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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  Very Good Transportation - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Lyn Webb - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Elantra, I owed a 2001 (it burned in the San Diego Fire) I loved that car. Drove it for almost 60,000 miles with no trouble. My 2003 feels just as good. It is quite inside and drives smooth. I believe the Hyundia Elantra is a Great deal, but I think most people still think it is a throw away car. You can pay alot more for a car and get alot less.

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  Unbelievable!!! - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Shannon - September 26 - 5:40 am

  To sum it up, I am elated. This is the best car for the money, both horsepower wise and safety wise. It looks great, feels even better, and comes with surprising perks. Even without the warranty I would have purchased this wonderful car.

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  2017 Hyundai Elantra Ltd (Love the Deal) - 2017 Hyundai Elantra
  By William Gilmore - September 25 - 10:07 am

  Not easy entry for Extra-Large people. Otherwise, its an affordable car pretending to be a luxury/sports car and it make you believe it.

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  My Hundai - 1996 Hyundai Elantra
  By mikewomack - September 21 - 2:00 am

  Reliable small car. This is my third Hyundai and the best overall. I had a problem with the transmission early on but Hyundai evantually replaced it and it has been humming along ever since. Other than normal wear and tear I havent had many problems, and I am one who doesnt believe in expensive 25, 50 etc. services. As someone said recently...Hyundais can no longer be criticized as cheap cars.

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  No Complaints - 1999 Hyundai Elantra
  By Shade - September 20 - 2:00 am

  ABought this car 7/99 new for less than $12K. I should have bought the GLS with the rear wiper, but am very satisfied w/the car. Turned 90k miles this week and now need new brake pads (2nd pair and rotors were never cut). Never did the timing belt yet - waiting for 100K. Did have 1 occurence of the check engine light - my brother filled the car w/gas and "topped it off" so it messed up the sensor. I would definitely buy another Hyundai - cant beat the warranty and the space for the $$$.

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  Ricks Review - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Rick0225 - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Pros: A lot of thought went into designing this car. The amount of equipment included for the price is an exceptional value Cons: Within two months the service was required for the following problems: Clutch switch. License plate light Cruise control unit Also the service manager informed me two days ago that there was a safety recall for this model. It involves the positioning of a particular clamp which may puncture the fuel tank in a serious collision.

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  Great Little Car - 1996 Hyundai Elantra
  By Bcar03 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  This was my third Hyundai. Great little car for the money. I now have 120,000 trouble free miles on it. I hate to say it, but its time for a new one. I am going to purchase a 2002 Hyundai Elantra.

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  Great car for the money - 1999 Hyundai Elantra
  By 65 Spitfire Driver - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this car now for over 3 years and have put 80,000 miles on it. To be honest, Im impressed. Its needed a few minor repairs along the way (most of which were covered under warranty) but nothing terribly serious. One minor complaint is the brakes...they seem to be prone to serious rotor warping. I just recently went out and bought a set of new rotors, but had to return to the dealer because no auto parts stores had the correct ones. Still...not bad. Weve taken this car up in the mountains and it handles well and is impressive in the turns. I should have gotten a 5 speed, but oh well...theres always next time.

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  2013 Elantra GT - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By Wayne - September 5 - 4:25 am

  Great car. Just traded in for a 2017 on a three year lease. Very few complaints. A good value car. The Pearl blue finish was quite attractive. Its not a Ferrari, and I think people expect a bit too much in terms of acceleration, etc. A competent car that never let me down.

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  I will never purchase another Hyundai! - 1997 Hyundai Elantra
  By UNHAPPY - September 1 - 2:00 am

  I would not recommend this car to even my worst enemy. The transmission has failed twice. All of the paint (original paint) is chipping off. It makes horrible banging noises when turning and no mechanic (not even Hyundai dealer mechanics)can figure out why. The steering column shakes (another "feature" thank no one can seem to fix). We have done all we can to no avail. I will never EVER buy another.