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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  Awesome Over All - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By ryan86 - May 18 - 5:01 pm

  I bought my 2012 Elantra Limited at the end of Sept 2011 last year. Over all its been a great car. I fell in love with the design as well as its gas mileage. The gas mileage in my opinion is not what they say it is. I wish it where better to be honest. But, yes there is a but.... Its not bad like most cars built with what options I have. Hyundai is the old Toyota. Just a well built nice looking car.

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  Gas mileage - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By gchildeb - May 16 - 5:56 pm

  This car does not live up to the 29/40 mpg it says it is ssuppose to get. The trip meter will consistently indicate mpg about 4 to 5 more than what you are really getting. You watch the trip meter and think great, I am getting 40 mpg. Then you fill up and find out you really only got 35 mpg. Dont get me wrong it is still good but should be easily correctable. Advertised mpg on the window sticker are verified by the government. Somebody is wrong. Aside from that the car is awesome. I quit riding Yamaha motorcycles because the speedometers were always off by about 4 miles per hour. This is not new technology.

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  Exceptional Value - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By paul2013 - May 11 - 10:03 am

  I purchased an Elantra GLS with the Preferred Package about a month ago. After extensive shopping, even with very little off the MSRP (this car is in high demand) the Elantra really does represent an exceptional value and in my opinion just outclasses the competition in terms of features and styling. I was concerned that it wouldnt have much pep since the engine is on the small side but it is more than adequate and I havent yet had the sensation of it being particularly under-powered.

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  Hyundai Does Not Stand Behind Their Product - 2011 Hyundai Elantra
  By jason010 - May 10 - 4:59 pm

  I purchased a 2011 Elantra new just over one year ago. I am a sales rep and I drive the car quite a bit. I now have 45k miles on the car. It gets good mileage (30-32 mpg in the hills of East TN). The cab is roomy & comfortable & the engine has been fine so far. Now, on to the issues I have with it. The car rides very rough, the road noise is terrible (and gets worse with time), & overall quality of the materials is questionable. Recently, all the audio (radio, bluetooth, and button) just went out. Hyundai wont fix it & basically told me to [non-permissible content removed]. The radio/navigation only has a 36k warranty, along with the paint. This tells me Hyundai knows the audio system is crap & doesnt care.

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  Excellent Value! - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By kngschld - April 26 - 4:42 pm

  I have owned 8 cars so far in my lifetime, and this one is #1. The quality of materials is outstanding for this model type and the performance IS as advertised. I am currently getting exactly 33.1 mpg, and I drive about 50/50 city and highway. If I drive solely Highway, I get 38 mpg. This car also handles very vell. It takes turns more like a sports car than a compact. By the way, I used to drive a Nissan 300 with twin turbos, so yes, I do know how a sportscar should handle. All-in-all, I say that if you buy this car, I can guarantee that you will get the best value for your buck. Enjoy, and happy driving!

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  Great MPG - 2011 Hyundai Elantra
  By zippie2 - April 26 - 10:22 am

  Mine has a little over 14000 miles on it. I drove this car at the posted speed of 55 and got 52.5 mpg, so I cant complain my Jeep only got 16 on the road, so this was really a great improvement.

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  2013 Elantra is Fantastic - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By tjpavlik - April 25 - 7:05 pm

  Our 2013 Elantra GLS is now a week old and has 400 miles on the odometer. After dealer problems (I dont want a blue one!!!). We finally bought our silver one literally right off the truck from a different dealer. The styling both interior and exterior is fantastic. Inside it seems to be about the same size as our 2002 Sonata. It has a lot of cubby holes and places to stow stuff. The sound system sounds great: XM, IPOD, AUX & CD. (It even has AM/FM!) Air conditioning is cold and on the 4th fan setting is downright breezy. Heated seats are the only difference between the 2012 and the 2013. THE GAS MILEAGE IS AWESOME! Averaged 40.2 mpg on the highway on a short trip. (Loaded, no a/c)

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  WOW, What a GREAT car! - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By himpg1 - April 25 - 11:00 am

  After 4 weeks, and 1500+ miles, we are very happy! We bought from Earnhardt Hyundai in Scottsdale, AZ. Carl gave us a super deal, and we didnt have any of the normal games that dealers like to play. It was FUN buying the Elantra. We bought at the end of the month!!We get the 29/40 mpg and more! It takes common sense, and a conservative driving style. We bought a steel wheel and full size tire for a spare from Discount Tire for less than $150. A jack, lug wrench, and spare tie down at a salvage yard for $12. There is plenty of room for the full size spare! We drive up steep mountain grades at freeway speeds with no problem.

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  POOR GAS MILAGE! - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By utahandjazz - April 22 - 6:38 pm

  This car does not live up to the 29/40 mpg it says it is ssuppose to get. We have been getting more like 22/32 mpg. Buyer beware!

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  Great car after 3+ years - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By sreston - April 15 - 11:14 am

  I bought this new for under $15k, and am delighted with the features, low cost of ownership, and overall quality of the car. I love the problem-free driving, nicely peppy engine, comfort and interior space (I am 65"). The car still looks new inside and out. I have had a few small issues as follows: *Drivers seat makes a clicking sound in the lowest position *Rear window sometimes made a crackling/popping sound when going over laterally uneven ground, but this went away last year after I put some product on the weatherstripping *Drivers side window made a popping sound when rolled down--it was sticking to the stripping. Silicon lube fixed it Otherwise the car has required zero repairs.