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! - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By farrahmize - January 27 - 6:41 am

  I have to say, this is the most impressive car and I am so glad that I bought it. Orginally I wanted the Sonata (which is also nice) but felt to big after test driving it. The salesman introduced this vehicle to me and I was hooked. Its much roomer in the inside than what it looks like and the design is very sleek. I fill up at $35 and get about 33 miles to a gallon believe it or not. Its stylish, easy to drive, and is perfect for city parking!

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  So so car, dont expect much - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By superedmundsf - January 24 - 10:47 pm

  The only reason Ive gotten this vehicle is because my wife trashed our 2007 Toyota Camry SE-V6. Cant afford the same level of car so we settled on Hyundai Elantra, 09, brand new at the time. Now, fast forward 70K miles and here are my reviews: The transmission starts to rattle a bit now as shifting up can be adventurous at times. Keep in mind I take care of my religiously so its not a matter of not maintaining it. Electrical problems starting to surface. TPMS will show up for no reason. Overall drive is stoic but comfy. Performance is ok (typically for a small sedan, dont expect much.) You get what you pay for, dont be fool by the marketing, adequate car but Civic it isnt.

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  Poor Mileage - 2011 Hyundai Elantra
  By unclogum - January 24 - 7:41 pm

  Eight thousand miles including a 2,300 mile trip where above 65 is a no no . You who like to say 40 mpg need to forget the trip computer and do it with a calculator . Warning , you will not like it. Power steering went nuts at 3,000 mile and car was shopped for 3 days. Wind sheild wiper blades replaced after 8 months with Napa ones. What a difference. Other than that Ok car. Would not replace with another . Mileage claim annoys me and from what I read , a lot of other folks as wall. Figure ave 33 mpg.

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  12,000 Miles and Happy - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By zunni - January 23 - 2:40 pm

  I purchased the 2012 model back in the summer of 2011 - this has led to some confusions in reviews. This is really a great car - for its design intentions -- I purchased it due to my 120 mile per day commute - all highway - it has been reliable, and the gas mileage claims have been very accurate. I love the look of the car, its handling and its fairly peppy for a small car. My major gripes - the car is extremely light and does not do well in any cross winds - it becomes jittery. The front and rear body work is on the cheap side - all light polymers... In snow it is terrible - I just purchased a set of snow tires and this fixed the problem

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  Mileage Update - 2011 Hyundai Elantra
  By youngblood - January 21 - 8:44 am

  Update on mileage: I now have over 6,000 on my 2011 Elantra and mileage numbers have not improved. Im getting 23-24 mpg on city streets with moderate stop/go traffic (avg speed 26 mph). On the interstate Im getting 32 mpg at 75 mph and 35-36 mpg at a steady speed of 65 mph. In the warmer fall weather I did get 40 mpg once when driving a steady 55 (with everyone else passing me). The city mpg is the most disappointing as it is not much better than our larger Nissan Altima. I thought the EPA revised their mileage estimates downward to be more "real world," but it appears they are still inflated.

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  Great Commuter - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By cachec1883 - January 20 - 2:23 pm

  Overall, this is a great car to own. Purchase price was below other vehicles ($18,100), the warranty is the best in the industry, and maintenance costs should be low. Hyundai uses a timing chain rather than a belt, so there will be no replacement needed every 60k miles like a Honda. Hyundai also has a sealed transmission that will never need to be flushed or have fluid replaced. The owners manual also recommends changing the oil only every 7,500 miles under normal driving. Fuel efficiency has ranged from 37-39 mpg at freeway speeds in good weather, and 33-37 mpg in cold weather.

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  Good Car - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By dhet - January 20 - 12:55 pm

  I purchased my 2008 Elantra GLS new. It now has over 62,000 miles on it. It has been a very good car for the money. I love mine. I plan on giving it to my grandson in a few years when he starts driving. Then I will buy a new one. But first the few cons: I would like just a bit better fuel economy. And the 30,000 and 60,000 mile service costs seemed to me a bit on the high side. I wish the trunk lid would pop just a little so that I could nudge it up with my hip when my hands are full. As it is, it is necessary for me to empty at least one arm to get the lid up. I can’t think of any more cons. -- I have not found engine noise on aggressive accelerations anything to complain about—it is there, but it’s not a big deal to me. I seldom accelerate hard. Now this is what I like most: The car has great road manners. It feels tight and solid even after 60,000 miles. Road noise is not excessive. The steering is perfect. The breaks are sure and smooth. Acceleration is good. Instruments are easy to read. Controls are easy to reach. In the cold the car heats up and clears the windshield quickly—unlike so many cars, it is the driver’s side that clears the fastest. A few other points: I have been driving cars for over 50 years and always apply good driving techniques: The original tires lasted 50,000 miles. The original breaks lasted 45,000 miles. I get the oil and filter changed every 3000 miles. I religiously follow the maintenance schedule to the letter. I have my tires rotated and balanced ever 5000 miles: I have never experienced a mechanical breakdown or anything in need of urgent car with this car. Of the many cars I have owned, this is the first one I can say this about.

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  Quality concerns the more miles we drive - 2011 Hyundai Elantra
  By matheson1977 - January 16 - 1:02 pm

  Car is OK at best, easy to like inside and out and a good value....but you sometimes get what you pay for. Weve had ours for a bit more than 9 months and find it has loosened up" quite a bit. We have noticed mostly in cooler wether several rattles from the inside and creeks and groans from the suspension. the engine also seem to be making much more noise than nomal, sounding very ticky at times. I have had it in to the dealer for that and they say its normal. Im also very dissapointed with the fuel economy, its nowhere near whats advertised no matter how or where i drive.

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  2012 Elantra " Diesel" engine - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By maleoskop - January 10 - 10:31 am

  I bought a 2012 GLS on 12/20/2012. After two days I thought it was a diesel as it "rattled" that much. Took it to the dealer and they found metal shavings in the oil of my car with 26 miles on the clock.They replaced it for a 2012 Limited and this one has a worse grinding "diesel" like sound. I drove a Jetta TDI which is half as quiet as my Elantra. This is not just at startup, but when you accelerate. Am I crazy or is this just how the motor sounds? My friends 2012 doesn`t sound half as bad.

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  Awesome Car - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By butterflyblu - January 9 - 7:28 am

  I got a new lease on the 2012 Elantra Limited a few days ago. I test drove so many cars before deciding on the Elantra. It has everything you can imagine and more as standard features. I put 110 miles on it over the last couple days and the gas gauge barely moved off full. My husband is 62 and there is more than enough leg room for him. I know I made the right decision getting this car its much better than I imagined.