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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  I LOVE it! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Ishine4God - April 17 - 10:00 am

  I had no clue when it came to cars-- all I knew was I needed a new one! A friend recommended edmunds and after spending several hours browsing, I came across the Hyundai Elantra. What really stood out to me was the fact that it was being used for their 2- year, long-term road test. Every single entry from each of the drivers was positive! The incredible warranty only confirmed my choice. After 16 months, I STILL love my car! Thank you, Edmunds!! :)

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  Cant beat the Elantra for the price! - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Howard - April 14 - 3:50 pm

  Purchased for comute vehicle. Other cars; Corvette, GTO, GS430 & Denali so you see I expect a lot out of a car. The Elantra is a great performer, has a lot of standard equipment and good gas mileage for its class. If you have a lot of driving, want good performance at a very reasonable price do not overlook a Hyundai. The Elantra is a very easy driver and I highly recommend it!

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  1-Year Update - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By W Whicker - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Now have 13k on the GT and its still like new in every way. No mechanical (or any) problems so far. Its a great car at a great price. The hatch is good for hauling lots of stuff. Great fuel economy (25-26 mpg). Its a great value new or used!

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  Nice Bang for the Buck - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Bearasaur - April 11 - 10:00 am

  This is a very attractive car that looks like those costing way out of its price catagory. It is a very comfortable car, nice to drive on trips or just around town. Very roomy, for both front and rear seat passengers and great trunk space. A very nice small family car. Super warranty - good piece of mind and a car your are proud to pull up in. It just looks good and you will like the way you look and feel inside.

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  Little Blue Bug - 2017 Hyundai Elantra
  By J Sobel - April 3 - 8:54 pm

  I went from a Camry Sedan to my Elantra. Very happy with all aspects of the car- quiet, great mileage.

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  $15K Great Car - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By la gt owner - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Handles well and quality seems pretty good.

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  Great buy! - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By gld226 - March 27 - 12:10 am

  I love my car! Most bang for your buck!! I shopped around quite a bit before buying. I really had to think of my priorities, especially with a mortgage resetting in 2 year. Even without a "mortgage budget," Id still pick either this car or the Sonata. I love the standard features. My bf was really pushing me towards Toyota or Honda until I showed him the price breakdowns including taxes, license, and interest expense. It adds up! Also, I was able to get the dealer financing promo of 1.9% for four years. I love the blue control lights!

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  Reliability - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Lorraineas - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Well allI have to say it is a cheap vehicle and affordable.. I have travel cross country and back and had no difficulties with my car.. It rides smooth and handles well on bad road conditions.. I just love my car

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  cool - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By vSean - March 24 - 11:16 pm

  just so cool!!

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  The new 17 is better that previous model - 2017 Hyundai Elantra
  By reperoni@hotmail.com - March 13 - 8:05 pm

  So I drove a Silver Limited the other day, I have to say it drives and feels way better than either my 12 or 13 limited. It does feel more like a luxury sedan. For people who say the looks are not as good go see it in person, after the test drive I parked it next to my Silver 12 limited and I can say the new one is more attractive. The side view is similar but the new one is slightly more aerodynamic looking. The front end looks a lot better and the rear end looks wider and slightly better. I am not going to jump in right away but I may trade one of our cars for a new one.