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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  Impressive price and value - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Henry Semple - January 31 - 6:56 am

  I bought this car several weeks ago and have been driving it in a variety of different ways. I commute 25 miles each way on the highway for work and live in a densely populated city. The GT versions suspension and interior touches make longer highway drives pleasent and comftorble. In the city it handles well also but MPG suffers and becomes very average for its class. Also the visibility in the rear of the hatchback version is not as good as other hatchbacks I have driven. The engine is quick to respond from a stop but it seems you really have to lead foot it to get brisk accelleration at moderate speeds. Chose auto over manual after not liking the shift range and clutch.

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  Hyundai? yes it is - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By couchy - January 29 - 10:00 am

  this is a good car and hyundai become more and more great

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  awesome - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By bobbi - January 25 - 10:50 pm

  I love this car. i went from a 04 elantra to the 07 elantra. the design of the car is great. i really like the new look. its zippy and sporty. the interior is roomy and the blue dash lites are great. plenty of room for tall people. the ride is smooth and comfortable. i really love this car. before my o4 elantra i had a 96 accent and that was a very dependable too!

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  Im glad I bought it, good value. - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By xo1rider - January 22 - 9:16 pm

  I was convinced I was going to buy a Honda Civic but the Hyundai warranty and greater interior space hooked me. When I saw the standard features I could get for my money I was sold. My car has factory XM radio, alloy wheels, steering wheel controls for audio system and cruise. All of which I would have paid more for with the Honda. This is the first 4 cylinder car Ive owned in years and the lowest price car Ive had in a couple of decades. It fits the bill for me with the MPG and features. The bad news, it takes the corners worse than anything Ive driven in years. For every day driving its fine, good commuter but stay off the twisty roads!

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  What a Surprise! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By gene frazier - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Reliability: superior to my previous Camry Design: LOVE the blue instrument lights...HATE the poor interior lighting and DIM turn signal indicators and computer display (unreadable with sunglasses). Still tight and squeek- free after 68,000 miles. Good but not great mileage. Only one unscheduled service visit in 2 years...my Camry had more than that the first month I owned it.

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  ME AND MY HATCH - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By BELA04GT - January 11 - 2:00 am

  The 04 gt hatch has been a pleasure the day we met. yes, the elantra only gained a mir 3 hp in a year(138) but it is note worthy. the variable valve timing now on the 2.o dohc does add a boost otherwise noted on this site (135hp). the suspension can handle those turns and downshifting can get you that extra boost without worrying about you dropping something on the interstate. the kenwood cd/mp3 BUMPS indeed. the leather is nice.. the whole interior is nice. i fit a 27 inch tv box and all in the cargo.overall this car is crazy nice i assure anyone with doubts that even test driving this car will change your mind. mods a must

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  Wow, excellent car! - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Christopher McAllist - January 10 - 10:06 am

  You cant beat the quality for the unbelievably low price. Leather interior for under 20k is unheard of! Awesome fuel economy; again you will never beat the quality of this car for the price you pay.

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  What is there not to like? - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By mike332 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Almost 2yrs,15,000miles of trouble free,enjoyable driving, I love it.

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  Great looking car! - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By Alona - January 6 - 4:32 am

  Nice looking sporty car at a reasonable price!

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  BARGAIN OF THE YEAR ! - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By hwjoe - January 5 - 2:00 am

  I did a lot of research before purchasing my Elantra GT 5door. I looks at Chevy, Dodge, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi and the HYundai was the best deal. For what you get in Hyundai for the price your pay, you cant beat it. I found a HTF pkg 8 with ABS/Tract Control and my dealer, Towne Hyundai in Denville NJ didnt try to mark up the car because of it. Warranty, Leather, great stereo, sunroof, power everything, auto, abs, tract control, reputable dealer, with a 2000.00 rebate and 500.00 extra for owner loyalty (I traded a 97 Accent with 145K-another good car) The Elnatra was well under $15000 !!! Where else can you get so much for so little !