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:
Showing 2001 through 2010 of 2,696.00-
My Elantra - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
By Gus Fernandez - July 11 - 2:00 amMost comfortable car I have ever driven Handles nice and it is quite good on the gas mileage. Didnt like the color of the car at first because it was a midnight gray but it grew on me for being very different. Sometimes it would like like a dark blue or purple under certain lighting conditions. Seats are quite comfortable and the engine has pep. Easy to maintain, my only complaint is why did they have to put the fuel filter in a place hard to get at. Warranty is also quite good. overall value of car I would purchase again.
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What more could you ask for - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
By timmym1 - July 9 - 2:00 amHey folks want a solid car with big time features for small time bucks look no futher I was a Honda Toyota guy and my Hyundai is just as good as them.Loaded for about 13k with a roof and abs civic ex around $18k+ with less horsepower I may add. have had 38 k roll so far with no interuptions. GOING STRONG. OH YAL THE WARRANTY !! ARE YOU SERIOUS HEADLIGHT BURNED OUT THE OTHER DAY MY COST $0 I HAVE HAD IT OVER 2 YEARS! THANK YOU HYUNDAI
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Best I ever purchased - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
By cmazgo - July 9 - 2:00 amI purchased it for gas mileage--I got much more. Surprised to find that it was fun to drive, very reliable and well built. I drive 100 miles/day highway and am averaging 32-34 mpg (One tankful even reached 36.4!) I presently have 49,000 miles on it. The only problem was a burned up windshield wiper motor. Was replaced promptly. I have never had a better experience with any other car AND the service department from the dealer where I bought it. I never thought any dealer would care about quality after the sale- --I was wrong. If this is the new "HYUNDAI", I will be buying another!
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GREAT - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
By RUSTY00007 - July 8 - 2:00 amgreat car, I bought two. The car drives great and gets good gas mileage. Would highly recommend.
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Bang for the Buck? - Oh yeah. - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
By scottymac223 - July 8 - 2:00 amWell Ive driven pick-up trucks for the past 12 years so this small sedan is a bit of a departure for me. My wife did have a 99 Nissan Maixma SE for a few years, and while this would never be confused with a Maxima, it is fun. So far I love the way it drives. Its effortless. It dives into corners and zips through traffic. Basically for the money it cant be beat. I had looked at the Mazda 3s and to get it with the same features as the Elantra GT would have cost 4-5K more. The Nissan Sentra is... well a Sentra. The Hyundai warranty is simply the best.
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Pleasant Surprise - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
By djali79 - July 7 - 2:00 amAfter considering a few choices for compact cars, I narrowed it down to the Civic and the Elantra. I went with the Elantra because of price and given that it had received good reviews, I wasnt too worried. I was definitely surprised when I actually saw what it had to offer. Side airbags, 2.0L 140-hp DOHC engine, power everything, heated mirrors, excellent storage compartments, tilt height adjust driver seat, slick gearbox, etc. I bought mine with 31000 miles for $6,200. Similar civics were running around anywhere from $9-11,000. Obviously Hondas have better resale, but how much more can it depreciate from 6 grand? Great car, good build quality.
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Outstanding Value - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
By Super Spook - July 6 - 10:00 amI looked at and drove all cars under 16k and this Elantra GLS was by far the best all around value. No delivery issues, no squeeks, no leaks, no rattles, no wind noise, great handleing, great ride and comfortable seating for long trips.
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great car for money - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
By dicodog - July 2 - 2:00 amI have always driven hondas and chevys..this car is compareable to the honda and much better than the cavalier. The safety features. and warrantee are outstanding. It could use disk rear brakes and ABS should be standard. Would not hesitate to buy a new one when time comes.
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My Ride - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
By Shorty - July 1 - 2:00 amI went from a Lincolm Towncar to the Hyundai Elantra Wagon & Ive never been as satisfied with a car. I can scoot around traffic with ease. Its no V8, but I have no problem with exceleration. My dealership is wonderful & I recommend the Southtowne Motors in Newnan, GA to everyone. I have had few problems with this car.
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LOVE THIS CAR - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
By Denardo - June 28 - 2:00 amI started out driving an 85 Accord, but after it was totaled in a wreck with a drunk driver, I got my Elantra. I love it! The cassette player broke, but the speakers are great. I love the compact size, you can squeeze through tight spaces and park almost anywhere. The gear selector safety lock is a pain sometimes. This car has a lot of power for a four cylinder. I was impressed. Handles very well, very easy to drive. The fuel economy isnt bad, but thought it might be a little better for a four cylinder. The trunk is also suprisingly spacious. This is a great car for a high school student.
