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:

• 

  2009 Hyundai Elantra Review - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By md2011 - May 19 - 10:56 am

  2nd hyundai! Been highly impressed by both cars! Had for 2 years just traded it in for the new 2011 elantra ltd. Been a pleasure to drive and own! Very impressed with the gas mileage. Best mpg at 39.7 mpg based on filling up the car and doing the math on a calculator this was in NYC traffic 90%hwy and 10%city. Average mpg I receive when i do about 50/50 driving was 28 mpg still pretty impressive since I am not light footed. Pros: Performance, MPG, Price, Radio, USB, Blue Lights, tons of features, interior space, many storage compts, quiet interior, Cons: Whine from radio (most wont hear), loud rattle from rear window hitting large bumps Best bang for the buck!

• 

  My First Hyundai - 2011 Hyundai Elantra
  By andy_yen - May 18 - 4:17 pm

  I bought this car solely for the gas mileage. I did not buy a hybrid because I already have a hybrid. I do not want to have 2 hybrids. After driving 1,000 miles, I only get an average of 24 - 26 mpg. It was calculated by the miles driven and the number of gallons I put in. I drive half city and half highway. I do not understand why some reviewers got up to 46 mpg. Although the display panel shows 28 or 29 mpg, I believe my calculation is more realistic. Besides gas mileage, the car is fully equipped. I have a GLS automatic with preferred package. I paid invoice price. It is a good deal when compared to other dealerships. Most are selling it at or above MSRP.

• 

  My Experience with 2011 Elantra GLS Manual - 2011 Hyundai Elantra
  By allen51 - May 16 - 3:06 pm

  After about a month of on-line research, I test drove the 2011 Elantra GLS, Fiesta, Civic, and Kia Forte. All were fine cars, but in terms of value and the entire package, I was left wondering why anyone would buy a Civic. I now have purchased and driven the Elantra for over 5000 miles. It handles well, have not noticed the road noise some folks mention, and my gas mileage has exceeded expectations (I do a great deal of highway travel, and average between 43 and 46 MPG). The interior feels about the same size as my old BMW 325I.

• 

  Great except for gas economy for size - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By jobber1 - May 14 - 10:22 am

  I bought it new and now have 162 K on it. Nothings been required beyond standard maintenance. I have never had any problems with it and it is fun and comfortable to drive (and I am 610"). I have owned a 1972 Fiat 124 sedan (auto), 1982 Toyota Tercel (stick), 2001 Honda Accord (auto), 1974 VW Rabbit (stick), diesel 1980 VW Dasher (stick), and a 4-cyl. 1989 Dodge Spirit (stick!). I would rank this Elantra up with any of them ... except for gas economy. The fuel economy is disappointing, but to fair, it does get what the sticker said it would (around 30 hwy). That was like worst of its class that year. (The 2011 Elantra is best! Oh well.) I love my Elantra.

• 

  mustve gotten the one with the bad seats - 2011 Hyundai Elantra
  By rocks3 - May 14 - 3:52 am

  The Elantra caught my eye with its good looks, lots of room inside and spacious trunk for a small car. Comparatively the other cars I tested in the 30-40mpg range were very small inside. Mileage so far has ranged from 30mg to 36mpg, both city and highway. Traffic light stops cut the fuel economy. On the highway the suspension is very stiff, I feel all the bumps in the road, and the wind pushing the car on windy days. Also dissapointed that the Elantra does not come with a spare tire! Ive never had a Hyundai before, Im concerned about what winter driving in snow and ice will be like, mine has Continental tires.

• 

  9 months into it - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By worldbfree - May 13 - 9:27 am

  I now have about 16k on the car, over 100 mile daily commute. I ask a lot of the car and it meets my needs. It has plenty of pep. I can get to / cruise at 80-85 no problem. I just got over 32 m.p.g. for the first time, slowed down used cruise, plenty roomy - reliable, seats have improved. It does not glide or float down the road like my 08 Sonata 4 cyl but I had my 2002 Elantra 8 years 193k, you cant go wrong with a 2010 Elantra not as pretty as the 11 but for about $13,500 cmon auto,cruise,ac etc. - average about 30 m.p.g.

• 

  Good commuter car - 2011 Hyundai Elantra
  By raoul_duke - May 10 - 9:02 am

  I drive 75mi round trip to work, so I needed a low cost car with good MPG. So far so good. I have been averaging 35-37 mpg 80% highway miles. I wanted to stay under 20k out the door so it was between this and the Corolla. The Corolla seemed really basic/bland and I would most certainly had buyers remorse had I chosen to purchase the Toyota. Performance is what you would expect from a 4-banger and the 6-speed transmission seems all over the place, but not too bad.

• 

  What A Car - 2011 Hyundai Elantra
  By luremakerfdl - May 4 - 11:55 pm

  4 weeks ago picked up my new Elantra. Have been byuing cars since 1958. This with out a doubt is the best ever. Now have 2700 miles on it and there is nothing but smiles on my face. Took 4 adults, ea over 200 lbs, on a 330 mile road trip through the Ozark Mts. in north central Ar. averaged 35.3 actual MPG based on miles and gas used. This was abought 2 MPG less than the trip computer indicated. I traded an 07 Aveo. what a dif. Compared to the 6 Pont Bonnevilles i bought over the years this car beats all of them. Hyundais Baloon purchase with extended amortisation sure keeps the payment lower, nearly $140 less than the best i could get from Chev Dealer for a Cruz.

• 

  I love this car!!! - 2011 Hyundai Elantra
  By carvedscissors - May 4 - 1:24 pm

  I was considering several vehicles (The Chevy Volt, Toyota Prius, and the Hyundai Elantra) when I decided to go for the new Hyundai Elantra. It looks and feels like a luxury vehicle, without the price tag. It is roomy and fun to drive. =)

• 

  4 Years Later and 63,000 Miles - Fantastic - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By denverman - April 27 - 5:40 pm

  I bought the car new in 2007 for only $14,900 out the door. The car has been excellent, no issues at all. I had the 60K service done, regular oil changes, one new set of tires, a new battery, and a couple of sets of wiper blades. Except for the battery going out, the car has never let me down. It looks great on the inside but the outside is a little boring. I would love to step up to the 2012 Genesis but I hate to have a car payment. My car is paid for and it works great. Ive not had any issues driving in the snow. Ill probably have this car for another trouble free 4 years. Im 63 with plenty of headroom.