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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  No Regrets at 5200 miles - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By chitown35 - March 17 - 12:01 am

  Fun to drive, actually accelerates well esp. in manual mode Hyundai gets a lot out of a tiny engine. Excellent gas mileage in Eco mode Im getting 37-38 mpg right now on mostly highways w/ mild traffic. Looks great, recommended maintenance is cheap even at the dealership. Also, much better in the snow with some good traction control features than my previous compact car with no abs even. And theres a lot of room in the car very spacious.

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  Such a good car - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By missij12 - March 4 - 6:25 pm

  I bought this car new back in college. 8 years and 100k miles later Im finally about to give it up for something larger. The biggest repair Ive ever had to do on this car is replace the battery. Other than that, every day this car has started right up and performed great. Its been all over the country and even got me through the mountains without a problem. I couldnt ask for better gas mileage out of a car with such good acceleration. I did install an aftermarket stereo a few years ago to support my Ipod but the factory stereo was fine besides that. Its going to be hard to say goodbye!

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  First new car with the worst mpg - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By drewberry - March 1 - 2:06 pm

  This is an update from the one I did 2 months ago or so. The car is still nice but the gas mileage sucks. No matter city or highway or driving conditions I only get between 21-25 mpg. And the miles to empty when full is 259 exactly. Both of those numbers are horrific for a compact car as well as a car that suppose to get 29 city/ 40 highway. I drive extremely gas efficiently and have not even came close to the 30s at least. I have started to look cars I can trade this for....maybe 2012 honda civic ex....But I am trully done with Hyundai. Such a disappointment.

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  UpDate on the MPGs - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By gofor40mpg - February 28 - 11:32 pm

  I have hit the 31.4 MPGs again. I have gone 323.9 miles, using 10.3 Gallons. I have also done more city driving in the last half tank. I have now 1274 miles on the Elantra. Now on this tank I will not use the ECO. I will see what difference it will make on the MPGs. So at this point, have not improved on the MPGs, But I am very pleased that i am getting better than 30 MPGs. You should know, that I live in Albuquerque New Mexico. If anybody Knows the terrain, Abq is not flat by any means, and is 5000 Feet above see level at the lowest point. So driving around, its up and down constantly. Traffic can be bad, but not as bad as most larger cities, Next will be a road trip. Will update.

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  Great Value - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By jesse_tn - February 26 - 8:21 pm

  This car is a great value just loaded with features and feels like a class above what it is. Ive had only for a week but I have found it to be smooth, responsive, quiet and really great gas mileage. It has very good transmission. I love the way the car looks inside and out especially the instrumentation at night. I looked at many different cars and I simply could not come close to what this car offered at such a great price. Outward rear visibility could be a bit better but seems fine overall.

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  12000 miles fo far and very happy with my Elantra - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By grandsportc3 - February 24 - 9:59 am

  Bought my 2012 Elantra last November and already put 12000 miles on it (trips from Florida to New York and from Florida to Mexico) and the car has been very fuel efficient and reliable. I had ZERO problems with the car and Im getting an average of 39 mpg (mostly highway). The only time that I got worse gas mileage was when driving with 3 persons, a dog and lugguage to New York and to Mexico.. The extra weight dropped the gas mileage by about 3 - 4 mpg.. I really love the looks of the car, inside and out.. I dont know what other reviewers are talking about when they mention that the engine is noisy.. At 70mph cruising, I cant even hear the engine...

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  Its a great car for the money - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By gofor40mpg - February 23 - 10:41 pm

  I just baught the Elantra, January 24th. Reading the reviews about the MPGs, I have to say that even when I drove this car for the first week, I was getting about <25> MPG. the car had 35 miles on it.. The MPGs have been getting better since the first tank of gas. first tank fill, I got 30 MPGs.MY second fill, I got 31.4 Mpgs. this is driving HWY and City.. The first tank i have gone 274 miles, on 9.9 Gallons. 2nd tank Ive gone 308.5 mile on 10.3 gallons, 3rd tank Ive gone 336.2 miles on 10.7 gallons.The computer Avg showed 33.1. Actual calculated, is 31.4. by dividing the miles to the gallons filled.. The computer is about 2 MPGs high. I will continue with up dates on the MPGs

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  GO BUY THIS CAR!!!! - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By mynewcar7 - February 21 - 9:36 am

  Let me talk about fuel economy. Ive read other reviews that bash this cars actual MPGs. Well, no car is a miracle car (not yet). When they rate this at 29 city / 40 highway, those are peak averages in very selective circumstances. This is nothing new, every single car on the market does this. What is amazing is that I DO average (combined city/highway) around 30-32 mpg per tank. And yes, this car will do 40 mpg on the highway, Ive even gotten it up to 45 mpg on flat surfaces, @60mph with cruise & no AC on. This car is nothing short of amazing. Test drove them all, this one is in a class by itself. Definitely worth a look. Ive owned it for about 7 months now with 12,000 miles.

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  1 year owned review - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By screwedinaz - February 16 - 10:49 pm

  overall its not a bad car with the best feature being with 3.50 gas prices 25 bucks about fills the tank at 3/4 empty. with the 5 speed manual i dont have to wait for transmission to shift if i need to pass some body drop a gear and just go. the seating is a bit stiff to say the least trunk space easily holds to big duffle bags. the car did not come with a radio but that was an easy fix. installing a radio was a breeze too 1 phillips head screwdriver and a pry tool to remove face plate.

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  2012 elantra - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By gts4 - January 30 - 2:00 pm

  traded our 2010 elantra se for the 2012 gls its more comfortable than the 2010 gas mileage is alittle bit better car handles well but suspension is cheap on this car we have 7500 miles on the car and I belive the rear shocks are gone it sounds like the back wheels are falling off we sent it back to the dealer they said everything looks good its going back a third time it has the old time strait rear axle that went out in the 80s biege seats stain easy car has some blind spots front pilars and rear hard to see when pullig out in traffic backing can be bad also gas mileage is between 24 - 32 sometimes if the wind is blowing in the right direction you might get 36 on the highway not much power