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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  GT ----------ROCKS - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Chad-indy - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I passed up 30k dollar cars for this fun little beast

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  Very reliable little car - 1999 Hyundai Elantra
  By Love my Lantra - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Elantra in June 2000 and 65,000 miles later have nothing but good things to say about it. I have yet to need to bring the car to the mechanic other than for scheduled maintenance...which is a very welcome change after my last car, a 92 Thunderbird which had a tendancy to blow head gaskets. The only complaint was with the factory stereo, but with the low price tag on the car(paid under $11,000) you have plenty left over to head to the electronics store and get a top notch aftermaket stereo installed. All in all, a great, reliable car for the money.

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  Great Value - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Helen - April 21 - 10:33 pm

  I bought this car because I needed something cheap to get me through college. I am so pleased with my purchase. Its a basic car, but the warranty makes me feel comfortable having it for the next however many years. My only complaints are that the keyless entry does not come with a trunk release, and that a CD player is not standard. Also, sometimes I find that I have to absolutely slam the trunk before it will latch, so check that out when youre looking.

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  Broke down on me a lot! - 1999 Hyundai Elantra
  By Lexas_p - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I can never trust this car. Every morning I get in it...I wonder if Im going to make it to work.

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  My New Elantra GT - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Kandbsdad - April 20 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for exactly 2 weeks now and am pretty happy with it. I have logged over 500 miles and the car drove just as well fully loaded with my family on last weekends getaway as it does everyday getting me to and from work! The ride is solid and it handles well, although Im still getting used to it! The only problem I have had is with the stereo; it wont play CDs without pausing intermittantly. Fuel mileage varies greatly; the MPG meter shows 35-40 on flat highway stretches but dips into the low 20s during my 13 mile commute thru a rural canyon, but it seems to be improving. The buying experience at San Bernardino Hyundai was Excellent!

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  This is cool! - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Thomas Kim - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Hyundai Elantra is flawless car. I bet no one can get this much car with its price and its service. Its really good for people who look for a car to have a fun..!

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  Round Two - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By HookedonHyundai - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Wow! That is all I can think of when driving the new Hyundai. A comfortable ride for long distance driving that is easy on the gas but carries the power to accelerate to pass as well as handle any Interstate speed while being fuel efficient even with California smog equipment. The adjustable driver seat allows you to be comfortable any time. Outside, the car is just the right size for parking in tough places.Inside, the 2003 model is roomier than our older 2000 trade-in. Trading in the old Hyundai for a new one was not so easy. There wasnt anything wrong with it except we had put a lot of miles on it. In fact, we liked Hyundai so much we bought two of them this time!

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  A Korean GTI - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By flgtman - April 15 - 10:00 am

  The Elantra GT is the Korean equivelant of the first Volkswagen GTI. Put a strong motor in a small car with a good suspension a decent 5 speed transmission, add a nice interior a good stereo and an attractive price and it will sell. I have seen as many new GTs as I did when I had purchased my GTI 20 years ago cruising down the road and passing me with a wave or knowing smile. This is a well thought out and quality built car that is fun to drive and turns heads. I have had people ask numerous times if its the new saab?

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  Unexpectly Great Car - 1994 Hyundai Elantra
  By RomanK - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new because it had 5yr. unlimited mileage warranty. I expected to throw it away after the 5 yr. period. 9 years later, we still have the car. The only expense were regular oil changes, new tires, brake pads. No rust! Starts in -40. Has lots of power for a 4banger (125hp). Looks great even after 9 years.

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  Great Car for Great Price - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By taxman12 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I just bought the 2003 Elantra, so far it seems to be an excellent choice. Smooth ride, easy controls, built sturdy. The price was very affordable