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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  What a wonderful surprise! - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By harlqn - March 12 - 9:23 am

  It has a very comfortable cabin layout, smooth ride, and great handling. If you need any more in those departments, you need a sports car or a luxury sedan. So far, its got 3 months and 3,000 miles on it and no complaints. Gas mileage around 27-28 with 40/60 hwy/city use. The bang for the buck factor is huge. The brakes are a bit grabby when cold, but perform well with no noticeable fade. Acceleration is great (for an engine this size). The seats are very comfy (fits 4 adults well). Very gadget-friendly: aux audio input, 2 12V jacks and handy storage areas. This car is not all things to all people, but you should definitely consider it if youre looking at this price and/or size range.

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  SUV owner downsizes for fuel economy - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By narek - March 6 - 3:13 pm

  Ive had my Elantra SE about 1,100 miles now. I was looking for a smaller, more fuel efficient car to replace my large SUV. Comparing many models in the mid-size sedan category, the Elantra always came out on top. I was particularly drawn to the SE model for the standard Electronic Stability Control. Safety in a smaller car was a big concern, having always driven a large van or SUV. The ESC answered that concern. The adjustment from driving a large SUV to the Elantra took no time at all. The seats are comfortable and it handles like a dream. Road noise is almost nonexistent. My 6ft+ husband and son both fit comfortably in the front and back seats. I have no regrets. I love my car!

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  Evaluation of 1999 Hyundai Elantra Wagon - 1999 Hyundai Elantra
  By Judy Maxwell - March 4 - 2:38 pm

  I like the body, the roominess, and the convenient style of the hatchback. It gets around and it is easy to maneuver. It gets good gas mileage and is easy to park because of the size. I think it is undervalued in the blue book.

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  a little bit of heaven - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By allen - February 25 - 7:33 am

  Although I would like to see the seat coverings more modern looking, the car drives fabulous. Its responsive and handles with ease and surety. It has all the bolts and whistles at a fraction of the costs we pay for Toyota and Honda. After test driving all three I picked the Elantra. It had a better feel than the other two. And you cannot beat the warranty.

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  review31852 - 2016 Hyundai Elantra
  By Mark Strominger - February 17 - 5:57 pm

  Carbuyer9900

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  Proud Elantra Owner - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By sarah - February 16 - 10:00 am

  I really love my Hyundai Elantra. As I found when researching to purchase a car when you go with a Hyundai vehicle you get a lot more for your money and the warranty is unbeatable. I am a proud Hyundai owner!!!

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  Love my Elantra! - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By FranfromFL - February 15 - 2:33 pm

  I bought my 2007 Elantra in December. I dont have a lot of miles on it yet, but so far I love it. I have been looking for other 2007 Elantras on the road but so far I havent seen any. I am not sure why that is. I would highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a great mid-size sedan for under $20,000.

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  Good car for your money - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Joe_man - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Besides it is more powerful than Corolla, Civic, it is also fully loaded. Fun to drive and excellent built quality. I would not be surprised if it was priced $5000 more.

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  first hyundai - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By jacquecarol - February 11 - 10:00 am

  since I do alot of highway driving, and across country, I needed a car with great gas mileage, fun to drive, comfortable and at a reasonable price. I priced out Toyota & Honda. Wont buy a Chevy or Ford. The Elantra was about 5-7K less than the Neon, and with better gas mileage. Since I am short, and my husband tall, I needed a car that would fit both of us. The CD player really jams.

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  A good little car - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By David Green - February 9 - 2:00 am

  When my last car expired abruptly, I had to move quickly to get a new car. Id been aiming for a Toyota, but I had to set my sights a little lower. The Hyundai Elantra fit into my budget, though I was initially a little nervous about the Hyundai name. I neednt have worried. Ive had no problems with the car at all, and I even learned to drive a stick on it. The gas mileage has been decent, if not an astounding improvement over my last car. The ride has been smooth, and its been nicely responsive. No problems yet at all, though Im reassuerd to know that if I do have problems like my previous car (not a Hyundai) gave me, that the Hyundais warranty will cover those.