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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  First Hyundai - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By J - September 26 - 5:16 am

  This is our first Hyundai, and I have been very impressed. The ride is so smooth and quiet. Also, it is enjoyable to both drive and/or be a passenger in this vehicle because it is very comfortable. We have been shopping the market for some time now and this was the best vehicle we found for the money!

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  Little things dont work - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Bill Vance - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Great gas mileage, neat 5 speed, alittle gutless, overall turning radius is fine (u-Turn) on a normal street works, however its the taillight that wont operate replaced it 5 times, not the buld, and the headlights, do not last. this is my 5th replacement, Im a courier, so I never shut off the car from morning to night, saves on starter motor, and all the other pertinent parts, only lose about 4 mpg so instead of 30, I get about 25-26. not too shabby for a 2001, with 168000 miles so far

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  hyundai - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By paulfiquet - September 22 - 2:00 am

  overall the elantra is a very fine automobile for either highspeed driving on the interstate system or work time freeway driving to and from work.

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  My Little Lexus - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By tundra1 - September 15 - 9:46 pm

  After reading numerous reviews of this car I thought Id give it a look. I had just driven a fit when I walked next door to the Hyundai dealer and drove the elantra. I was very impressed. Feature content was unmatched, very comfortable (I am 6,2"), and visibility is excellent. Power is ok and mpgs are excellent. The most pleasant surprise to me was at 80 mph on the interstate it is really quiet. Nice build quality.

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  Nice little package - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By afridi99 - September 13 - 11:33 pm

  Nice styling, excellent interior. Two gripes that I have... first, for a 140-hp engine it seems to accelerate quite poorly, especially at higher speeds. Second, for some reason, the brakes squeal the first couple of times you use them after the car has been stationary for some time, say overnight. Otherwise a very decent package for a very reasonable price.

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  The Standard for Value - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Patrick B. McMonigle - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Owned at least a dozen cars, 4 of them Hyundai Elantras. Each better than the last. Most satifying car ive ever owned. Havent found a better value, or better coporate-buyer relations. Low resale value more than made up for with warranty & repeat buyer incentives. This is the first car ive owned that i cannot imagine trading in before the wheels fall off (not likely).

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  A good affordable car. - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By fje66 - September 10 - 10:00 am

  I am very pleased with my Elantra GT. A very comfortable and competent car with lots of features at a great price. The hatchback is very functional, but with a more traditional sedan type of exterior design. I find the car is particularly suited for highway travel (quiet and comfortable with good power at highway speeds and speed senisitive steering).

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  Happy so far - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Sani - September 8 - 12:23 pm

  Im still on the first tank of gas on my Elantra SE, but so far Im very pleased with it. Rides very well on city streets and highway. Feels bigger than my Mazda3, but not as big and floaty as a Sonata. Its the perfect size for myself and my family. Pickup is good and gas mileage is in the high 20s on the first tank - sure to get even better with time. Very high-quality interior, though I wish it were a lighter gray (its a nearly-black charcoal gray interior). A much better car than the previous-generation Elantra.

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  BEST value !! - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Romer - August 25 - 5:16 pm

  My nephew was first looking at a used Honda Civic. After I told him he could get a fully loaded Elantra GLS with traction control and ABS for $13,352 (w/ a $1250 mfr. rebate), we took one out for a test drive with 4 adults and AC running. It had a great take off with 4 adults in and the AC running. The 10 year power terrain warranty is better than what Honda, Toyota or Nissan offers. Gas mileage is in the upper 2os for city and mid 30s for highway. The fit and finish is really good and the ride is comfortable. There is --NO WAY-- you can find a better package for this kind of money. Out the door ( with tax and everything included ), it was $14.8K.

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  Elantra GLS - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By weyler - August 23 - 10:00 am

  I am happy with the reliability of the car above all. and if ever it were to fail, it has the 100K, 10 yr. warranty. I am used to a v-6 and miss that, but for a 4 cylinder it has a lot of pick-up-and-go