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 Value - 2017 Hyundai Elantra
By B Bloomster - September 8 - 9:43 amFor the price, it includes lots of features and functions well. It lives up to its advertising. Very good fuel economy. The warranty is tops.
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Affordable, Comfortable & Quick - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
By Littlebluedaewoo - September 5 - 2:00 amA Very Nice Car!! Ive only had it for 2 weeks but so far so good. It rides like a cadillac. Its little 2.0 litre engine feels like a bigger V-6 and it really drives & feels like a well built car of the $30,00 dollar range. I love the seats. Quality Job!! Relaxing but yet firm. The interior is a no nonsense design & I like it.
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Perfect do-all commuter - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
By thm73 - September 4 - 3:46 pmHesitant as I was to buy a Korean vehicle, I am glad I did. Ive only owned the car for 2 weeks now - but at 1200 miles now (I can finally use the cruise control!) - its been flawless. There is nothing about this vehicle that I havent expected (not the fastest engine) - and a few things that I have been pleasantly surprised about - (the A/C gets too cold?!?) - this car is built with quality in mind - and is right on par with its competition; at a better price to boot. In order to get ABS - I opted for a model with the sunroof/traction control/ABS package- which adds about $1300 to the base price GT - worth it in my opinion - and you get a sunroof too! I see no reason not to buy this car.
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good value & great ride - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
By tttech - September 3 - 2:00 amJust 2 weeks so far but Im impressed. My GT has everything I want in a refined package. If things continue going well this will be a very sought after vehicle for Hyundai.
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My New Toy - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
By Robcros3 - August 30 - 2:00 amI just bought my first Hyundai. I was in a Malibu 2 times prior to this purchase. I wasnt too keen on the Hyundais but I saw this one and test drove it since my budget didnt allow for much I kept an open mind. I was pleasantly surprised!! Its perky, and it handles very well on tight curves and it bad weather.I love all the gadgets that came with it. So far I am very happy with my Hyundai Elantra GT.
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my car - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
By krolick - August 30 - 2:00 ambought brand new never has one before make or model, very nice test drive it really sold us on the car. The comfort and performance has been the best of any car we have owned. for a small car it has a LOT of room. our kids are all grown 6 and up and they can sit comfortable in front or back good leg room and head room. Love it will get new version when we trade for new car.
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My new Elantra - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
By James M B - August 30 - 2:00 amI took my new Elantra out for the first time, after signing the paperwork, in the middle of a snow storm. Experiencing the way this 5- speed handled in bad weather confirmed my suspicions, trading my old Elantra for a new one was a great move. Ive owned Hyundais for a lot of years now and even sold them for a while and would recommend the Hyundai product line to anyone looking for a finely engineered, reliable, well warranteed and inexpensive vehicle.
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Overall good car for a small family - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
By Joseph Teague - August 29 - 8:03 amWe have owned Hyundias for several years and enjoy the cost free driving and the small car look. They have great room inside and trunk space. If youre looking for a low priced, good quality car with great coverage and low insurance payments this is the car for your family!
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1,000 miles later... - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
By oh so happy - August 28 - 10:00 amWhat a gem-I looked for 3 months- researching cars-Hondas, Toyota...(I thought that would be the ONLY car I would ever buy). I noticed an Elantra GT on the highway-was very curious-and started to research. After the test drive I was hooked...Fabulous car...Highly recommend!
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What a great car! - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
By Roydjt - August 22 - 9:53 pmI have driven this car for over a year now, and I have put it to the full test. I have been nothing but satisfied with its comfort, performance, reliability, and efficiency. I feel that I got more for my money than with any other car on the market. I find it to be stylish and I am glad that its different from all the other econoboxes on the road. It hauls a large load with ease due to the hatchback design with 60/40 folding rear seats, and its fast, too!
