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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Pleasantly surprised!! - 1996 Hyundai Elantra
By JB in NJ - June 4 - 2:00 amCar has done us well as we have over 125,000 miles now. Changed the oil every 3000 miles and the car has reciprocated. Only problems have been with the check engine light coming on (several recalls and a new gas cap). Have only replaced the clutch once and the brakes once or twice. Recently had to replace the wiper motor and window regulator at about $200 each, but thats been the only problems. Just bought a 2003 Santa Fe based upon our favorable experience with this car.
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Wow. Hyundais come a long way! - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
By Doug - June 1 - 6:16 pmI was in the market for a small to mid-size car that gets good gas mileage. After driving the Civic, the Corolla, and the Mazda 3, I bought the new Elantra SE. It had more torque (read "get up and go!"). more room, and was more comfortable than either the Civic or Corolla, and was thousands less than a Mazda 3 with the same equipment. Its quiet and comfortable with lots of storage space.
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Good buys come in small packages. - 2017 Hyundai Elantra
By Mike - June 1 - 6:41 amIm happy with the car. I maintain it at the prescribed intervals and dont drive it hard. The manual 6-speed transmission makes it fun to drive. Downshifting makes my brakes last a long time, and having a manual clutch is cheap insurance should my battery ever fail to start the motor. It handles fine at all speeds up to 75mpg, which is the fastest Ive driven it. I bought it new in 2016, but it was a 2017 model and had only 8 miles on the odometer. Owing to several discounts, I paid only $17,000 for it out the door (tax & license included). I have no doubt it will continue to give me reliable service. I would buy another one without hesitation.
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Fun to drive, great value, very reliable - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
By proaudiorep - June 1 - 2:00 amBought in May 2000, paid off last month. I looked at Civic, Corolla and some other competitors there was no real competition for this car at its price. Amazing car for the money!
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Car of The Year Worthiness - 2017 Hyundai Elantra
By Josh Ehrendreich - May 30 - 1:53 amIve been driving the Elantra Eco for a little over 30 days. I felt in love the first time I drove it and each time since then. I look forward to the next time I get to drive it. Perhaps it ought to be noted Im coming from a 1999 Camry to this 2017 model. Im still playing catch up on the modern conveniences, but if anything it makes driving easier and for sure more fun. I did test drive the Kia Forte, Mazda 3, Honda Civic and Fit, Toyota Camry, Corolla and Yaris before I tried the Eco. Im used to the roominess of a Camry and is about the only thing Id downgrade on the Eco, but compared to all other cars I test drove, its on par with those. Technology it is on par with Kia Forte and above all the others I test drove. Steering and road handling are very good to great. I think the only thing Im noticing slight issue with is MPG. Im currently averaging 33.5 mpg, but some of that is me idling the engine while I figure out the new tech. I also drive more in city than on highway. Whenever I go on highway now, I go into Sport mode and love the extra pickup. Anyway, the main reasons I picked this vehicle were: economical value, technology / CarPlay, mpg, comfort/handling, and reliability. Oh and I love the heated seats. I think this car delivers on all fronts and really would be surprised to see it not get Car of The Year type recognition
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85k and no big repairs - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
By Brad - May 27 - 7:15 pmI bought this car in 2011 and have only done routine maintenance (brakes and tires). So far so good. Update, 94k miles and still no issues.
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Elantra - 1997 Hyundai Elantra
By ceceipe - May 27 - 2:00 amClutch had to be replaced after 60000 miles. Speedometer broke after 60000 miles. Seats are not comfortable. Fuel Economy is ok.
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Hyundai Elantra GLS 93 - 1993 Hyundai Elantra
By J Learned - May 27 - 2:00 amThe only car Ive ever owned that need absolutely no repairs for the entire 10 years. No cost except for fuel and basic maintenance.
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Car of my dream - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
By VaKo - May 25 - 2:00 amUniversal car, powerfull engine, all needed feature standart. A lot of space affordable to move your stuff. Got my car with Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus tires and have to exchange them this summer after 35000 miles. Nice tires and short braking distance.
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A Review - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
By Alex5555 - May 25 - 2:00 amGreat car for the price
