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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not this one - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
By denn - July 17 - 6:40 ambad engine, repaired multiple times, windshield leaks, sunroof leaks, poor choice
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I own a unicorn - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
By iankeefe - July 14 - 4:40 amSo far its a neat car. I think the exterior styling is top notch. It doesnt appear to be trying to look cool. Nice wheels, and contrasting body moldings. Look at the back of the car at night with the tail lights on. No lie, it has a smiling face. Alot like a Jack-O-Lantern. Youll think I am nuts until you look.
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Love my first car!!! - 1999 Hyundai Elantra
By christobal - July 10 - 2:00 amI bought this car used with only 8,700 miles on it in 2001. Since then I have had only good things to say. It has been more reliable than my mothers new Chevy Trailblazer and my brothers Jeep Grand Charokee. It goes great in the snow and I get very good gas mileage. I love this car. It is just the right size for me. My relative bought a 2001 Accent and what a great little car too. After driving hers I get in mine and realize mine is so much quieter and nicer. I have had no major problems with my car. Love it. Love it. Love it. Way to go Hyundai.
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Gotta Love The Price... - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
By Mark - July 9 - 8:20 pmWe paid $13,000.00 out on the road! This car out performed and had more standard options than the Ford Focus and other like cars. This is my daughters first car. Only down side is the base model has no CD player. This is 2005, all cars should have a CD player as standard equipment. The $600. up grade is not worth it. I am looking at the 2006 to replace my Honda Accord next year. Looks the same drives better, cost less and has they 100k warranty... Hyundai sure has risen to the top...
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like the car - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
By Debbi - July 6 - 2:00 amI got a really good deal from the dealer. I wasnt going to buy that day, but the deal was too good. Other cars I looked at, didnt have all the features of this car for the money. This car was fully loaded and for the size, has good back seat room. The styling is nice.
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Loved it, but worried now - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
By cirrus - June 30 - 2:00 amThis was my 1st new car. I loved it. I never had a single problem until I had the 30000 mile service done. 2 days later the transmission starting sticking in 2nd. They replaced an automatic device that had burned out, I had it back in 2 hours but it still makes a noise or hesitates about once every 3 days, and is in the shop again. Im really upset about this because I love this car, there isnt another one I want. I think the newer Elantras are ugly. Mine came w/michelin tires & they are still good at 30000 miles. This car has great pick up but mpg is average. I get lower 20s city/30 highway. I drive my moms toyota camry often & I much prefer my elantra!
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Hundai elantra gls - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
By Tdfd - June 25 - 10:00 amThis car has decent acceleration when not loaded down. decent handling and while it is pretty basic it is an awesome buy for the price you are not going to find many cheap cars to compare with it.
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Decent car - 1994 Hyundai Elantra
By chetan - June 24 - 2:00 amA very nice car for its price! Would recommend it to anyone looking for a used car to use within the city.
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Love my Elantra - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
By Krista_L - June 22 - 10:06 pmI love my new Elantra. I went from driving a 92 tercel to this car, and the difference is astounding even though I got the base model. Its extremely comfortable, and so much nicer looking than the price suggests it should be. People have told me that it looks like a Saab or even a small jaguar.
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Best car ever - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
By Sandra Page - June 18 - 7:46 amI owned a Hyundai before and found it to be a comfortable and dependable vehicle. After owning other brands I am glad I came back. The car is still under warranty with 35,000 miles left. The tech package is everything I could want.
