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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  2001 Elantra - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Williamis the name - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Such a suprise to drive. One of the best if not the best I have owned yet. Well worth the price.

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  Being Honest - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Hard to Sell - December 22 - 10:00 am

  $12,234 was the total price thats Tax, plate transfer everything, for this 2002 Elantra they even paid for the inspection sticker. So far this is the best car my wife and I drove in this price range. The standard features and just great, the car rides and drives very smooth. My suggestion to you, try one before you purchase any other car in and around this price range.

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  High quality and reliable - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Scott - December 19 - 11:46 pm

  Its going on 2 years since I bought the car. I just passed 50,000 miles of mostly back road driving. I bought the manual so that I could pass on country roads and it performs beautifully although it does struggle in 5th up the steep glacier-carved hills of upstate New York. Gas mileage is about 29 mpg with little highway. The interior has enough room for my 6 4" frame. The quality is great, and better than my 2004 Toyota Sienna. My only problems have been with the windshield squirters and the roof trim (held on by weak plastic clips that cant take being hit by a snow shovel). For the money, it is a great little car.

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  Hyundai Elantra is like a shrunken Sonata - 2017 Hyundai Elantra
  By Al Piskorski - December 19 - 12:49 pm

  The Elantra is a great basic compact automobile. I think it looks and performs better than other makes in this class. Rides quietly, handles well, very good gas mileage, comfortable and controls are laid out well.

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  I Love My Hyundai Elantra! - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By Cindy - December 19 - 12:14 pm

  I bought my 2009 elantra as a used vehicle. It has turned out to be one of the best cars, and is the most fun to drive of most of the cars I have owned, previously I have owned Mercedes c2330, e500, and s500, navigator ultimate, 3 Chevy trailblazer ext lts, etc., so I am giving you my opinion after driving quite a few high end cars. Im wondering now why I spent all that money on those cars, when I could have just bought an elantra... I love the sun roof, XM radio, the fact I can use my ipod, the cd/stereo sounds awesome, and I love the color (White) it is sporty, I get lots of compliments on it and the value is unbelievable along with the gas mileage, about 31 mpg.. The warranty is also great

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  2008 Hyundai Elantra SE - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By elantra08 - December 17 - 11:46 pm

  I bought a silver on black elantra se pzev w/ moonroof and heated seats. This car is great, I would tell anyone to go and buy this car. It has all the safety and convenience features at thousands less! The styling is very classy and looks better than civic and corolla. Hyundai has come along way and this is the best elantra yet. Go test drive one. You will not be disapointed!

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  Beware - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By Davo - December 15 - 9:59 pm

  When I took the car in to the dealer at 2600 (yes 2600)miles to check an engine noise. I was told the engine was bad and would be replaced. They used a REMANUFACTURED engine short block. I talked to 4 levels of Hyundai consumer affairs and was told this is routine. So a used engine in my brand new car. The warranty isnt worth much if they use used parts.

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  Commuter Car - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Unbelievable - December 12 - 10:52 am

  I bought this car as a disposable commuter car. I commute 75 miles per day. Wow, I am very pleased with this car. It gets 40 mpg on the highway and 30 mpg around town. The car has power and I drive on average about 75mph comfortably. I am extremely pleased with this purchase and the car for the money! I am thinking this will be a great kid car when I am done with it.

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  Hyundai Elantra GT - a Gem of a Car! - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By Gretchenjkb - December 9 - 2:00 am

  These are great cars! I am a transplanted devoted German car enthusiast and let me tell you -- this Elantra makes me smile every time I hop in the car. My car is fully loaded with all the bells and whistles of a much more expensive vehicle, it drives beautifully, and has been very reliable. What a find! Buy one, you will not regret it!

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  Wish it had telescopic steering wheel - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By Dave - December 7 - 8:12 pm

  Replaced a 1994 Corolla that i really liked. Purchased mainly by price but positive reviews were also important. Driving comfort and MPGs are important to me. My main complaint is no telescopic steering wheel. Did not notice this during test drive, but in order for arms to be comfortable, I have to put the seat very close (I am short, 56"). Hopefully ill get used to it.