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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  Big Value Car - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By MEK - May 31 - 3:23 pm

  Purchased summer 2014 and was last 2013 on the lot. Bought it for $7K off sticker. Has everything I wanted equipment-wise. Nearly 40K miles now with absolutely no trouble. Only drawbacks are marginal power and some road noise at freeway speed. Not one rattle so far. All electronics, including navigation and upgraded stereo, have been flawless. When I calculate mpg, it has been 1-2 less than advertised, but I do drive faster than 65 on the freeway by 5-10 mph. Im about ready to replace OEM tires which have been OK, but likely wont get the same brand---Hankook. All in all I have absolutely no complaints. If still true in another 40K miles I would say its one of the best new cars Ive purchased. Most of them have been Toyota Camrys.

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  Just pased 15k.... - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By pa commuter - May 31 - 10:00 am

  No real problems so far, auto transmission is great performer, leather is nice, still has new car smell. Nut holding on read spoiler fell off.

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  If only I had done some research - 1998 Hyundai Elantra
  By tueyjr - May 29 - 2:00 am

  When I bought my Elantra, I was in need of a cheap vehicle fast. I wish I could go back and choose a bike, a three-legged blind mule, or a good pair of shoes. This was the worst buy. I began to think the check engine light was supposed to be on all the time. It was ok, though, because of Hyundais warranty...right??? Well not if the warranty department claims nothing is wrong. It also liked to shift in and out of gears at constant speed and elevation, but according to the warranty department this was normal too. HMMM!!! I will never buy a Hundai product again.

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  my new hyundai - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By ed taylor - May 28 - 11:36 pm

  So far so good. Only problem is windshield wipers. Otherwise it seem to run pretty good.

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  Best car for the money! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By tjjazz - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has many pleasant surprises! It is fun to drive, has decent engine performance, good gas mileage and is exceptionally comfortable. The engineers that designed this one were really thinking! The comparable vehicles dont even offer the options that are standard equipment with this one. I appreciate the many, many standard features.

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  A little gem. - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Randy Wobser - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Hyundai has come a great distance since the Excel arrived in the 80s. This car does not rattle. The fit and finish is on par with Honda, the styling is above average. The interior is well-appointed. (the leather was a nice feature.) The car is very fun to drive. You really need to drive it to appreciate it. This car is an intelligent and as impressive a design as the first Saab 900.

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  My Elantra, one year later - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By cml4sinatra - May 18 - 2:00 am

  The quiet ride is the most notable feature. Its easy to forget that the car is on sometimes, when idling in a parking spot. Long trips(for two) are comfortable, since the passenger seat lays back quite a bit, flush with the rear seating. I love how the headlights will shut off automatically when the key is removed and the door opened. I get annoyed with the air conditioning system--the recirculation button will not remain engaged when you switch the fan on and off again. I would have liked to have both a sunroof and ABS, but these options are not offered together.

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  2002 Hyundai Elantra GT- Fun, Value - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Wevine - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I think this car is an undiscovered value. All other 5 door Hatchbacks I look at were over $2,000 more plus no 10 year - 100,000 mile warranty! Also the list of standard equipment is impressive (leather, 4-wheel dics brakes, alloy wheels, CD, etc., keyless/alarm, etc.) Great driving around town or on the inter-state!

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  check it out for yourself - 2018 Hyundai Elantra
  By MICHAEL SMIETANA - May 17 - 1:12 am

  the vehicle is awesome.great ride and comfortable on long trips.handling is superb.but had my first problem ever was the lights went out on me when i used my turn signals.and it happened at night.now my elantra is in the shop having a turn signal harness installed.havent even made my first payment yet.very frustrating.

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  Very pleased so far. Had car 4 months. - 2017 Hyundai Elantra
  By ElantraownerfromFL - May 16 - 12:29 am

  Got a great Black Friday deal for a new SE. Was happy with my 2 Kia Optimas I had in the past. Like Kia / Hyundai warranty. I like everything about my Elantra, except the fact that since the car was on the BOAT for a looong time, from Korea, the tires had FLAT SPOTTING, which impacted the cars ride. Test drive carefully. Dealer wouldnt fix. Frustrating. And, VERY ANNOYING and FRUSTRATED, that the BACK UP camera was not included in the SE model.