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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  Consumer Reports - You got it wrong! - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Dave Hermens - September 1 - 10:00 pm

  My Elantra GT is the first Hyundai I have bought after previously owning Hondas, Toyotas and Mazdas. I thoroughly tested the Civic, Corolla, Mazda 3 and Ford Focus. The Civic was very noisy and a mediocre performer. The Corolla was uncomfortable and slow. Both the Mazda 3 and the Focus were better but the Elantra GT stood out, and at a lesser price! Then I saw the latest Consumer Reports annual auto edition. They say "The Elantra is just basic transportation.... but neither agile nor sporty." I couldnt disagree more. The GT handles and rides better than the Accord EX I just sold and is much quieter. So far, the Elantra has exceeded my expectations and I am happy with my choice.

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  Enjoyable - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By J R LAW - August 28 - 11:33 pm

  I have had five Cadilacs and now also have an Avalon. The Elantra is the easiest and best car I have ever owned for driving around the city. My wife and I both fight to see which one will take the Elantra.

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  Lots of fun for the money - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By waterdog - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle about two months and really love it. It is fun to drive and the stereo is great. The hatchback gives lots of cargo room. The leather seats are a real bonus. There are only two shortcomings: the gas mileage is not great (but it is so fun to drive that is minor) and there are no cupholders in the rear. But for the price, I dont think you can beat it.

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  My First NEW Car/ No Regret! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By dlfilcek - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I bough this Elantra as a reliable car and the warranty was the major selling point. I purchased the extended bumper to bumper warranty. The car was standard except that the dealership added a CD player as part of my deal. Over the past 10 months I have grown to love my Elantra for more than the warranty. It is a very comfortable car (I am 63" and cannot even sit in a Camry with electric seats) with a nice sporty look. I have also been very impressed with the acceleration of this car (I chose the 5 speed manual). Hyundai is definitely making impressive cars that are beginning to challenge Honda and Toyota.

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  Great little wagon - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By jslthetsl - August 22 - 2:00 am

  This car has been a pleasure to own. Bought it new in winter of 99 and have minimal problems (2) First had the speedometer go bad (under warranty) and second, had a front wheel bearing replaced at 72k (under warranty). This little wagon can haul just about anything. Have hauled tons of stuff from the garden center, hot water heater, dining room set, and a refrigerator! It is comfortable on a trip and gets anywhere from 33 to 38 mpg. Got 42k out of the factory tires and the second set seems to be wearing even better. Besides two warranty repairs, just the usual wear items of tires, brakes and tune-up.

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  Great car-SW Elantra - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By Kelvinator - August 21 - 2:00 am

  I decided to buy a station wagon that was economical and yet could cruise at 120 kph in the BC rockies and be confortable in big city traffic.I did my homework and ended up buying a sandle wood coloured SW Elantra, fully loaded, with additional roof rackage and a black bra to highlight its pleasingly nice looks and a disabler alarm system was free.79,000 km later it has not disapointed as there has not been a single hickup, even the brakes recently checked out at 75% remaining. At 145 HP and 35 MPG I could not be happier. Extremely low maintenance.

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  Great car at a great price - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Kevin - August 19 - 11:06 pm

  The car has been great so far, it drives very smoothly, and the handling is great. Braking with this car feels very solid and controlled too, it doesnt dip much in the front. When the car idles, the engine is very quiet. The small dimensions of this car also makes manuvering in parking lots quite easy.

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  Not as good as it used to be - 2017 Hyundai Elantra
  By Tom - August 19 - 12:17 pm

  I recently rented this car on a drive from Seattle to Reno when the airline stranded me. I generally have loved Hyundais and my daily driver is a 2013 Hyundai Accent that I love. I was disappointed in this car for two major reasons. #1 the road noise was unbearable and I couldnt even hear the radio over the amount of road noise. #2 was the night time visibility, the dash is not dim-able and was way too bright making it very difficult to see at night. Gas mileage and every other aspect of the cars was great, but these two were a deal breaker for me and I took it back to the rental agency and exchanged it for another vehicle the next day.

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  Great buy!! Lot of car for a low price!! - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By scudderb56 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I have been typically a GM man. I was rather hesitant when my wife suggested going and test driving a Hyundai. The last I remember about foreign cars was they fell apart rather quickly; within 5 years or so. Also, they were an arm and leg to fix. Well, I found out differently. It is a great car. It handles well. It is a sterdy car. It is comfortable to ride in and is fun to drive. I was rather impressed to say the least. You will get your moneys worth out of this car.

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  The greatest car Ive never owned... - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By iwishitweremine - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle, unfourtunately it isnt mine. I have driven my Aunts car for a couple of days now, and all I have to say to anyone looking for a new car, but not looking at the Hyundai just beacause of the name....is GO AND DRIVE ONE...OR MAYBE EVEN THREE! I went with my Aunt to get this car and also drove the GLS and a Sonata. She bought the GT and it is a fun thing to drive!! Go and drive the others, then Drive Hyundai and compare prices w/STD equipment...I think youll be pleasently surprised!!!