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:

• 

  price and quality cant be beat - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By josephus - January 19 - 2:00 am

  At 50k brakes still perfect. Ride still tight. Car is all around amazing bargain

• 

  STUPENDOUS car!!!!! - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Matt639 - January 18 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the best vehicles I have ever drove!! It does just about everything right. I own a 2002 Hyundai Elantra GLS nad it has over 40500 miles on it. I can honestly say that I havent had any problems with it yet. The ride is smooth and quiet, and the engine delivers decent power and acceleration.

• 

  Will Miss My Hyundai - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By Teacher Mary - January 17 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Elantra for 3 yrs. This past week I was in an accident, I was hit almost directly head on. My airbags deployed perfectly and immediately, my seat belt held firm. My Elantra is totaled but I walked away from the accident with only bruises from my safety equiptment. I am definitely buying another.

• 

  Satisfied with our Hyundai - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By Jqueen - January 11 - 2:00 am

  We have had our 2001 Hyundai for almost three years and 52,000 miles now. We have had a few visits to the dealership for minor problems, most within the first few months of ownership. We still get right at 33-35 mpg on the highway and 25-27 in town. The engine isnt as quiet as it was new, but it still performs the same way. There are no annoying rattles in the car, except when there is loose change in the cupholder or something to that effect. All in all, it has been an excellent choice for us.

• 

  2001 Hyundai Elantra 4dr. GLS - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By ramsa46 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Have not had to do any maintenance on this vehicle. Powerful engine and good fuel economy. Great vehicle for the price.

• 

  Excellent Car For The Money - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By mdsi - January 5 - 2:00 am

  I have had only one thing go wrong with this car. Spark Plugs and wires went bad causing the car to run rough and the check engine light to come on. Anyway this also happened to someone else I know, so dont worry if yours does the same thing, just try new plugs/wires first. That is such a minor issue to have happened with my $12,000 Hyundai in 110,00 miles that I can only say that this is one reliable vehicle that will treat any owner well. I bought it for the warranty, assuming they were built to last, and I was right. I love the car.

• 

  OK CAR - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By Racky - January 4 - 2:00 am

  The Elantra is pretty much dependable, the only problems that we have had is the airbag light had to be fixed 3 times already, the driver side window switch doesnt work properly. The black weather stripes on the windows had to be replaced twice.

• 

  Real gem! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By gini - January 4 - 2:00 am

  A peppy little car with lots of get up and go. Love all the places to put things. Love keyless entry,too. Good air and heat system. Disapointed in the too-much-work tilt steering wheel mechanism, but otherwise very happy with this car.

• 

  2008 Elantra GLS - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Breanna - January 3 - 10:43 am

  My mom just bought this car for me and I love it! Ive been driving for years and after awhile driving gets annoying. But since Ive had my Elantra, Ive even driven just to the mailbox down the street! Sounds crazy, I know but Ill find any reason just to get in my car and go for a ride! It rides a lot smoother than I thought it would and I love the dash design and the blue backlights especially at night. Unlike other economy cars, the Elantra looks far from cheap and looks just as good parked next to an Accord, etc.

• 

  This car made me like driving! - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Larkin - January 3 - 2:00 am

  I hated driving, but since I got my Elantra, I love just driving my car around town.