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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  alot of car for not alotta dough - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Corey565 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  i wanted a new car for under 15,000 that was attractive, fun to drive, and comfortable. the only problem was that i had a 2000chev/tracker with $2500 negative equity thati still owed over 3yrs on. the dealer not only paid off my traid but i was out the door for under 15000. i dont think ive been happier with a car than with my elantra. for a car that size you cant beat the room(im 6ft2), the comfort, and the performance. the deal clencher for me was the warranty. if hyundai keeps making cars with the quality of an elantra for that price, the competition might as well close up shop and go home.

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  A Standard Setter for the Genre - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Clint - May 23 - 7:46 am

  After driving US, Euro, and Japanese cars for 40 years, I came to understand that you go with the manufacturer who is trying hardest. For now, that seems to be Hyundai. The Elantra has begun to come out of the shadow of its big sister - Sonata - to earn well deserved praise. After driving this car for several months, now, I have found only one mistake: When you drop the automatic shift lever down to the stop, it lands in third gear, rather than Drive. This can result in straining the engine, on the highway, unless you notice it. Otherwise, the design features appear to be literally flawless. Its tame, comfortable basic transport, but it wants to frolic. It may surpirse you!

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  Hyundai GT review - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Scazzero - May 20 - 10:00 am

  So far weve put 1300 miles on this car in two months not one problem so far. It feels very solid. The car has decent acceleration and good power on the highway. Only problems is it needs more lumbar support and better gas mileage right now were only getting 22 mpg average. But the main reason we bought this car was the overwhelming number of items available at the price, we got leather seats, a trip computer, cd player (6 speakers), alloy wheels, fog lights, rear spoiler and the best warranty all standard! Name one other car that gives you this kind of bargain!

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  Never Again - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By Monties - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Rides smooth WHEN it runs right. Numerous stalling, skipping and bucking problems and frequent shop visits. 83,000 miles, 4 transmissions and 2 master computers later, I got rid of this car.

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  Only if you, too, are $ challenged - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By $$ challenged - May 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Elantra in 99 when my car (an 89 Corsica I would LOVE to have back) died unexpectedly on a road trip. As a recent college grad (with a degree in teaching no less) I was strapped for cash. I needed an affordable car with a great warranty. I must admit, for the money, the car has performed well. However, the options are limited and the car shifts horribly, lurching forward often at high speeds. In its defense, I have put a lot of miles on the car (80000 in less than 4 years) however, I have maintained service as well. The bottom line: if its all you can afford, go for it. If you can afford something else, youll probably be happier!

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  The Elantra - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By KEITH - May 12 - 3:26 am

  My wife & I went to the local dealership with every intention of trading in our old Accent for another new one. The dealership offered us an Elantra for the same price, so it was a no brainer to upgrade. Everything about the Elantra is so much better than the Accent, its just a different class of vehicle. Good room and fuel economy are its major selling points, with no problems after five months and five thousand miles. Overall, no real complaints, though I would have liked a sunroof and/or anti-lock brakes.

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  Elantra GT - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By daveleff - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Handles like a sports car. Ride is a bit stiffer than an Elantra sedan, but to be expected. Peppy 2.0 liter engine. Adequate trunk space. Good stereo system. Leather seats are comfortable and durable. Moonroof seals well. All in all, well worth the money and a serious look.

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  A great runner but maintinance Mucho $ - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By karloffb - May 5 - 2:00 am

  I loved the look of this car, the warranty and after reading the reviews on this site, how could I loose? After talking to the service personel at my dealership Ithink this car it will be TOO expensive to own.The list as follows: 1. Catalytic converter installed ($800! 2. Timing Belt (required after the first 60K) $400! and at first we were told several months ago $300 + 3. The infamous "o2 sensor" this is a known problem to every website on the internet except for edmunds.com $200 4. Change 4 spark plugs $99 (oh yes they also check a couple of things to, but if anything needs to be replaced extra$$$ 5. Transmission maintainence $169 6. Coolaint flushes $100 +

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  Good car - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By Rick C - April 30 - 3:07 pm

  Good reliable car at a moderate price. No major issues encountered during the three year leasing period.

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  LITTLE CAR/BIG GUY/LOVE IT - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Big G in Hollywood - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Im a big guy--62", 345 lbs. I also needed extra headroom--short legs, tall body. From the specs I saw on Edmunds, it looked like this car would fit, but I couldnt believe a Hyundai would even come close to being comfortable. I traded in my Ford Excursion for this because I run around Hollywood a lot. Wow, was I surprised. Its comfortable, its economical, and (so far) its reliable. Youre not going to find any other new car this great for less than $15,000.