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:

• 

  Best Compact car for the Money - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By Tommy G - October 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is perfect right off the lot purchased for $14.200.00 its a lot of car for the money Im 6,3" and have plenty of room in it at idle you dont even know its running shifting is very smooth power is no problem at all. Build quality, panel gaps how the doors close are all superb I just love driving it, and talk about safety its full of safety features .

• 

  Enjoying this car after 11 years - 1999 Hyundai Elantra
  By gloryglo - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car when Hyundai just started giving their 100,000 mile warranty after having some bad reviews previously. My choice was between a Honda Civic, which I had before and the Hyundai Elantra wagon which was 2000 less in price with only a 3 year warranty. I took a chance and bought the Hyundai. (both choices were manual shift which I always drive). I made the right choice and have been very happy with this car. I do all short trips, no highway driving. I just had to replace the clutch at 45,000. My first big expense. It now drives like a new car. very peppy! All other repairs have been normal wear and tear. Oil changes only $10 at dealership. Im happy!

• 

  The little car that could - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Silentwolf - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Many hate Hyundai, but never really give them a shot. So far I havent really been disappointed. I might wish for more, but Im happy with the sub $14k price paid. Takes to mods well, including using factory items from higher Hyundai models Car will also take a beating and keep on ticking. Had a compressed piston rod from water logging the engine, but it ran for 20k miles with naught but a misfire code. Have had a couple of minor quality issues dealing with poor taillight fitment and center arm rest fabric coming loose. Only other minor thing would be the mpg. Tho others report more, I ~27 mpg mixed tho have got 33 mpg on long road trips. Still way better than my 18-20 mpg in last car.

• 

  Terrific vehicle!! - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Karen - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Love the vehicle. Never buy American again due my experiences 4 almost 50 yrs driving. Vehicle has great power & pickup for a 4 sp auto trans. Gas mileage (approx 25 mpg) is great because drive about 45% city, bal hwy. Tend to gun it from stop lite. Handles well, comfortable to drive although at times feel the seats bit 2 low 4 long distance driving. Notice difference when driving dads sonata. Noticed steering wheel was shaking at high speeds, learned rt front wheel was slightly bent. Hit a terrific pothole dec 2008 . Experienced blowout. Bought 2 new tires (not dealer) they didnt check wheel even though I explained what happened. Had slow leak. Now ok.

• 

  A no frills car - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Vinod - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought this amidst much warning from all friends and ignorant people who tend to be scared about buying anything other than a Toyota or a Honda from the used cars. Reason why I bought this was how Elantras offered the same features and higher power than a corolla or a civic at a much lower price. After having driven this for more than 16,000 miles, I am very pleased with this car. I have not had any bad experiences and the maintenance has only been preventive maintenance like transmission oil change, brake rotor change etc.

• 

  We love this car. - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Matt - October 11 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I couldnt be happier with our car. You really cant find a better car without spending a lot more money. We get excellent fuel economy (mid 30s everyday, 40+ on back-road road trips), without a bulky hybrid battery and without compromising safety, comfort or performance. The FWD provides great traction we had a brutal winter last year and only got stuck once, when we got high-centered in several feet of snow. The interior is well thought-out, with plenty of cubbyholes and cup/bottle holders - great for road trips. MP3 CD and aux input are nice features. We havent babied this car, but with regular maintenance it still runs and drives like new. Havent had a single problem yet.

• 

  Great Econ Car - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By aznrule191 - October 9 - 2:00 am

  This car has been a great economy car since the day I bought it. I got 26 MPG around town and then 30+ on long highway trips. I put a K and N filter in and now it runs even better with even more efficient gas mileage. This car comfortably sits 4 people and can have a fifth if necessary.

• 

  Interesting take s on this car. - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Chris - October 8 - 2:00 am

  This car was a gift to my wife at 173K miles. It stood in the African sun for a year before the radiator was done and the head skimmed. After 200 miles on the very first trip, it overheated. Towed it to a work-from-home mechanic. Problem was a T-insert pipe in the cooling system repaired with silicon! This was re-engineered and all else done properly. After running it in for 2000 miles to settle the head, the power at 7K rpm pops your eyes. This engine is amazing you can do anything at any rpm. Never saw such before. In Johannesburg above 5800 ft ASL I get 42 mpg. Semi-city and synchronized lights. The soft body is an all-round crumple zone. Saved me a bomb! 2nd choice after the Mazda3.

• 

  Wise choice fo - Money, Quality & Comfort - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By BayAreaMom - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Had test drive with recent 2010 models of toyota prius, honda fit, honda insight and elantra. I liked the elantra ride the best. (No brake jerk like in prius, and no flimsy like honda fit.) Especially for the price you get all basic feature anybody with family looking for small/medium size car. Bluetooth, Keyless entry, ipod cable, Black and roomy interior is fun and comortable. Also air bags all around, quality wheels and break system, powerful engine, CC all features are perfect what a family guys is looking for. Thanks to Hyundai for making decent car available for the price!

• 

  Airbag - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By Diana - October 2 - 2:00 am

  On September 16 a drunk driver pulled out in front of me. My 2010 Elantra was totaled. Thank God the seat belt worked because not one airbag deployed. The car was totaled. Im still feeling the effects but at least Im alive.