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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  Crashed the car and will never buy a Hyundai again - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By PAman - July 23 - 7:50 am

  After a long love/hate relationship. The steering and suspension were awesome.The car crashed with me in it with no known reason whatsoever. I had a near death experience. I was driving one morning and the car fishtailed twice on its own then went on 60 degrees angle to the left and crashed in a ditch!!!. The car was still in "Americas greatest warranty" and Hyundai really dodged it and denied any faults that can be with the car. After a couple of researches, the steering on models from 2009-2013 has a big problem of suddenly turning to the left and locking in that position causing crashed and fatalities. I was completely in love with this car and only using Hyundai dealership for maintenance and had a very horrible sad end. This car is not safe!!!!

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  Cheers for Elantra GT - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Gary Atherton - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I have had my GT for a year now and I couldnt be happier with it. I have returned to the dealership only once and that was for a recall notice. Even the usual "little things" that accompany a new vehicle have not appeared.

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  Get One While You Can! - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By howdymax - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I dont know how they do it for the money. Once Hyundai realizes what a bargain this car really is - they will probably raise the price. I traded in my 2000 Beetle for a GLS 5 spd w/ all the standard features plus cruise, remote entry and alarm, stereo CD, woodgrain trim, moonroof, mudguard, and cargo net for $13,840. The dealer was polite, helpful, and gave me a great price on my trade-in. I took my Elantra home for $2500.00. This car is comfortable, logical, and a dream to drive.

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  do check out this car! - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Ingrid - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I researched new cars for over six months and just couldnt help feeling ripped off by all other makes after taking a closer look at Hyundai. All the features I wanted, for $3000 less than a Civic EX! (And a 10-year warranty to calm my fears about reliability...) What about resale value? What Ill get less for it in a few years is in my bank account now--collecting interest. Love the responsive ride, ergonomics, large load capacity, Euro styling. Nothing rattles, automatic transmission shifts as smooth as butter.

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  Wow...and I only paid $14,366.00!! - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Timbo - July 11 - 10:00 am

  What can I say about this car only that Hyundai must be losing money on this one. I think they are trying hard for market share. Man...I love this car....Black and fine. In a few years I will put 16s on it and mabye lower it about 1 1/2 inches. If this thing had a turbo...Im telling you there would be no need to even test drive anything within 10K of its price.

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  Hyndai Elantra GT 2004 - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By SmithVincent - July 7 - 10:00 am

  Bought an Silver Hyundai Elantra GT 2004 Model in third week of June 2004 in the state of NJ. Paid $13900 OTD ( incl taxes etc). Excellent car... lots of power. Delivers avg mileage of 28.5 mpg. Was debating between Civic, Corolla, sentra and Elantra. Civiv would have been the first choice but its expensive even with the most basic features. Corolla has no power at all. Seating is a bit awkard too. Little more pricier than Elantra. Sentra has bad crash test ratings and looks are a turn off. Elantra has a good balance of all.

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  Not worth it - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By connedout - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Check engine light was on and had to take it to dealer 4 times for fixing. The canister was leaking (imagine, on a 1 year old car!). 1 month back the cassette player got screwed. Resale value really sucks. Major service required every 6 months. Spent almost $600 on service the 1st year!! If you consider all this and the fuel economy, buying a Honda/Toyota really works out cheaper. Do your math, find out the true cost. Buy this ONLY if upfront cost is really important to you. Even then, I would recommend buying a used Honda/Toyota instead of a new Hyundai.

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  Really Good Value For The Price. - 2017 Hyundai Elantra
  By PC757 - July 1 - 6:15 am

  The last Hyundai I owned was a 2006 Santa Fe, the old style one with the bulging fenders, Hyundai quality has certainly gone up. I owned that Santa Fe for over 10 years and 129,000 miles, and I admittedly did not really take good care of it, put gas in it, changed the oil, usually well over the recommended 7,500 mile interval. My total out of pocket cost for repairs other than routine maintenance and tires was $257.00 and that was being a neglectful owner. I wanted a car this time not an SUV, and I have been doing a lot of traveling across state back and forth so I wanted something with good gas mileage but inexpensive and had good safety ratings. I have been reading reviews on the Elantra over the past 10 months or so since it was first introduced in 2016. Looked at the safety ratings on IIHS in the US and at Europes safety testing. Test drove the Elantra , Corolla, Civic and Mazda 3. I really do not like the styling of the Toyota at all, The Civic was nice but no value for the amount of money they charge and didnt really care for the low roof line look. I liked the Mazda 3 but I was looking more for a comfortable driving car rather than a sporty car, and equipped the same the Mazda was still $1,000 more. The Elantra Value Edition, with the Hyundai incentives, pretty much put me in a well equipped, good looking, smooth riding car that gets pretty decent gas mileage and has good crash test results for the price of a used compact car. The car is pretty nice looking, the color Phantom Black, is actually like a black metallic with the windows tinted in the right shade (more black looking than gray, but not overly dark) it looks sweet. Im averaging 37 mpg. and its fast enough for me. I have not experienced any of this lag time Ive read about on here from a couple of other people, I hit the gas the car goes. I can not say that for a Chevy Cruze I rented while out of town, the Turbo lag on that car was terrible.

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  Truly a good car! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Izzy the Elantra - June 23 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed this car since we have had it. It gets wonderful gas mileage and the rise is smooth and quiet. The price was the best part. You will never find a car with this many perks for the price.

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  After a half dozen Hondas... - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Ralph Stein - June 11 - 8:16 am

  I didnt think Id buy anything but a Honda again. A looming bill for an expensive selective college for my teen made me rethink the equation. So I test drove a Hyundai. It felt like a Honda, had a comfortable interior (Im 62") and for a little over 16G I got the most feature-loaded car Ive ever had. The sales experience was also the most low pressured ever and after two months of driving this car Im thrilled with it. Will probably upgrade to another Hyundai - in four years.