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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  Good for the price - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By barry j - September 28 - 2:00 am

  For the price paid, this is a very good small car. Happy with all except gas mileage is not as good as claimed. Cant compare to my Lexus but as I said its very good for the price as a runaround vehicle. I do recommend it highly. thank you, bj

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  Best for the Money - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By JimGoose - September 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought 2010 Elantra GLS. Sticker $17,710, transaction price $15,500 with another $2,500 in rebates. Walked out the door after taxes and fees owing $14,700, 0 down. Nice car, solid build and QUIET, more so than cars costing much more. Yes, there are hard plastics, but gaps are tight, no squeaking or noises. XM satellite a disappointment, as it cuts out constantly. Only other complaint is that cold idle speed really high, 1500 rpm and doesnt drop by much after a minute or two of idling. Id rather see 700 rpm. 34 mpg in combined driving. Definitely recommend as best car value for the money.

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  Great Car, Great Price! - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By Mandi - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Lets be honest, if youre looking at this car, then you probably cant afford a lexus, mercedes, or bmw, all with nicer features. So when you look at this car for what its worth (and not compare it to cars out of its range), its an all around great car! It drives great, gets decent gas mileage, and its a very safe car! I was able to get the GLS sedan loaded with all power, cruise control, xm radio, auto transmission, and other features for just over $15,000 (after $2,500 cash back). :)

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  Over 10 years of reliability so far - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By corky - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Even though I have put very little mileage on this car (26,000 in the past over 10 yrs.) it has been very reliable for my needs. The only repairs Ive had to deal with other than field mice chewing wiring, was some sort of valve failure in the emissions system when the car reached the age of 10 years..(a $240 job). Oh, and the cover came off the catalytic converter awhile back, but both the dealer and my local mechanic assure me its okay as long as dont park on long grass which I wouldnt do anyway even with the cover on. I seem to get way better mileage claims and I only use it for around town errands (obviously by the low mileage). I hate to give it up.

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  Falling apart - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By janey - September 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used in 2004. The window switch for one window was broken and the speedometer had been replaced around 14,000 miles. Since then, the switch to another window, as well as the regulators to two windows, have died. An outside door handle broke off. The transmission went out in 2006 (a bearing "disintegrated," according to the technician) and is going out again now (2010). The computer is dying and the throttle position sensor. There is a short in the dash that makes the interior lights come on and off randomly, and sometimes a little puff of smoke comes out of the steering column. The seating is uncomfortable and the cup holders are in front of the stereo.

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  Great Little Car - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Lin - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Read the reviews and bought Hyundai for first time. This has been a great car. Reliable, sporty feel to it. Car has held up well for being inexpensive.

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  Happy College student - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Happy Elantra owner - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought this beauty after months of deliberation between the civic, corolla, honda fit and accent. For 12,000, I got it used with 19k mi on it. In general, this car is very reliable, love the blue lighting, interior space. Friends with the corolla and civic love to ride in this car as it is just Bigger from the inside. It rides very well. I have taken 1000 mi + road trips in this car and it has not given any problems. It has tackled rain, sun and snow like a beast. I would highly recommend this affordable, fuel-thrifty, comfortable hyundai to anyone. I am sold with Hyundais dedication to making good cars, and am looking at buying the Genesis coupe as soon as I get out of Grad school.

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  Very Quiet and Refined - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By Dan fro AZ - August 31 - 7:26 pm

  Came out of a 2001 Infiniti I30 with 192K miles. This car is quieter at freeway speeds and at idle (nearly silent). Getting around 30 mpg overall here in Scottsdale, AZ on mix of city and freeway. Car feels very safe and the build quality is indeed excellent. This is the last year of this body style so I know all the bugs have been worked out. Everything is easy to use in this vehicle, the quiet cabin really allows you to enjoy XM/IPOD or cell phone call.

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  Dont spill your drinks! - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By sls78 - August 31 - 12:19 pm

  Im sure most of us have been there, accidents happen. So I had a drink of soda spill in my center console where you place your cups. This ended up being a very expensive accident, $1200 and some change. The liquid from my drink went through the cup holder and fried the main "nerve" of the electrical system according to the service department. So needless to say since I spilled the soda the bumper to bumper warranty didnt cover it. At this time Im not going to have it fixed trading it in and Hyundai has lost a customer. Why would they put the electrical under the cup holders especially if the holder wont prevent liquid from damaging the wiring.

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  Love It - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Ryan - August 30 - 7:13 am

  Bought new in 03 and now has 117,000 on it and still runs and drives great. Have had zero problems other than the typical eating of tires and the head and tail light headaches. Has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. Also, hit a deer at 55 mph and the front end held up incredibly well, just replaced the grill and hood after about a month and looks and runs great still.