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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  Great car. - 2014 Hyundai Elantra
  By Raymond Lynn jr - February 14 - 7:50 am

  If you want a reliable, dependable, safe family car this is IT.

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  GREAT CAR, no soul - 2016 Hyundai Elantra
  By Big mike - February 13 - 2:35 am

  this has been an VERY good car at a great price. in 12,000 miles have had no problems. I would recommend this car to anyone as a great "a to b" mode of transportation - gas mileage has been excellent - in the low to mid 30s. rides nice, handles nice, roomy interior and trunk. while it has performed very good in EVERY respect it has no soul, no wow factor, nothing to make you go "awesome".

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  Very nice car - 2017 Hyundai Elantra
  By mac - February 13 - 1:41 am

  This is a very nice looking and nice driving car. Very good value if youre looking for something in this class. Im very pleased with it and would buy it again. Highly recommend taking a good look and test drive.

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  Elantra - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Paul Pardesi - February 7 - 7:56 am

  So so

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  Very Pleased - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By barnes03 - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Love the look of this car and I havent been disappointed with its performance. Great acceleration!

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  This is my families 3rd Elantra - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Jerry - February 3 - 1:33 pm

  This is the third Elantra in our family. My wife and son both have 2003s and mine is the 2005. I had a 2001 Neon, and from driving their Elantras, I had to have my own. When I got rid of my Neon, I found the original window sticker in car. The Elantra was only $400 more list price. Also, my Neon was 5 speed, no power anything, and manual locks. The 2005 Elantra has power for just about everything for just $400 more that a new 2001 Neon( which only had a 3/36000 warranty). This car is an absolute purchase for the commuter, lots of bang for little buck. Like I said, this is our third, and I can definately see a fourth in the future.

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  Unexpected!!!!!! - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Derese30080 - February 3 - 10:00 am

  I was totally shocked! When my wife and I started looking for an inexpensive second vehicle, we never thought that it would be a Hyundai; but the test drive sold us. I had no idea that it even had that much power for a Korean car. The design is just beautiful- updated and sleek- it also has a very nicely balanced sound system that I plan to add a little low-end for my liking. The colors are great to choose from and they even have nice upgrades. Totally satisfied and you will be too.

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  My Moms car - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By G man - February 3 - 10:00 am

  We purchased this new 2001 champagne Elantra GLS for my Mother in August of 2001. We purchase package # 3 which includes the moonroof, CD player, cruise and the remote entry. WE LOVE this car!!! I cannot say one negative thing about it. It is fun to drive along with being a great looking car. We paid $14,000.00 and it listed for $15,494.00. The dealership, Twin Tier Hyundai treated us like GOLD!! I currently own a 2000 VW Beetle and 1993 Nissan Maxima. I am seriously considering trading in my 1993 Maxima, with 126,000 miles, on a new Elantra GT!! I RAVE about the Hyundai product to everyone that I know.

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  Nice for the Price - 1997 Hyundai Elantra
  By Phredd in CT - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Its the SE edition, with driving lights, spoiler, alloy rims...Bought my car in 2000 with 23k on it. Was just declared a total loss due to a hit and run on Christmas eve... The car now has 67,000 miles on it, and, besides a shorted out wire harness 3 weeks after I bought it, I have had no problems with it.

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  A Well Kept Secret - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By voodoo9055 - February 2 - 2:00 am

  For starters, the realiablity on this car is amazing. I am now pushing a little over 43,000 and I have not experience any major problems. I have replaced some sort of sensor that was part of a recall. Other than that, I had to take it to the dealership twice because my driver side window stop working. It was the regulator. Overrall, it is a nice car, but you WILL get bored of it quickly!!! If you are buying this car based on price and this is all you can afford, then it is a good buy. Otherwise, if you are buying this car and you can afford a better car, then dont buy this car because you wont be happy.