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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  What Are You Waiting For? Get This Car! - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By jr75 - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the Elantra GT for a year, and love it! Anyone "on the fence" about a Hyundai should really check out their new line -- esp the GT. These cars have terrific build quality, are reliable, and the features that cost an additional $3K-$4K in other cars are INCLUDED in the GT. Wife owns a Honda and she loves my car! Any fault that could possibly be found is beyond minor when you compare what you get vs. what you pay. Love the look of the car. Friends constantly stop me to ask if its "really" a Hyundai. The photos on the site dont do it justice...Do yourself a favor -- put it on your list. Trust me, youre definitely NOT "settling."

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  For Your $$$, Beats Civic & Corolla - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Michael - February 4 - 4:46 pm

  I bought this car after test driving multiple Toyota Corollas and a couple Honda Civics. The Hyundai is typically a couple grand cheaper and you get more bang for the buck. The gas mileage is decent but not great -- I think Toyota and Honda may have this car beat. I average about 23-24 MPG with mixed city and highway driving, though I do drive fast on the highway. The car is very comfortable and roomy. It feels like a midsize rather than a compact. The interior is very classy. The Elantra simply looks a lot better on the inside than the Corolla, which looked cheap and out of date. There is plenty of room in the backseat for passengers and the trunk is a good size. Overall ride is smooth.

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  A lot of misrepresentations in these reviews. - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By Bryan Kelly - February 3 - 11:27 am

  I know there has been a lot of debate about the GAS MILEAGE this car can REALLY achieve - to the point Hyundai had to issue some corrections, Being honest, if you cannot drive a six speed manual CORRECTLY, you will not get the 43 to 44 on the hwy - AS ORIGINALLY CLAIMED. I am fully aware the vast majority of US drivers most likely learned to drive in an automatic, and I have met many, many US drivers who have no ability to drive a manual gear box correctly. I learned to drive in the UK in the 1970s - the manual was the only option in most cars and engine displacement was always around 1600cc. It is not that I perceive myself as a brilliant driver - perhaps just 36 years of experience in a stick shift. So, with respect - I KNOW this car can achieve 44 to 45 mpg on the highway - absolutely no problem - and I do not think I was given a MAGICAL ELANTRA -- so these complaints are really not legitimate IMHO. If you drive this vehicle carefully using good manual changes -- you will get the original 44 mpg performance - trust me, I have had this car since 2011 - so I do think this is a legitimate comment!

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  Great for the money. - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By tvc - February 2 - 2:00 am

  For the money, this is the best on the road today. This is my second Elantra and I have not had any mechanical problems with either over a total of 4 years. My first Elantra was a 2000 model and it was totalled in an accident. The airbags deployed and my car was flipped over. I got out with minor abraisions from crawling out through the glass but not from the impact. The roof held up and did not crumple after the car came to rest on its roof. The car also has plenty of power for its size.

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  still on the fence - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By nicole23 - January 31 - 10:00 am

  THe car is a good car, But I have had some problems with it. At 3000 miles the transmission needed to be replaced. the taillight all needed to be replaced, they turned white. I think the head lights are about to as well. the dome lights dont work. I dont listen to the stereo very loud but the speakers blew. the driver chair rocks back and forth

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  bumper - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By maloni - January 31 - 10:00 am

  this is the car that you can prve against crazy drivers, if they try to hit you for the bumper in the rear they gonna cry after that

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  Dont buy this car - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By irishfiregoddess - January 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems with this car from the day I purchased it, BRAND NEW. The alignment was way out of whack the minute I drove it off the lot. Also, I failed inspection, on a BRAND NEW CAR, because the right rear brake wasnt up to code. A week later, the pulley for my power steering just fell off and I lost control of the car. Luckily, I was only doing 30mph. The pulley, again, on a brand new car, was stripped. Now I am having problems with the rotors, and the hose for the coolant was corroded and had to be replaced. The car is only 3 years old. I am sorry, but this was a horrible buy and would never recommend this car to anyone.

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  A fine vehicle at any price - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By bri777 - January 28 - 2:00 am

  When I travel I often rent out mid and full size cars. More often than not I look forward to going back home to my Elantra GT. The driving dynamics are perfectly suited to my tastes. Not too soft and handles expansion joints with aplomb.

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  Welcome to my Nightmare - 1994 Hyundai Elantra
  By Jesse 777 - January 26 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with the car, at first sight, but it turns into a nightmare at soon I started driving. The engine get damaged immediately, it was fixed by the dealer and at soon the guarantee was over the engine went down again, I fixed and never get in to a good conditions, finally the clutch get damaged and it cost more than the car to fix it. I am without transportation and I have a car to keep making payments.

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  2005 GLS Hatchback 5 speed - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By dtipton - January 19 - 10:56 pm

  After 3 months and 7000 miles the car has been in the shop 4 times. Three times for problems with the cruise control and once because they did not replace the drain plug properly after an oil change which caused a leak and because the paint was coming off where a bird made a deposit. I was told the warranty did not cover the paint as it was a "foreign substance". They would have covered it had I purchased their after market paint sealer. I called Hyundai Customer Care and was told, "Paint is not covered under warranty if the car is exposed to outside elements". I asked how I was expected to drive the car without exposing it to outside elements? No answer just a "its our policy sir".