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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  I Makes a lot of sense - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By drakeje - December 10 - 2:00 am

  I love my Elantra! For the price you cannot find a vehicle with so many standard features. I also shopped the Honda Civic and when comparing apples to apples, as far a features were concerned. Plus the Warrenty! It made more sense to get the Elantra. I am getting great gas mileage (38 HWY). After 6 mos realized I do have rear cup holders.

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  Why pay more - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Dee - December 9 - 11:00 am

  This car is really going to give Honda and Toyota a run for their money. after researching and test driving other cars we decided the Elantra had too many perks to even consider the other makes.We have driven 586 miles and mpg was 28.9 on the first tank of gas.

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  Im a believer - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Robo - December 6 - 1:06 pm

  I never thought in a million years Id own a Hyundai, I looked at the Mazda, Toyota, Nissan and Ford before jumping on the Hyundai banwagon. I was impressed with the build and quality, not to mention the price and warranty. This has been the best vehicle I have ever purchased and Ive owned almost every name brand out there at one time or another. I purchased a new 2005 Elantra GT for under $12G and cant believe how quite it drives on the highway, I averaged 38 MPG on a recent 1500 mile trip. I love it and proberly sold at least 5 of my friends on buying one.

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  Fantastic Car! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By viscountess - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I cant believe how much car we got for our money. We actually paid less for this car than we did our 1994 Nissan Sentra - 9 years ago (now has 200,000 miles on it). However, this car has leather interior, a moonroof, cd player, airconditioning, pw,pd,alarm ~ everything and an unbelievable warranty compared to Nissan. The car drives like a dream and I am looking forward to the next 200,000 miles!!!

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  I love it! - 1993 Hyundai Elantra
  By kristinkm - December 4 - 2:00 am

  My friends had me talked into the Accent, I drove it, I hated it. They had the Elantra on the lot, I gave it a spin, and I loved it! I was looking for a manual transmission 4 door sedan, and this one had it all. Its been a good, reliable car, and really good mileage for its time (Ive never gotten less than 25mpg, even with city and stop-and-go freeway driving with air conditioning). Ill be going up a class on my next car (next <2yrs), but I have NO regrets on my Elantra.

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  I despise this car - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By Sydnee Sprague - November 30 - 8:48 pm

  I bought my car nearly 2 years ago with about 61,000 miles on it. The vehicle now has 79,000 miles on it. With the hail protection plan I added, it totaled to about $11,500. When I first got the car, I noticed nothing wrong with it, mainly because I lived in a small town and only drove it at no more than 30mph most of the time. Upon moving to the city for college, I noticed major issues, mainly with the way the car shifts. Its extremely rough, even getting up to 40mph is a hassle. Ive looked up reviews, and other people seem to have this issue as well. Im getting my transmission checked in a couple of days, and I swear if it needs replaced, Ill never get a Hyundai ever again. Plus, resale value is awful. Im looking at $3,000 trade in value.

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  I despise this car - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By Sydnee Sprague - November 30 - 8:48 pm

  I bought my car nearly 2 years ago with about 61,000 miles on it. The vehicle now has 79,000 miles on it. With the hail protection plan I added, it totaled to about $11,500. When I first got the car, I noticed nothing wrong with it, mainly because I lived in a small town and only drove it at no more than 30mph most of the time. Upon moving to the city for college, I noticed major issues, mainly with the way the car shifts. Its extremely rough, even getting up to 40mph is a hassle. Ive looked up reviews, and other people seem to have this issue as well. Im getting my transmission checked in a couple of days, and I swear if it needs replaced, Ill never get a Hyundai ever again. Plus, resale value is awful. Im looking at $3,000 trade in value.

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  What a buy! - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By JEB - November 27 - 2:46 pm

  Compared to the Toyota Corolla, or the Honda Civic, a real buy. Much more "bang for your dollar".

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  Just got it - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By lillapoyka - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Just got the Elantra to replace my crappy built ford Tempo. This is my first new car. I was in love with the MINI cooper but what you want and what you can get and still afford to feed yourself are often two different things. When I got in this guy I was amazed with the space. It is about the same size outside as my wifes sentra but inside... wow... this baby is huge. I feel like Im driving a luxury care much bigger than this really is. Im happy and when I make my monthly payment and still have cash in my account Im sure Ill be even more happy.

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  Not worth the money - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By Jlanders - November 23 - 2:00 am

  The car with waranty is great, but you dont get a much of a car.The car is noisy,underpowered and cheaply built.Accelaration is poor and handling is terrible.The seats arent comfortable neither is the ride.Decent gas milage and good waranty but overall not a good pick in cars.