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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  Brake Pedal Bracket Problem - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By Peg - February 10 - 10:10 am

  Bought my new Elantra on Sept. 1, 2009. The biggest selling factor was 100,000 mile warranty and safety features. Until yesterday, no complaints except that gas mileage has proved to be only about 25 mpg not near the 33 mpg estimate. Then on Feb. 8, 2010, experienced problem accelerating. It suddenly acted as if it were stuck in 3rd gear. Brake made odd sounds and began to emit powerful burning smell. We thought we might have a transmission problem. When they called to tell us they had checked it out and it was ready for pick up, they said that a brake pedal bracket had come loose. They made it sound, however, as if I had done something wrong. That upset me.

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  very pleased - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By erik johnson - February 4 - 6:41 pm

  This was the first car I ever got to choose - rather than "inheriting" from a family member or buying in a hurry. Very pleased. More options and comfort and thousands less than a similar mileage Honda Civic. More fun to drive, too, has a little more power. I think the GT hatchback is a cool, very Saab-like european design. I havent really needed it as a feature very often - a trunk would be fine - but for a few things it has been helpful. The interior is without many annoying quirks, nothing stands out, which generally is good in design.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Gman - February 3 - 5:40 pm

  Overall I love my Elantra. When I was looking to buy a new car last year, I singled in on the Elantra because of its rave reviews and all the comparisons people were making between it and similar vehicles (Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic) in terms of dependability and other perks. My previous vehicle was a Toyota Corolla (so far I like the Elantra just as much). During the first year of ownership Ive not had any mechanical problems (knock on wood) and have had to do minimal maintenance on it. Its exactly what I wanted in a vehicle.

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  Good overall Deal - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By Ken2400 - February 1 - 3:04 pm

  There is a recall on the Lower control arms due to salt in given states. Look it up. Mine failed at 137K miles. Dealer fully covered it. 5 SP GLS

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  Roughest ride ever - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By RustyArm - February 1 - 2:49 pm

  We live in the northern mid-west with rough winter roads but the ride in my new car is the worst I have ever experienced. You feel every bump not once but twice (front and back). If you like the feel of riding a go-cart this is the car for you. The suspension is so tight I have a head/stomach ache every time I am in the car. It is impossible to drink any beverage while moving. It has been years since we bought a new car and I am heartsick to be stuck with one that is so uncomfortable. Mileage is only at 27mpg. We also own a 2009 Toyota Corolla - there is no comparison to the quality of the ride. The dealership says this is the way they are built. This will be the last Hyundai!

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  Great Car! - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Jess - January 31 - 1:38 am

  I bought this car last October, as my 2001 Ford Focus was nearing 120,000 miles. As a commuter student,I needed a new car that was reliable.. I researched a million other cars and finally fell in love with this one.

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  Excellent Car-Sell the Honda - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By PAW - January 29 - 9:42 am

  This quiet, comfortable little car has been a pleasant surprise. Good response on steering. Will flat out move when the pedal is punched. I also own a Honda Civic Coupe EX which I love (except for the expensive maintenance costs) yet the Elantra is comparable and maybe better. Its got plenty of storage compartments, roomy trunk. I got 35.7 MPG on the first tank, half on the interstate at 70 MPH. Love the XM radio! Cost for car-$13,485 before the fees and taxes. My only con (and it is minor) is the upholstery. I have long hair that sheds and it sticks to the fabric. I bought covers for the seats but hair sticks to the arm console.

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  Big Mistake - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By Chuck - January 25 - 7:36 pm

  Tried trading after 1000 miles. Depreciated 25% plus. Rough ride,hard suspension, noise from rear. 25.8 MPG HW. uncomfortable in back seat. look around and compare comfort. Drive on an uneven road. Great Heat/AC, radio, sunroof. Drives well in snow/ice. Looking for a trade or sale. Little help from dealer.

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  Not pretty but very fuel efficient! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Steven - January 22 - 2:39 pm

  I have had this car for a little over 2 years now. It has 98000 miles on it and have never had a single problem with the car. The gas mileage is excellent! I always average 31 mpg! I would recommend this car for anyone who doesnt want to spend a bunch of money with upkeep and gas!

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  cheap, tinny and reliable - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By ben - January 20 - 8:46 pm

  We have had the Hyundai since new, it now has 111,000 miles on it and it is very reliable and has never let us down. However, the rest of the car is falling apart around the drivetrain. The rear door locks dont work, the windshield broke the first year we bought it and it eats tires! Not to mention it dents if you look at it funny. It has not been a bad car but I would not buy another Hyundai. The fit and finish makes you feel like you failed in life somewhere and you will soon be parking this thing in front of your used trailer