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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  First full year - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By jimbeaumi - October 10 - 10:00 am

  My 2001 GLS 5-speed rolled 15K shortly after turning a year old July 9. This car has performed wonderfully during its first four seasons here in Michigan, with only oil changes and tire rotations. No mechanical problems, no recalls. Interior is very comfortable, HVAC is incredibly efficient, audio is good, and it is still very fun to drive. Two very minor but persistent noises (a buzz, a rattle) are present in my vehicle, noticeable only because the interior is otherwise very quiet. This has been my best car thus far. Happy!!

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  2017 Hyundai Elantra too much too little - 2017 Hyundai Elantra
  By gary knott - October 9 - 10:54 pm

  1. The raised center console gets in the way when shifting, and when just driving. 2. I dont want keyless doors and trunk, and there is no option for "manual". 3. The electronic odometer/etc. is too cluttered and mult-purpose. give me one spot for each function and minimize "cute" inscrutable" symbols. 4. Tire pressure sensors are great, but tell me the actual pressures when I "ask" to see them. 5. Ditto with engine coolant temp. give me the number in Farenheit. (You could add an oil temp output too.)

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  just a great car - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By jberrer - October 8 - 12:30 am

  This car replaced my chevy avalanche for reasons of fuel economy. I opted for the hatch to still be able to carry a few things. Im not comfortable in many cars because of my 63" frame but even on long trips this car has been very comfortable. Fuel economy has been excellent with about 31.5 mpg combined. The build quality is excellent and even though this is my first Hyundai, it will not be my last. I would recommend this car to anyone needing a practical and economical commuter that still has a lot of luxury features.

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  Perfect Car - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Dave666Thomas - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I want to thank Hyundai for offering this car at such a low price. Its such a great deal. I know 3 people who own various models of Hyundais and they all love them. When I went new car shopping Hyundai was at the top of my list and stayed there especially when I realized that I would get so much more for my Dollar by buying a Hyundai instead of a Toyota or Honda. Read the reviews and compare the Elantra to the Corolla, Civic, Neon and Focus and you will see that the Elantra is not only a car worth serious consideration but your best option. Besides how can you go wrong with Americas best Warrenty?

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  Awesome - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By JVolk - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I like everything About it. Its the best car for the money!

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  So far so good, no problems - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By dercat - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought this from Colorado for a cheap second car. Excellent gas milage. Drove from Amarillo TX to Dallas TX and all around Dallas on 14 gallons of gas. Hard to drive the speed limit, feels like you are crawling. Will be easy to get tickets in. Comfortable, reliable so far. Car was a dealer demo for a Hyundai executive. Bought it with 11,000 miles and now has 24,000 miles. Went ahead and got the 100,000 mile warranty and have not been to the shop yet. Resale seems a little low, trying to sell at this point as I no longer need the car.

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  Helluva Upgrade from My Old Mans Standby - 2016 Hyundai Elantra
  By GSuzu - September 13 - 10:00 am

  I kept my Toyota Corolla S for 11-years and it served me with dependability but not a lot of pizazz. When I decided on the Hyundai Elantra, what struck me right off the bat were the headlamps...actually the entire front of the vehicle. It looked almost evil, and that made me feel like a kid again! The head-on view of the car is impressive! The headlamp "guns" definitely illuminates the roadway at night with more than enough brightness. The cavernous trunk has room for my golf clubs AND my fishing equipment, AND my storage bin for cleaning supplies! Getting used to not having to use a key took a while, but the convenience cant be taken for granted. Being in Hawaii, I didnt need the heated leather seats but I may use it when water freezes in our state at 69-degrees! The power seat with lumbar support is a dream. The controls are easy to use and I have nothing but praise for the entire dash. And while I may have lost a bit of MPG, this car MOVES with the 2.0 engine! That more than makes up for the 3-4 MPG I lost. When I step on the accelerator, I am pushed back in my seat as the car lives up to the SPORT in the name. I used to have a Corolla-S that got laughed at when I lost a drag race with a lawnmower. Truth be told, this old man doesnt need all that power I have at my disposal, but it sure is nice to have. My dealer (Tony Hyundai in Honolulu) has gone out of their way to make this ownership feel like I purchased a luxury car! Getting a $1000 rebate because I purchased the car during a promotion made this even sweeter!

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  Excellent Overall Value - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Don - September 13 - 2:03 am

  I spent over 6 months scrutinizing and driving all brands, including Honda and Toyota, and was very impressed by the Elantras build-quality. If one looks carefully, and objectively compares body panel alignments and consistent seam gaps, the Elantra doesnt take a back seat to any car. The attention to detail and fit-and-finish on the exterior and interior are readily apparent. The Elantra drives well, and the ride is surprisingly supple and quiet. Acceleration is on par with most of the 4-cylinder automatics Ive driven. For an out-the-door price, including tax, of around $13,500, its an excellent overall value. Hyundai produces an excellent car at a most affordable price.

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  very good car - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By kion - September 11 - 10:00 am

  style is best, and price is fantastic

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  Black Phantom Beauty! - 2016 Hyundai Elantra
  By Tom Miller - September 9 - 6:40 am

  Besides being a little hard getting in and out, I have become use to sliding the seat back! I love this car! I feel like I stole it from Phil Long of Motor City in Colorado Springs as I cant believe the deal that I got! I had to drive to and from Arkansas (2000 miles) due to an emergency not long after I bought it so got to know the car very well. The car handled like a dream the whole way! Many people on the way at rest stops, gas stations, etc. complimented me on my car and it made me swell with pride! Hyundai definitely has a winner with this one!