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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  Elantra Over Civic? Yes - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Jim - November 21 - 5:56 am

  Decided to try the Elantra over Civic based on general good feel of Elantra in test drive and about $3,500 less cost than Civic. Get as good or better millage and the only complaint is that I felt the wiper blades were not right - dealer replaced on drive in to service in about 25 minutes. So far, I love the good feelings of saving $$ and gas and overall performance is A+++++. Great radio also. Highly recommended.

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  VALUE! VALUE! VALUE! - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By HAPPY IN CHARLOTTE - November 21 - 2:00 am

  HAD TO REPLACE TIRES AT 30000. OTHER THAN THAT CAR IS GREAT! YOU CANT BEAT THE QUALITY FOR THE PRICE. HYUNDAI HAS LEARNED THEIR LESSON FROM THE JUNK THEY USE TO PRODUCE. WE HAVE 3 HYUNDAIS IN THE FAMILY AND THEYRE ALL GREAT...ESPECIALLY THE 2003 V6 TIB.

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  Excellent so far - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Woodburn Tom - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Needed good basic economical transportation. Looked at Civics, Toyotas, Jettas, Saturns, Focus and Cavaliers. Have a Civic I passed along to my son. Have a Toyota I passed along to my daughter. Wife drives and Accord. Price, test drive and the warrenty convinced me to take a chance. Have about 7000 miles on it and it is EXCELLENT. Not one issue to date. Getting about 32 mpg with the air on most of the time. Good torque pulls better than the Civic but does not corner as well. If this thing continues to hold up it is a steal deal.

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  Terrible Dealer Support - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Don - November 10 - 3:10 pm

  Fun car to drive, purchased for kids to use. Fuel Gauge went bad, also problem with odometer electronics, within a month period odometer went from 19k+ skipped the 20s and 30s and went to 40k, neither Hyundai nor dealer would take care of it. I had canceled the extended warranty 6 months prior and funished Hyundais cust. service dept in Irvine with notarized statement of mileage at that time at approx 11k. I had owned prior Hyundais with no issues approx 10 yrs prior.They always took care of the consumer. I guess now they are to big. I have purchased 3 new cars in the past 3 months non a Hyundai and never will buy another.They will never be equal to Mazda or Honda with this lack of service

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  Elantra: Quality and Value - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By alsara - November 10 - 10:00 am

  The Elantra is an excellent option for those seeking value and performance in an economy car. The ride and performance are first rate. Being an Acura owner, I am used to excellent fit and finish. The Elantra measures up to these standards; remarkable considering it costs half that of a 3.2 TL. Strongly recommended.

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  Nothing better for the price - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By J.C. - November 6 - 11:53 am

  If you are looking for a sporty, economy car, this is it! The others in its class dont even compare, especially on price and warranty. At 65" and 230lbs, I just do fit (more headroom if Id not gotten the sunroof), but what a great commuter car.

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  Hyundai Elantra 2000 - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By JewlToU - November 6 - 2:00 am

  I have had water leaks twice on drivers side front, keyless entry broke 4 times before they finally replaced actuator, trunk floor collapsed from normal use, radio/cd shorted out, car battery died after 2 years. Back window trim came off after 6 months. Totally disgusted and cant wait to trade it in. My suggestion, get rid of the car before the warranty runs out.

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  Good little car - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By hdhd - November 4 - 10:00 am

  A pretty good smaller car. It does everything asked of it. Nothing stands out as exceptional, nor is anything terrible.

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  Awesome car...No Problems ! - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By frleck - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is the best I have ever owned. The only money we have put into it is for gas and routine maintainance. The only problem was with the tires...they had to be replaced at 15,000 miles. They were completly bald and would not pass inspection.

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  I love my new Elantra!!! - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Inger - November 2 - 5:56 am

  Rides well, quiet, and it has a zip. Sporty yet sophisticated look. It has a drop out engine (for crashes). Lot of extras on this car that you wouldnt expect for this price class. There are lots of storage compartments in the front. There are also webbed pockets behind each of the front seats. There is plenty of legroom in the back. The trunk is really good size as well.