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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  Rent a vehicle before you buy - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By jimbobsebring - June 12 - 10:00 am

  We had to rent a car when our son came home on leave from the army. As luck would have it, we got stuck with an Elantra. What a find. We bought a 2004 in April. It drives as well as our Buick Century (2001). I do agree though with people claiming lack of quality in the paint. We already have scratches that have penatrated the clear coat and the paint. Nothing like that on the Buick.

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  What a Car!!! - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By mm1234 - June 12 - 10:00 am

  I just got my Elantra and I cant say enough great things about it. The car is fun to drive and handles very well on the Highway.The gas mileage is excellent I traded in a gas guzziling SUV for the Elantra best move I ever made!!! Go for the Elantra you wont be sorry.

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  Unbeatable Value - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By zipperflounder - June 9 - 10:53 am

  I bought a white 07 GLS 5 speed stick with the $1500.00 option (ac,cd,crusie,175 watt sound with 6 speakers,ect) for $14800.00! What a bargin!! From a safty standpoint alone where else can you get a car with 4 wheel disc breaks, abs,electronic break force distribution, AND 6 (yes thats six!) standard airbags for under 15 grand? Not to mention all the other standard goodies included, the excellent fuel economy, super low emessions, power everything, outstanding warranty, and all built to great quality. Hyundai has come a long way and has come to par with the Japanese automakers. The old public perception will still keep resale values down but that is the only knock as far as Im concerened.

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  2014 Elantra - 2014 Hyundai Elantra
  By Tim Mahoney - June 4 - 11:45 am

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  I love my car - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By nycsexy69 - June 3 - 2:00 am

  It is a very reliable car and i am pleased with the performance i like the style of the car and the the way it is set up in the inside i love how smooth it drives

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  Great Car for A Great Price - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By HappyCarOwner - June 3 - 2:00 am

  We test drove 4 other vehicles (Mazda, Nissan, Ford, Honda) and this vehicle stood out best among those. We are very satisfied so far. We feel like we got in on a good deal while the price is still right. FOR THE PRICE ITS A STEAL!

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  Great Little Car!!!!!!!! - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Paladin - May 29 - 9:30 pm

  I love this car. Perfect size for a sporty sedan. Great 5-speed gearbox. Short throws in the shifter. Solid feel and great handling. Best value I could find for the money. Its just fun to drive. Engine is smooth and has sufficient power for the cars weight.

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  Practical - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By joe_smuckatelli - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had my car for about 4 months. This is a very practical car. Considering that a car depreciates about $3000 per year, you can throw this car away after 5 years and still have done well. Like the old Chevette, but much more appointed. If your looking for more than basic transportation for a great price, this is it.

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  01 elantra - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By cowboy heald - May 17 - 6:56 pm

  outstanding car no problems at all.

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  A very good car and a great value - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By dclurker - May 15 - 4:56 am

  Owning this car makes you feel smug because you spent about $3,000 less than someone buying a comparably equipped Civic or Corolla. My Elantra has everything (including ABS/Traction Control) except a sunroof, and I paid less than $15,000 out-the-door. The car is well-built and fun to drive. If youre in the market for a compact, give the Elantra a test drive; youll be glad you did.