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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  Accent to Elantra - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Ms. Happy - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Upgraded from Accent, also a good car. Drive and features are great, but car had flawed brake rotors, had to be re- turned, inexcusable on brand new car. Mileage should be better, but comfort and warranty cant be beat by ANYONE. My insurance was lowered from Accent to Elantra due to improved security and safety features. GET ONE!

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  Superior Product and Pricing - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By kupop - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Hyundai has traditionally cornered the cost-conscious consumer, but now with this type of product they can lure the informed consumer. Compare it with the Japanese sedans in this class. Check the fit and finish, the build quality. Question others when they ridicule Hyundai, because they dont know. This is the second best overall engine in the class. The gearbox brings no complaints. There is elite ride quality. The features list is staggering, especially at the price. Compare. . .

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  Highly recommended - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By DP - January 7 - 9:30 am

  Price, Safety, Style, Warranty, Roominess, Smooth ride. This one blows out the competition, including Civic. We got one pretty much loaded...auto., cruise, ABS, side air bags, etc. for $12,500. Includes many std. features that youd have to pay extra for on other cars (i.e., fold down rear seat). Seats are a bit firm. Good rear leg room. Acceleration just ok, but once up to speed power is very good.

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  my 3rd hyundai - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By glad search over - January 6 - 4:30 pm

  Didnt have to do much research on the Hyundai vehicle b/c this is my 3rd Hyundai in 6 years. Due to the rise in gas I was determined to get a car with an overall gas mileage in the 30s. Narrowed my choices to the Elantra, the Corolla, and the Honda Fit. The Fit seemed like a cute car, decent enough ride, but not good enough for the amount of driving that I do. I couldnt tell any difference btwn the Corrolla and the Elantra as far as the overall drive and quality. However, I got the Elantra for 3,000 dollars cheaper. The car drives very good, am surprised at the power and the cruising speeds. My wife drove it and I was constantly telling her to slow down.

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  Worst car Ive ever owned - 2016 Hyundai Elantra
  By Mike - December 26 - 4:47 am

  Fit and finish Terrible. Handling poor. Bad weather Handling DEADLY. It is so bad in snow and ice I just left it home. Brakes were bad from DAY 1. Dealers response was they couldnt find anything wrong. I eventually had to do an entire brake job. New pads and rotors. Dealer put an inspection sticker on it even with bad brakes and worn tires. Corporate Hyundai is a total waste. They are uninterested in anything but M O N E Y!!! You get subtle threats when trying to resolve an issue. I could go on and on but there isnt enough space here. But something else this company vehicles are a waste of time.

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  Airbag - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Johnar - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Airbig wount stay on on the passanger side. Hyundai has put a light for the passanger side seat. You have to have 50# for the airbag to activate. When you drive my car it goes on & off Sometimes it stay on. I have only had it 3 weeks and in the shop 4 times. Its now a lemon the law says they have to replace the car. The dealership gave me a new one off the lot and it did the same thing. Hyundai had a man to work on it and he said it was ok NOT! So The dealership called Hyundai no answer yet. Thanks for your time John

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  Best of the Best - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By El Mac - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Dont look at Honda Civic, dont look at Toyota Corolla, go directly to Hyundai, and buy an Elantra GT Hatchback. I did the research, test drove, did more research, I bought the best of the best. The car is tight as a drum, drives like a dream, smooth automatic, fully loaded costs about the same as an entry-level competitor. Leather seats, Kenwood stereo, fog lights, cute rear and front end...hatchback with rear seats down flat holds almost as much cargo as the Honda CRV I traded in. Quality is outstanding.My wife and I also own a 2000 Volvo C70 convertible...I cant decide which one I like best!

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  BETTER THAN HONDA CIVIC? - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Thisbemasn - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I own 1999 honda si and hyundai Elantra .. man wow... this car rocks.. i mean it isnt as fast as my si but.. it rides smooth for a compact car.. cant really tell any difference between my si and elantra best thing bout this car is that it looks sharp... LOve IT!!!

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  Elantra GT 2002 Automatic - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By RickJ - December 9 - 10:00 am

  After much research and two test drives, my wife and I turned in our leased 1999 VW Jetta and purchased a red 2002 Elantra GT demo w/pkg. 11. We love it and cant believe the price we paid. The car is powerful, quiet and well laid out. After 3,000 miles we dont have one complaint. Go Hyundai.

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  GOOD VALUE - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Son Son - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Well done,Hyundai, for providing a sufficient price for a good amount of features!!!!!