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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  Really like the new Elantra - 2017 Hyundai Elantra
  By VS - October 23 - 12:57 pm

  The Elantra is probably the best bang for the buck as far as bells and whistles are involved. We got ours for 19k out the door. The infotainment system is great. Sleek styling and easy to use. The 6-speed auto transmission shifts smoothly and on time. Gives you 40 MPGs on the highway. The ride is comfortable with a little wind noise. Plenty of room in the back, as opposed to the Corollas. This is a great family sedan.

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  Cant beat the value! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By MattGuy - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car without a trade in and got out the door (including taxes, tags, ect...) for 13988.98. It is the 5-speed with a moonroof, and I love it. Corolla was 2k more and had less options, same with the civic. You just cant beat the value. Not to even mention the industry leading warranty.

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  I "did" get some satisfaction - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Gary G. Gansz - October 19 - 10:00 am

  After careful review and examination of all direct competitors we purchased our second Hyundai (Sonata in Nov-03). Compared to the competition, the Elantra is in a class by itself from interior comfort, storage/trunk space, real drive ability and take charge road handling performance this buggy is a real sleeper. The sporty yet some what sophisticated exterior draw you in to an exciting and very pleasureable ownership experience.

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  Great car! - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By Pat - October 17 - 11:07 am

  I (still have) a 1998 Jeep wrangler with big tires and a lift and needed a better vehicle to commute back and forth between Jacksonville, FL and Pensacola. Bought it new 4 years ago and there has never been a moment where I havent been happy about my decision. Only 2 things I dont like: you literally have to slam the trunk to close it, and if youre going 40+ and hit bumps it has very unstable handling.

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  I LOVE this car! - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By tinkzcandy - October 15 - 10:33 am

  Ive only had this car for a little over a week, and Im already in love. This is my first brand new car, so Ive been doing plenty of research. Everything led me to this vehicle. The price is great, I got a great deal on mine. The exterior is very stylish, not to boxy. I have it in the carbon gray color and that helps so it doesnt look so dirty! haha The interior is a nice light gray color. A lot of compartments inside to store anything you could possibly need in a car. Lots of cup holders. Big trunk, it fit everything from my big trip walmart last night. Overall the inside is very comfortable for long trips. I drove up north yesterday, 2 hours both ways and no complaints here.

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  FAST GT FRANKLIN - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By dhyde1 - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I really like this car. I got a nice deal on it. I only paid 13,650 for it. I wish it had more HP but it fine at 135 HP.

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  sweet - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By pt - October 15 - 2:00 am

  very comfortable, good acceleration, excellent 5 speaker stereo

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  Second Elantra in 2 years - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By lovetosavegas - October 12 - 2:00 am

  We had our GT hatchback for 2 years now and when I had to replace my other car, another Elantra had all the features that I wanted for a good price. Mazda3, Corolla, Civic and Kia Spectra were my other choices but Elantra still has the best value for the money IMHO

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  I love my hyundai! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By comstar504 - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I wasnt a big fan of hyundai when I went into the dealership last december. I test drove an accent and it was a little under powered, but when I sat in the elantra it was like coming home. the interior was soothing, the exterioir lines sporty yet sophisticated. when I took it out for a test drive, the powerful 2 liter motor put me into the seat just the way i liked it. I came in a doubter and left a customer for life, my next purchase is an new Tiburon.

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  Not sorry I bought it! - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By aschwindt - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought mine for the warranty and price. I did a lot of research 1st, & couldnt find anything bad. Loved the test drive, bought the same day. I dont get as good of gas mileage as it seems others do, but it is very comfy & smooth riding. Had the gas tank problem, (cap not on, check engine light), but they didnt charge me to reset it. Does also dent easily from shopping carts. Love pretty much everything else.