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-horrible dealership - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By Elantraman - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I have been extremely pleased with this vehicle. great ride, comfortable, fast, great stereo system, traction control ABS, leather seats, etc. However, I have had numerous problems with the black tape around the doors which continually "peel." They have been replaced 3x and counting!!!!! Stay clear from Huntington Hyundai- New York. Horrible service department! Not concerned about customer satisfaction after they sell you a vehicle!

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  Too Sweet For You - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By RepDog03 - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Just a crazy fun and cool car that can be upgraded with aftermarket parts like I am doing with my 2003 Hyundai Elantra. Yea baby.

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  Worse Than a Yugo - 1992 Hyundai Elantra
  By Mark Palmer - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This was the worst new car I ever owned, and I never drove it hard. It was at the dealership for repairs over 15 times in three years. It started out with numerous electrical problems. The 5 speed transmission was rebuilt at 15k miles. The throttle body went at 30k, the front end components at 40k. There were many other numerous issues also, too many to mention. Finally, its timing belt broke at 50k miles, which threw all of its exhaust valves into the pistons. It was rebuilt, but I was fed up with it at that point and sold it. Way too much downtime. DO NOT buy a 1992-1995 Hyundai Elantra as a used car. They are horrible!

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  ::shrug:: No problems here. - 1994 Hyundai Elantra
  By Vegete - August 28 - 2:00 am

  For a 1st car, this did the trick. Since owning the car, I never had any problems w/ it. It had great gas mileage and plenty of room inside. I bought the car at around 70,000 and all ran swimmingly...up until its unfortunate demise in an accident (STAY ON YOUR SIDE). In my accident, the car automatically shut off as it should have (Ive heard of stories where peoples cars didnt shut off after having an accident) and the air bag deployed on cue (thank goodness). All in all, a pretty decent car.

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  hyundai eval - 1996 Hyundai Elantra
  By ku rainbow - August 25 - 2:00 am

  This little vehicle ssurprised me as being an off-brand, I was a little skeptical. However, I really liked the styling & the price range for a second run around town car. It gets over 400 miles to a tank & is spacious for all my cargo needs.

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  all the bang a lot less buck! - 1999 Hyundai Elantra
  By Hondo the Hyundai - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I have a 99 GL and this is a great car that i can rely on. I picked it up new for under $11,000 and it is as comfortable as my brothers 98 Honda Civic not to mention the Hyundai is faster. I will definetly buy a new Hyundai when this car wears out.

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  My 2nd Elantra - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By cirrus - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I am loving my 2nd Elantra even more than my first, which I never thought possible. I have a 2000, and the exterior style changed alot. The 2003 is much roomier inside, as well as quieter, a much smoother ride, and much more responsive, and the stock radio sounds a million times better. All things I wasnt even complaining about on the 2000, so thats gotta be good. The cup holder in the rear was a good addition too. Missed that on the older one. My salesperson was an idiot and I would have never bought if it wasnt the car selling itself and already owning one. It was a horrible buying experience, but I love my new car.

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  A tank of a car! - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By Mark Ox - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because it was the largest in its class, most HP, and lowest price with the best waranty. The car has been great, very quick, MPG, and you can not break it. Every morning it just starts right up and goes. The perfect econo wagon!

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  2000 Elantra - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By grapejuice - August 15 - 2:00 am

  This a been one of the most trouble free cars I have ever owned. I have had warrannty service performed on two different occasions by a dealership other than where I bought the car. Both times I was treated as if I had bought ten cars form them. Service has been excellent. The only complaint I have is that the paint is not holding up and Hyndai doent want to do anything about it. Gas milage is not what I expected in a small car with a for cylinder engine.

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  Fantastic - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Cathrine Smith - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This car handles great in the snow, as I live in the east and we have had qquite a few snow storms. The inside in very quite and the car runs like a dream. I get 270 miles to a full tank of gas but that is both Highway and city driving. Teh car comes with electronic wondows and door locks as well as keyless entry.