But long trips require that I stop every so often to stretch.It has good pep when merging on the freeway and in California that is important. My only complaint is that the brake pedal depresses to the same floor level as the gas pedal.Because of my size and large foot (size 12),I have more than once hit both at the same time resulting in my car lurching forward when I was trying to brake.An older person might lack the ability to size up the problem quickly enough to avoid an accident.

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  Watch it fly! - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Valerie Mintz - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Elantra in July 2004 and have been delighted with it. The only thing I wish Id done is upgraded the handling package. Living in the mountains the extra traction would have been nice. But boy, does it ever fly up that hill!

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  Hyundai - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By carly - October 1 - 11:06 pm

  It is fun to drive and you cant beat the warranty!!

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  Happy Elantra Owner - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Jerry Mc - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Its a compact car that doesnt feel so compact. It gets excellent gas mileage and performs well in both city street and highway driving. With such a great warranty and looks, what could be better?!

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  A lot of Car for the Price! - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Joe V - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Wow, this is a lot of car for the price. Just about everything is standard. Had to get a sunroof because of limited choice but that got thrown in for less than $400. In the end I bought at about $700 below invoice+ads+delivery (without a rebate!) by going through the internet rep. Amazing. Could have even gotten a GLS for about $1500 less but I wanted the standard leather interior and suspension of the GT. Added extras well worth it. Extensively compared Corolla,

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  Outstanding - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By J. Donohoe - September 27 - 8:16 am

  Dollar for dollar one of the best cars I have owned and I have owned two Lexus (ls 400) and (sc 400).

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  What a great car! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By jrseattle - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car based on the attractive price and the many positive consumer reviews and I have not been disappointed. The car drives like a dream, has not given me any trouble and is a joy, to look at, to sit in. The hatchback feature with flat rear seats is very practical and the leather seats still smell good. Initial acceleration is great but midrange performance definitely could be improved but hey, its not a Porsche (I used to drive one). Fuel economy around town is no better than 24 mpg but jumps to 35 going 75 on the freeway (I love the little computer showing this). The doors dont quite close a easily as Id like when the weather is warm.

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  First new car! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By gregandbarb - September 25 - 2:00 am

  The car was purchased new off the lot, we needed to replace a 1988 car. We have driven the car everywhere, the only down side is we put a lot of miles on it. It has become our primary car, and has made several successful long trips with out even a slight rattle. The standard stereo is pretty good and the adjustable belts are comfortable. The economy is really good on the highway, city driving does reduce the performance. I great all around car and good entry level car for the price!

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  Bought new and still own - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By ladybugshome@gmail.com - September 23 - 10:04 pm

  Car has 120,000 miles on it and did change transmission fluid and other items that were listed in manual to do. Car is running great still and looks great, yet it spends 9 months in Florida where there is no salt. Park it under carport and the paint has remained true to color since I purchased it. Gun metal I think was the color listed. Will probably still have it for years to come. On third set of tires and just general maintenance has been done on it. Timing belt was done at 93,000 and struts were replaced already. Brakes done once already..... will be re doing front ones this year. Well worth price paid for car. Still run it 1500 miles back and forth to Florida to NY~

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  Bought new and still own - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By ladybugshome@gmail.com - September 23 - 10:04 pm

  Car has 120,000 miles on it and did change transmission fluid and other items that were listed in manual to do. Car is running great still and looks great, yet it spends 9 months in Florida where there is no salt. Park it under carport and the paint has remained true to color since I purchased it. Gun metal I think was the color listed. Will probably still have it for years to come. On third set of tires and just general maintenance has been done on it. Timing belt was done at 93,000 and struts were replaced already. Brakes done once already..... will be re doing front ones this year. Well worth price paid for car. Still run it 1500 miles back and forth to Florida to NY~