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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  You get a lot of bang for your buck! - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By phantasman - July 19 - 10:00 am

  In October of last year, my (then) fiance needed to get ride of her Ford Explorer (the differential was due to go). She wanted a new car but didnt want a car that sold for more than $12,000. The reviews the Edmunds staff as well as the readers swayed us to try it out. That car is a BLAST to drive! It had tight handling, a lot of safety features (standard) and an overall nice feel. We just bought a 2003 Honda Accord LX and because I work 50 miles from where we live...I want to put the miles on the Elantra, rather than the Accord. However, I can say with complete honesty that I dont dread it. The Elantra is a joy to drive.

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  Couldnt be happier with my selection! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Mike n MP - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I dont think i could have selected a more suitable car. this car is fantastic. i get 2nd looks on the street and get asked, "is...is that...a HYUNDAI?!" hehehe. versatile, comfortable and mated to the 5-speed create a great combination to make this car fun to drive!

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  Stupid emissions! - 1996 Hyundai Elantra
  By warriorpoet78 - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Elantra 4 door with 86 K bought it used, have had nothing but problems ever since. Ther pathetic engine is clean but makes it hard to accelerate at a stop sign. And those wonderful emissions controls that make the engine run like a deisel and not to mention the awesome(note sarcasm) blinking check engine light. Interior nice, though, reliable transportation, gas mileage lower that what specs say, 20-25 city, 25 highway max!

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  Great Car - 1998 Hyundai Elantra
  By Derek Benoit - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle new andI was weary of Hyundais reputation but decided to take my chances after a surprising test drive. This was also before they offered the great warranty. I have never regretted my decision. My Elantra now has 135,000 miles on it w/o any problems at all! The only items I have had to replace in over 4 years are considered normal maintanence such as wiper blades, tires, brakes, and a battery. The car has never failed to start, and has driven flawlessly in a number of extreme conditions as I live in the northeast. I just passed the strict Massachusetts emissions test w/o a problem at all.

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  Happy Me - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Happy Me - July 13 - 6:06 pm

  This car is well-equipped, and I really appreciate how much attention was given to the detail and accessories in this car. The sound system is fabulous. I would recommend the Elantra as a really nice surprise. Just sit in it and youll see. Even the dash is attractive. Good job. Hyundai!!

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  Quality and Super Reliability - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Ron M - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Great Car very reliable, would buy another one in a heartbeat.

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  STEER CLEAR !!!!!!!! - 1994 Hyundai Elantra
  By princess - July 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 60,000 miles. Immediatly the transmission went out. Soon after the back doors broke and wouldnt open from the inside or outside. Being a single mom that killed the convience of having a four door. I will never buy one of these cars again nor would i recommned it to my worst enemy.

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  2000 Hyundai Elantra VE - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By Chris Richardson - July 5 - 10:00 am

  This stylish car has been through 2 Canadian winters, with not a thing gone wrong with it. I wouldve awarded it first for the Edmunds 2000 Economy Car Comparison, because Ive test driven the other 2 that were ahead of it, and they just dont compare. Of course, the price is a pure bargain for what you get: class leading horsepower, a killer CD sound system, power everything, comfort, style, and an engine that can really move! This is, by far, the best 2000 economy car around, and the redesigned 2001 Elantra proves to be even better, way to go Hyundai!

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  Very Satisfied! - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Mr. Bigglesworth - July 1 - 5:30 am

  I bought this car to save money on gas and expenses and so far, Im very impressed. Our family has owned several Hyundais in the past- in fact, I just traded my 2006 Sonata LX for this Elantra SE. I thought there would be a noticeable decline in comfort due to switching from a loaded big sedan to a smaller car, but not in this case. My wife and I both enjoy driving this car and are very pleased with the purchase. I highly recommend putting Hyundai (and the Elantra) on your list!

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  I didnt have to "Settle" - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Houdsiecup - June 23 - 11:26 am

  I had to purchase a second car that was safe, economical, fun to drive, but most importantly inexpensive. I foresaw myself driving a stripped down VW Golf since I needed a hatchback for my dog. Then along comes the Elantra GT. The GT offers so much to a driver for so little. The interior is chock full of amenities that will cost thousands more in other cars; CD player, leather, trip computer, keyless remote... On the exterior, the upgraded suspension, alloy wheels and Michelin tires were a huge selling point. The engine is powerful though lacking good acceleration (my last car was a VW with a VR6). But the fuel economy speaks volumes.