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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  A pretty decent car - 2011 Hyundai Elantra
  By ibilkut - April 26 - 1:54 pm

  For a little over $18k, its hard to beat what one gets in this car. New styling in and out takes it to a modern, jazzy level. The front seat is comfortable for my 6 foot frame, and the tilt/tele wheel enables me to drop it down low, as is my preference. While the 40 mpg is on the sticker for highway, a mix of long/short drives puts me at about 34-36mpg. Id say the car is responsive, tracks nicely on the open road, brakes quick and tight, pulls nicely into parking spots, has above average pep, and an ample trunk. Im pleased with what this car delivered as compared to Mazda 3 and Honda Civic. Theres some slight engine/road noise, but this is after all not a Lexus.

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  Love it for the most part. - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By laura_s - April 20 - 5:42 pm

  Ive had my 2007 Elantra for a 1 year and 8 months now. I purchased it with 55,000 mi on it for $6,900, and I feel like I got a pretty dang good deal. There are a few issues that are quite annoying, but nothing that is huge. I would definitely recommend this car. It would be best if it has a good warranty, though.

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  Perfect except for 1 - 2011 Hyundai Elantra
  By natr - April 19 - 3:21 pm

  This car is amazing! I always lease cars because i want to drive the latest model without having to pay a big hefty sum every month. The Elentra was not an option at first, thinking it would be as tight on the inside as a Toyota Corolla. WRONG! this car is amazing! Both my husband and I are tall, we can comfortably sit in the front and back seats without anything touch our knees. Also we have an infant with a car seat plus we carry the stroller everywhere we go. Cargo space if nicely designed to fit more items. And the GPS and bluetooth are amazing features. got it for $1900 and $246/ month for 35 months.

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  I bought my Elantra Limited a month ago - 2011 Hyundai Elantra
  By jeffdavis1 - April 16 - 12:57 pm

  This car makes me feel like Im driving a much more expensive car. I traded an 08 Nissan Sentra SL and this beats it hands down. The Sentra was quiet, this is more quiet. This car is loaded w/toys that are easy to use and dont look gaudy. The controls are very well put together - elegant. Winters in Michigan means lower fuel milage. My first drive from the dealer (90 miles) showed 35 miles per gallon. The first two fill-ups averaged 31 miles for mixed driving. Unless something happens, Im going to be very happy with this car.

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  Better than my 2007 Honda Civic - 2011 Hyundai Elantra
  By hyundai12 - April 15 - 9:08 pm

  This car lives up to all the claims made by the company that built it. Great fuel economy solid build. In case any of you are complaining about the engine or road noise, I strongly suggest that you take a 2006-2007 Honda Civic for a test drive. Those models have more noise from the engine and road noise from the cheap tires from the factory. Oh yeah didnt Honda try to downplay the roadnoise with a commercial that played a Holiday tune when you drove on that specially grooved road.

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  Uncomfortable seats - 2011 Hyundai Elantra
  By me34 - April 15 - 7:09 am

  There is very little lumbar support in this automobile. This makes it unpleasant for me to drive. An $18,000 mistake.

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  To Dust Revisited - 1998 Hyundai Elantra
  By to_dust - April 12 - 11:56 am

  I wrote a review of my elantra in 2005 (look at earlier reviews). It is now 2011 and I am still driving the car I bought 13 years ago. I now have 191,000 miles. To date I have replaced the timing belt, Break pads, and shocks. Otherwise the car is original. Including the original clutch. I am now on a quest to see how far it will go.

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  A big boring car for suburban American masses! - 2011 Hyundai Elantra
  By streetcarben - April 8 - 5:07 pm

  I bought this car in December after my 02 Mini was getting too expensive to maintain. I got sucked in by the 10 year warranty and the advertised fuel economy. An overall ok/good car. Not as fun to drive as my Mini. Harder to fit into small city parking spaces compared to my Mini. Fuel economy is not nearly good as what Hyundai advertises. The car is supposed to get 40 mpgs HWY. Hah! After 4 months, I average about 33/34 on the HWY. My Mini got 36 on the HWY. I live in Boston and had to go to a dealer 50 miles away to find an Elantra with a manual transmission! Transmission quality overall is pretty good. Based on my experience thus far with this car I would probably not buy another Hyundai.

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  This isnt Your Fathers Elantra - 2011 Hyundai Elantra
  By newhartford - April 6 - 11:44 am

  Fit and finish are excellent. The doors close with authority. The cabin is roomy except for headroom in the back seat. Even without the adjustable lumbar support the seats are comfortable. Interior materials are nice. The trunk is roomy as well. The car has adequate power but I dont find myself speeding with it. Always feels like you have to push it a little. The automatic tranny shifts up and down smoothly. The ride is firm not floaty. Dont have a problem with the steering drift that others mention.

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  Okay until the end - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By tuco11 - March 31 - 9:09 pm

  I brought the car in 2007 with 32,000. Besides needing to take it in after a couple of months because of a bad transmission range switch, it was good just needed normal maintenance. I sold it a couple of days of ago because at 1116,000 miles the transmission started to slip which a any transmission work would cost more than the car was worth. Overall considering the age of the car and the fact that it was in the rust belt, it was pretty good.