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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  Great Value, feature packed ! - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By acperkins15 - November 25 - 8:21 pm

  I have been researching, researching and researching new cars for about 6 months now, trying to find the best car for me. In the end, I bought the elantra. There is simply not a better car out there that has more features and creature comforts jam packed into a awesome compact. The value is simply amazing. Shifts are smooth, and its willingness to downshift for more power is quite impressive. The car is very smooth and planted at high speeds (70mph), granted the steering takes a while to get use too because it is on the light side. In the end, if you want the most bang for your buck, there is no other choice then the elantra. Its no speed demon, but it is still fun to drive.

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  Excellent car but forgot the spare tire - 2011 Hyundai Elantra
  By garoman - November 23 - 2:10 am

  The Hyundai Elantra is an excellent car but Hyundai has elected to not provide a spare tire. I have owned my car for 6 months now and have had it towed twice due to not having a spare tire. The repair kit provided is a joke- you are not going to fix a gash in the side of a tire with "fix a flat." Yes, you have free roadside assistance, but my family has been stranded twice now- once in a dangerous part of town. I have purchased a spare tire so that my family will not be in danger again. Dont let them tell you their tire repair kit will get you home safely it wont. There are other good cars out there that come with the safety equipment you need to keep your family safe.

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  Definitely Worth the money for an outstanding car! - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By birdiexris - November 21 - 3:20 pm

  I love this car. I got rid of my poorly designed BMW 1 series to UPGRADE to this car - there i said it. Limited - fully loaded to carbon copy of my BMW and i love it. There are no design flaws in this car. None. Everything is accessible to the driver and passengers. Even for a "light sedan" the car hugs the road well. No sports car, but its definitely fun to drive. Has the necessary power to be my commuter car and have it not feel like a commute. The technology works flawlessly and i havent yet found a problem working all the buttons on the touch screen -- which is not a junky screen and is EXTREMELY RESPONSIVE.

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  LOVE my car - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By shivelyk - November 21 - 7:31 am

  This makes the 2nd Elantra I have owned, & dont think I would own any other vehicle. Mine has 72,000 miles on it & other than replacing both fog lights (due to driving in snow & on salted roadways), I havent touched it for anything other than tires, brakes, air filter, & the other routine maintenance that is suggested in the manual. I get EXCELLENT gas mileage--with a combo of city & hwy miles I get at least 32 mpg with every tank. It drives smooth, & it fires right up in cold weather. Roomy interior, lots of nooks & crannys for storage, & an awesome factory stereo system are just some of the plusses on the inside. I would recommend this car to anyone who needs a good car for less $$$

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  Best Value for the Money !!! - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By psills - November 20 - 11:06 am

  My 2011 Elantra LTD with the Tech Package (nav, camera, etc) is a delight to drive and to own. Heres a tip for those looking to buy one. Hyundai does NOT offer financing terms similar to other manufacturers. Most will give 36months a 0% and up to 60 at 1.9%. Hundai is a lot higher. Well I bought my car the other day--- and guess what-- I got 1.9% for 72 MONTHS. No prepayment penatly. The trick is to have a credit score over 700. The dealer would rather have you finance directly through Hyundai, but, theyd rather sell a car. Now, add that to the best warrenty in the business, the incredible write-ups, and the fact that this car holds value so well !!! A WINNER

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  Fun, comfortable,well-equippedseems like good value - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By f800 - November 19 - 9:57 pm

  I never gave Hyundai a second look - I made jokes about the brand and assumed it was junk that wouldnt be worth throwing away after a couple of years. When I got a new job that required a lengthy commute, I needed an econo-box that I could wear out and that wouldnt take too much maintenance and fuel. I saw the Elantra mentioned in Edmundsrecommendations and gave it a bit of a look on the web just to feel like I was doing due diligence. Three days of research, and I was driving a 2012 Elentra on my commute. The list of standard equipment in this car is remarkable. The dealer earned my business. Its comfortable and the warranty impressed me. I enjoy my car.

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  Best car for the money anywhere - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By signfixer - November 18 - 4:44 pm

  My wife & I recently bought a 2012 Elantra Limited with the Technology Package & pretty much everything else they offer. Ive never driven anything that has turned so many heads as this car. In parking lots, people look at it & they want to know how I like it when I touch the handle to open the door. Everything works well and the touch screen is easier to use than in my sons BMW. The car actually has been delivering the mileage it promises and weve been averaging 32 to 36 mpg on combined city/highway trips. It may not be as fast as it looks but its got plenty of guts for us and weve already been way over the speed limit on interstates at half pedal. Maybe next year a turbo version!

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  Not a Good Car - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By 06elantraowner - November 18 - 1:34 am

  I currently own an 06 Elantra, after owning an 02 Elantra, I am seriously disappointed. The gas mileage has gotten horrid. I dont even get 18 miles to the gallon anymore, and it has been to every required maintenance and then more. I have taken good care of it, but the reliability of the parts is terrible, and again it has become a horrific gas guzzler. I am at a loss, as is Hyundai, to why it cant get anything over 18 mpg. It is poorly built, the interior has begun to fall apart, switches and knobs have broken, and the cloth seats are coming apart. This car has been used as an in city car only, but is still just falling apart, and costing me an arm and a leg to continue to drive.

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  Love my new Elantra - great looks and fuel efficiency - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By grandsportc3 - November 15 - 9:20 am

  Ive read some of the other reviews and some people seem to be complaining about worse than expected gas mileage.. However, that seems to be only the case with automatic transmission. I have the 6-speed and on my first 3 fillups, I got about 39 mpg on average. The ride of the car is like a full size car. Very comfortable but not too soft suspension, good handling. I really love the exterior and interior design. The feel of the 6-speed transmission is great. So far, I have driven about 1300 miles with my new Elantra and Im very satisfied.. I didnt expect the car to have sportscar like performance. The power it has is plenty for regular driving.

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  About as good as it gets - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By wiccanferret - November 7 - 5:20 pm

  Weve had this car since it was new and it now has 52k miles on it. Despite what other reviewers have said, you wont find a car that has lower maintenance costs. So far, the only things Ive had to worry about, as per the owners manual, were oil changes and an air filter. Thats it. Oh, and the battery went out after 4 years, which is better than your average stock battery, especially considering the Texas heat this year. This car couldnt be cheaper to run, period. The gas mileage is decent (35 mpg) and the power and handling are phenomenal for this class of car.