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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  96 Elantra great car - 1996 Hyundai Elantra
  By MJA - March 28 - 2:00 am

  A trouble-free, economical car. the best economy car I have owned.

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  Call previous owners first... - 1999 Hyundai Elantra
  By Shan - March 27 - 2:00 am

  Fun, sporty-looking car, but not very good acceleration. Transmission slippage recall on some. Had to have tranmission replaced at 35000 miles. Check engine light has been on most of the time since. Fuel pressure sensor replaced, now service is checking some other sensors. Or might be faulty wiring. Fuel injection timer replaced shortly before 35000, of which service said is common in this model. All repairs have been covered by 60000 mile warranty. Blinker handle too short, no reminder bell if you leave your lights on, and the exterior trim on a door fell off. Plastic pieces inside that you use to close the doors come out easily.

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  My 95 Elantra :-) - 1995 Hyundai Elantra
  By DavidTX - March 27 - 2:00 am

  I got the car for my 17th birthay with 125,000 miles on the odometer. It was a great car. My good ol Aunt had it before me and she babied that car, it was perfect. Well, two years later Im sad to say the ol car threw a rod at 159,987. It almost made it! That car and I had some good times. I had charachter. We all called her Edna. She was the best. Rest in peace Edna!

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  hyundai elantra - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Daniel Kostick - March 26 - 10:00 am

  its a great car very dependable and great on fuel

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  Best Car I ever had - 1999 Hyundai Elantra
  By jpmazzola - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This car has been the best car for the money. It is roomie, inexpensive, and reliable. For the money, it cannot be beat.

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  My Review - 1999 Hyundai Elantra
  By Petra Gant - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a nice vehicle. I purchased it recently and Im very impressed

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  Excellent car for the money - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By charnold01 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Much better than a saturn or even a ford. Car is laid out conservativly in the interior but has standard Leather Seats. Get it for the seats if nothing else. Thay make a big diffrence in the hot spring and summer

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  Great Little Care - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By az45 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2003 Elantra GLS to use as a second car to take me to and from work. However, I like driving it so much that I find myself choosing it over my 2003 Camry XLE. The Elantra is a well thought out car with a lot of pep and spirit. I do have some complaints however. Only the driver can lock all the power doors. The front passenger can control only their door. The trunk hood is too low. When loading and unloading I constantly bang my head on the latch that protrudes from the inside of the trunk. Overall, it is still a great little car.

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  I have two of them - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Ruben Gomez - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I have two Elantras 2002 and 2003 (package #4).No complaints. I love them. This cars are very comfortables with a smooth ride.The seats are super. Are bigger inside.I love the power of the engine.You feel you are driving a v-8 cilynders car.Finally the a/c wow! so good.

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  Elantra GT - Hatchback - Manual - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By jakirkla - March 12 - 10:00 am

  What a great car. Ive had it for a month and I love it. I only wish the paint/body was more durable. I love the handling, the stereo, the leather, the engine, the sunroof, everything about the car. Thge only other complaint I have is the gas milage I have been getting around town hasnt topped 23 mpg. Regardless, it is much better than that of my previous car, a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I would fully recommend this car to anyone who is in the market. Why even bother with the Corrola or the Civic anymore when this car is available.