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 First Car!!! - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By SF - May 15 - 6:00 pm

  I just bought his car yesterday and I am really excited about the purchase. I did a lot of research and after considering used and other makes, I settled on the Consumer Reports #1 small sedan. Car looks great (ie it looks expensive and is a big "small" sedan). Drives great and the power package is a great value. Im graduating from college on Monday and this car looks young but not too young (like a Fit or Versa) so Ill be able to feel like a grown up in it :) Purchase price was 14,200+ TTL. I considered the college grad program ($13,500; 8.9% apr, 60 months, no money down, 45 days to first payment, etc.) but I got a lower apr through a bank. Shop around for best financing.

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  Absolutely Amazing @ Its Price - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By smith20 - May 14 - 10:00 am

  This is an amazing vehicle. The build and quality are very good for an economy small car. Everything is tight, feels substantial, and looks pleasant or even attractive. I really like the hatchbacks exterior profile. The warranty and roadside assistance are unmatched by anyone else. Bottom line is this car is very well built, looks great, and drives great and has an *UNBEATABLE* price! If you like to drive well, but not pay a premium to do so, check this car out! We have NO regrets so far since purchasing our Elantra; we think thats a great sign that we made the right choice! My wife and I alternate who drives so we can both enjoy it!

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  Fun to drive - 1999 Hyundai Elantra
  By chips - May 6 - 2:00 am

  The transmissioj failed at 69,000 miles. It was replaced by the 1000,000 mile warranty.

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  reliable! - 1993 Hyundai Elantra
  By amychen - May 5 - 2:00 am

  Best car Ive ever owned--never needed any repairs beyond what is expected. I drove it about 1000 miles a week for more than two years, with no problems.

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  Great Car - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Guinev - May 4 - 2:00 am

  THis is a wonderfully reliable car for the price. I love my Hyundai! It is a wonderful car, but the transmission can be a bit sluggish. But hey, for that price, I can totally handle that!

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  My Personal Opinion- for what its worth - 1999 Hyundai Elantra
  By B. Lougnot - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car used for a few reasons: 1) It was affordable 2) It looks nice 3) It was comfortable 4) I liked the features. I have had no mechanical problems at all. I change to oil as required. At which time all belts, hoses, etc. are checked. Ive havent had any problems with anything. I take care of her.......she takes care of me!!! Yes, my car is a she. Overall, shes a great car and as a single mom who cant afford any extra expenses, this car is perfect!!!

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  Great car for the money. - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By ChrisBier - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Have had only one problem when I brought the car. Alternator did not function properly. The dealership ordered the part and it was replaced within a week. Car is always on the road.

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  Whistleing Hyundai - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By drhot - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I like my new car but it whistles in a crosswind on the highway. Dealer is still working on it. Other than that I am very happy with my Elantra.

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  Since I drive it, I know it. - 1999 Hyundai Elantra
  By Aciman - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Hyundai in January of 1999. At the time I was looking for an inexpensive car with something more to offer than most cars of this price range were offering. I have never been sorry I chose the Hyundai. The style of the car is so much better than the current models. It is reliable and has offered many miles of fun driving. I would suggest this car to anyone.

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  Great! - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By lindsaymcarthur - April 22 - 11:00 am

  This is an excellent car, handles well, well built, zero repairs in 30000 miles, corners well, good acceleration. It has 1/8 clearance inside, the paint on the bumpers is very poor about a 2 and the only real drawback. Best car Ive owned.