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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  Small Car, Big Car Feel - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By tbilla - January 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my commuting car, 58 miles each way most days. If you are looking for a car with decent room, all the comforts (CD, Leather, ABS, power everything) & great mileage (I average 29.2 mpg, 90% highway), but dont want to pay for a luxury car, this is the unit for you. I picked mine up online at the end of the design year for 16K out the door. Plan to drive it until the wheels fall off. Problems fixed under warranty: rattle in headliner, A/C compressor whine & loose air bag light connector.

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  american is better - 1992 Hyundai Elantra
  By bubby1701 - December 27 - 2:00 am

  number one gripe. the paint job. all the clear coat and paint is coming off. OTHER GRIPES the knobs to all the heater and ac controls broke. the glove department door will not close. a seat belt buzzer keeps coming on and will not go back off. but there are alot of things i like about the car also. i love the style. it looks sharp, and sporty. real good pick-up,and easy access to all the controls up front.

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  Fantastic value! - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By driveit - December 27 - 2:00 am

  This elantra is hands down the best auto I have ever had the pleasure of owning. I have 4 other autos in my family, two of which i paid in excess of $90,000.00 for and this little car is the most trouble free of them all. what a great find!

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  Great Little Car - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By RustyFrenn - December 25 - 10:00 am

  In less than 100 miles driven, I am very pleased with the car, which came loaded with options as standard. My one concern was sheet metal that seems very thin. A hood that has to be propped up with a rod. Brakes seem mushy and uncertain, would like a more solid feel. Does not seem powerful at all, but it suits me fine for $12,800 including sales tax. List was over $15,000 inc. tax. Very happy with it for the price.

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  Drivers side window in door lock - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Robin pound - December 23 - 9:56 pm

  I have a 2004 Hyundai Elantra I have had trouble with the lock working for all the doors window going up and down I have replaced the window I have replaced the part for the window so it works when it wants to if not I have to walk around the car to lock the doors had it fixed it Ricart when I first bought it had it fixed it three other garages and its doing it again they need to recall

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  Not too bad! - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By MRiley - December 23 - 2:00 am

  This is not a bad car to own, however you should make sure you want to keep it for more than 2 years if you buy one. The resale value has not bounced back from early bad reviews, so if you finance, you may find yourself owing more than its worth if you try to sell too soon. On the up side, its comfortable, has a great sound system and looks nice on the outside. I like that an affordable car came with a power moonroof and CD player. The gas mileage could be better, but is within the acceptable range.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Kelley - December 20 - 12:53 am

  Great car, has lots of upgrades that alot of other cars dont have or other dealerships want to charge you for. Has enough power and picks up and goes! My two kids fit great in the back with lots of room for legs and backpacks! Id recommend the car! Great on gas and handles well. :)

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  The Perfect sedan for the newlywed - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By fccstudent - December 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a great little car for a great little price. This car with the warrenty that comes with it is great for a couple just starting out. You have safety, security, and a sharp car without the steep price. The features of power everything and side airbages makes this car a great steal. I would recommend this automobile to any married couple just starting out.

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  awesome! - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By seriousdriver - December 15 - 2:00 am

  Ill readily admit that I am extremely frugal (cheap?) and rather see my money grow in investments. I drive a lot and wanted a car that wouldnt break down but with all the amenities like air, power everything and auto. Ive driven about 42,000 miles in a bit over a year and the cars been PERFECT. Not a single problem and it has the added bonus of excellent passing power. Radio sounds great for all of my audio books, air is freezing cold (best Ive ever experienced) and Ive put in nothing but regular oil changes every 3,000 miles. This is my first Hyundai but now Im a Hyundai fan for sure.

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  Car Is Great for the money - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Emmanuel - December 13 - 10:00 am

  You get everything you want in a car like this. For example, you get a electric sunroof, leather interior, a very very loud cd stero system,. also the comfort and the speed in this car is awsome for what you need it for. beside the looks you have a car that should value over $30,000 dollars and you get in for under $15,000. Also, have I forgot to tell you the 5yrs, unlimeted milage assitants. alos theres a ten year drive training warrenty. My amzed worlds where why HYNDAI and not the othaers. well you sold me and on my way for the Santa Fe 3.5 ltr. Can not help my self . Emmanuel