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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  Just purchased my new Elantra - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By KC_Ryan - March 12 - 4:18 pm

  Just purchased a new Natural Khaki GLS and Im thrilled. I feel like I got a really good deal on the car too. Got it for $14250.00 and with the admin fee it was only $14,600.00. I was ill-prepared for the hard sell on the extended warranty so I purchased one but canceled it the very next day so Im happy about that as well. The car drives great and seems like it will get great gas mileage. My wife and I drive mostly on the interstates but I really havent noticed the suspension issues that have been brought up here. It drives as smooth as any any other short-wheel base vehicle that doesnt have a sport-tuned suspension.

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  Keeper - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Chris - March 11 - 5:32 pm

  Bought new and havent had a single problem to date (150K). Dealer serviced for oil changes every 3k since I got a "free oil changes as long as you own the car" when I bought it. That deal stopped when the dealer changed ownership but the dealership was great all that time. Overall extremely pleased, more so when considering the price and class of the vehicle.

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  love my elentra - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By marmar - March 4 - 11:00 pm

  I love my new elentra - i have about 1500 miles 0r 2 months - received an excellent deal - the end of the year savings - originally drove several minivans over the years - but now kids are grown - no more soccer mom - my husband is purchasing a 2010 sonata

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  Not so into this car - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By zygereyez - March 4 - 9:08 pm

  I have had this car for a year now. When I bought this car it had 50 miles on it. I dont really like it much though. To me its noisy when I drive. The alignment screwed up a few months after owning it. The dealership gave me crap when I took it in for the warranty to get my car fixed. My door handle on the outside of the car sticks and makes the door stay open. It sucks in the snow. The beak system sucks. I lightly touch them in the snow. I dont feel safe with the breaking system. It takes me 3 times to get it in reverse cuz it sticks. Theres a few more things wrong with it and it only has close to 28k miles on it.

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  Best car I have ever had! - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By Messy - March 4 - 10:13 am

  Ive never had a new car before, granted, but I think I am a Hyundai owner for life! This car, though the basic model, is so great--gas mileage is very good. I just got 521.5 miles on a tank and when I filled it up I put in less than 14 gallons! Im eager to see if I can repeat that. I have put 15,500 miles on it in the 9 months Ive owned it, and so far its running like a dream!

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  suspension problems - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By mike - March 4 - 8:36 am

  Into the dealership 3 times with under 1000 miles for suspension noise in front left. Adjusted twice and replaced strut and mount on third visit. Better but still makes popping and cracking noise on bumps more noticeable when turning. Dealer has been great even provided a free loaner but now claims the problem is fixed. I guess I will just turn up the radio - kind of sad for a new car. Also, living in the Buffalo area a temp gauge would be Nice. Over all a good car for the money and warranty but you really are just getting that, nothing extra.

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  Worst Car Ever - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By knaimoli - March 3 - 5:43 pm

  I am the current owner of the 2002 Hyundai Elantra that my mother purchased brand new in 2002. From the time it was purchased there have been numerous recalls and so many problems with this car. We have had both axles replaced recently, the car is constantly at the shop and it is terrible. Terrible to drive no pick up what so ever. There is nothing good about this car.

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  Love it - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Kristen - February 28 - 4:36 pm

  There are so many things about my Elantra that I love. Even after a year of owning it every time I get in it to drive Im so excited about owning it. Ive never been so happy with a car, but like some others have mentioned it handles very poorly in snowy conditions which is not good living in Wisconsin. I did a lot of research before I bought this car and never came across anything about that problem. Also as some have mentioned the trunk does tend to pop open without me realizing it. Other than that I do love it and would recommend it to anyone.

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  My New Elantras Name is Bumpy - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By TV - February 28 - 9:10 am

  Like so many other reviews that I just read, I have my own suspension nightmare. How can a brand new car have such a rough ride. My old 1994 Chevy Cavailer is a much smoother drive. Why would they build a car that is so unpleasant to drive. When I tested the car, I convinced myself that the bumpy ride was all in my head. On my way home from purchasing my Elantra, I wanted to make a U-turn back to the dealership. Please do not make the same mistake I did. Test the car with close attention. If you feel too many bumps...run away fast...or youll regret it big time...I truly wish there would be a recall on 2010 Elantras due to a poor suspension performance...

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  commuter car - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By 2bigfoot - February 26 - 12:54 pm

  I bought this car as a commuter vehicle. It gets 34 mpg doing my commute of 60 miles each way. I am 62" and for the most part it is a comfortable ride. If stuck in traffic for a while my right leg starts to cramp because there is not enough thigh support. I use a driving pillow which helps some. The front wheel well inserts seem a little flimsy because you can really hear all the road pebbles thrown up from the tires. The first couple hundred miles my radio died. It was replaced and now is O.K. Pretty quite highway ride and pretty good in the snow.