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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  Good buy for the money! - 2016 Hyundai Elantra
  By Jake Tayler - June 10 - 8:38 pm

  This is my first brand new car to purchase. I may be a little biased due to the fact this was the first car that I looked at, first dealership that I went to, and I ended up buying the car. I have put 1600 miles on the car so far in the month I have owned it ( I know, my girlfriend loves it and always wants to drive it). The car has been great so far, it feels nice on the road, when i get on the highway going at a fast speed the tires grab the road very well when sliding, if i hit a bump i never feel like my tires arent in contact with the road, I know this has to do with the traction control the car has. Once you get on the road or highway the drive is nice, its a little noisy but nothing you cant get used to, the stock radio/cd/xmsiruis rado is delightful. I got the base model SE which my only upgrades are rubber mats (highly recommend) and the auto-dimming mirror/compass. You can hear road noise but its not overwhelming, I dont expect silence when I drive anyways, its really not safe when driving long distances and with this car you will get amazing gas mileage doing that. I have been getting around 38 MPG although I drive a lot of highway, once you put on the Active ECO you can get higher, my highest yet is 40 MPG. My only gripe with the model I got is there isnt automatic headlights and I would have liked the window lock button to light up the same way that the other window buttons on the driver side light up. The car drives great though even with a 1.8 liter 4 cylinder engine, the transmission shifts very smooth and I never have a problem merging with traffic or accelerating to make a lane change. The body of the car is very sexy. I chose the black version and with tinted windows its a very good looking car. If you are looking for a reliable car with a 100,000 mile power train warranty and a 60,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty that will definitely last the length of your car loan, this is a great choice.

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  falling apart quickly - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Sherri - June 7 - 12:43 am

  At 814 miles, 17th day of ownership, the fuel pump went out and left me stranded. Hyundais roadside said they would tow me to closest dealership and leave me there even though it was closed and would be for the next 2 days. On 21st day of ownership the drivers rear window wouldnt work and had to be repaired. The car didnt even have tags yet and is already falling apart. This particular car is a lemon and neither the manufacturer or dealership wants the responsibility for it, so as of now Im stuck with an unreliable poor quality vehicle still searching for some help.

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  Why would anyone buy a Honda?? - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By riley - June 5 - 8:46 am

  Im proud of how far Hyundai has come in recent years. Remember how they used to be??..The Elantra is just great. This car is so solid and well built. Interior quality is good, not great. Im 17 and i sold my beloved Volkswagen Jetta(2000) for this. The Elantra is just as good as the civic and much cheaper. My only complaint is that the body integrity is not as solid as my Jettas was.

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  I love my car - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By lillaura01 - June 4 - 10:56 am

  This car is excellent for the price. It drives very well; my friends constantly remark about how smooth the ride is. Gas mileage is great. Of course, this isnt a luxury car, but I enjoy my sunroof and power everything. I travel a great deal for work, and Ive never had a problem. Its also comforting to know that I have roadside assistance any time I need it and an unbeatable warranty. I highly recommend this car.

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  Nothing but problems - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By Kat - June 3 - 8:26 am

  I have owned my Hyundai for two years (this month), and I have had nothign but problems. The car is in the shop at least every 3 months. I have already had to get 2 igintion coils replaces, the transmittions replaced (and its going bad again), the catalitic converter replaced, the driver window fell off, the blower motor replaced. I got better gas milage in my 79 Ford LTD than this car after the first 3,000 miles. I WILL be getting a new car before the warrenty is up. Thank goodness for the warrenty!

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  WISE CHOICE - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By MINI TERMINATOR - June 1 - 10:00 am

  GREAT BUY. THE CAR IS FUN TO DRIVE AND GETS EXCELLENT GAS MILEAGE. THE STANDARD FEATURES AND WARRANTY FOR THE PRICE OF THE CAR CAN NOT BE MATCHED. BUY ONE!

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  best deal on the market - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By wisconsinsteve - May 29 - 10:00 am

  2002 Hyundai Elantra GT with 15" alum alloy wheels, 4-wheel disc brakes, cruise, power windows, locks & mirrors, leather interior, trip computer, folding rear seats, 6 speaker stereo w/CD, fog lamps, intermit wipers, A/C, mud guards, monogrammed floor mats, 5 yr-60000 mile bumper to bumper warranty, 10 yr-100000 mile powertrain warranty, 5 yr roadside assistance, adust height seatbelts, and side-impact airbags. just find ANY other vehicle today that gives you such a long list of standard features for less than $14,600. so far the build quality, fit & finish, and reliability have been flawless. move over honda and toyota, youve got company.

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  improved over my 2003 - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By rodger chinery - May 24 - 9:26 am

  after my 2003 was wrecked - the drivers compartment was totally intact i wanted another one I was so pleased with my first. allthe little minor amnnoyances of my earlier car were fixed on the 2006> its a dream car for a comute and my mileage is now 27 it used to be 24 on the 03.

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  awesome! - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By fenton - May 6 - 11:00 pm

  This wonderful car has been a blessing for me. Its one of the most reliable cars i have ever driven. With 133 ft/lbs. of torque, acceleration is not a problem and with 140 horsepower, highway passing is easily accomplished. The smooth design of this machine is one of the best around giving you a sporty look as well as one of class. Brake lights bigger than your head let everyone know when to stop! An A/C that will always keep you cool, even in the dead of summer. All the features needed to live in comfort and drive in style are right at your fingertips. It is truly an amazing vehicle.

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  workhorse - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By altaylor5 - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Have had the elantra for 2 years, driven it over 60,000 miles, and still love it. PROS: Comfortable quiet ride, 80 mph no sweat, drivable and good handling, has a "bigger car" feel when driving it, especially does well on express way. CONS: Although car has plenty of pickup once you get going over 25 mph, the first 0-25 mph is sluggish, some of the inside trim is cheaply made.