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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  cant beat price/value - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Ronl - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I hate to buy cars but found the elantra a reasonable investment. This is my 3rd elantra and will probably buy another if the price remains at the same level. Getting a CD, power locks,windows,and mirrors plus a great warranty for this price will keep me coming back.

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  cold and frustrated - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By frustratedelantra - November 27 - 9:51 pm

  All though I have enjoyed my hyundai very much, in the winter it is very cold. I cant leave my car running to warm up without staying in it. There is a saftey feature that wont allow you to lock your doors with the car running so that you wont lock your self out. This may be good for people in warm places but for me it is very frustrating. When I asked my local dealer about it they werent much help at all. Also for "SAFTEY REASONS" you should be able to lock yourself in in case an extreme situation forces you to do so.

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  Satisfied Shopper 2004 elantra & 2007! - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Kirsten - November 24 - 10:30 pm

  On Oct 10th my fiance and I were in a car accident that totaled our 2004 Hyundai Elantra. Everyone was fine thanks in part to how safe the vehicle itself was! Now on Oct 18th, after looking at many different cars and dealerships, we ended up going back to the guys who sold us the 04 and buying an 07. My first impression of the 07 was how well it handled. Im able to turn corners sharper than before and my acceleration is amazing compared to anything else Ive driven. The trunk space is amazing (though you wouldnt think so from the outside!) The small details are great a purse/trash holder in front is neat!

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  FirstImpressions - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By DailyCommuter - November 24 - 9:45 am

  Ive logged over 1200 miles on my new 2010 Elantra GLS within the past 3 weeks of ownership. Gas mileage in combined highway/city driving has averaged a respectable 32mpg. I think I did well on price, just under $16k including all taxes, freight, etc. The car has been solid, ride is quiet (much quieter than I anticipated from an economy car) and controlled. Engine has more than enough power to get you up and into expressway traffic. Car came with 3 months of XM radio included. So far, Im very happy with my purchase.

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  Still going after 5 years - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By KSierra - November 23 - 5:27 pm

  I got my Elantra just a little over 5 years ago and itÂ’s still going. I purchased the extended 100,000mi/10yr bumper to bumper warranty. IÂ’ve had to have my air bag sensors (both driver and passenger)and Kenwood CD player replaced. IÂ’ve also replaced my headlights a few times. DidnÂ’t have to pay for any of it! I leave my headlights on ALL the time so burning them out is to be expected. Over all IÂ’m am super happy with my Elantra. I drive between 20 and 30 miles every day on average and get great mileage. Maintenance is a little pricey (in for my 60k,today ouch!) but the dealership is reliable and friendly (same guys in the service department since I got my car!)

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  Awesome car - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By SRG - November 23 - 12:55 pm

  I purchased my first new Hyundai and 2005, and love everything about it, including the price. I paid a bit over $14,000 for my 2010 Elantra Blue with the comfort package, and Im loving everything about it. It handles fairly well on the Highway, and the nice fabric seats are rather comfortable. The trunk is a decent size for a small vehicle and the back seat seems to have plenty of room, also. Finally, the stereo system is quite remarkable. I love the fact the XM radio is integrated (which I know is now the new trend). The stereo has good sound quality and it has iPod and USB ports.

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  All in the family - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By raztaz143 - November 21 - 11:31 am

  Great-fun vehicle to own. My sister owned a 2000 Hyundai Elantra Wagon, which was very impressive and had almost 200,000 miles when she replaced it with a 2007 Hyundai Elantra GLS. I was impressed with both, so I decided to get the 2009 model-with a sunroof, mudguards, heater seats, wheel-locks- had to spoil myself some! It drives great, took it on a few trips, Excellent gas mileage for sure, and a definitely nice vehicle for any lengthy trip!

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  Awesome experience - 2017 Hyundai Elantra
  By hadis - November 20 - 7:48 am

  So far Im in love with my new car, its so convenient and has the recent technology that I was looking for.

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  good ride - 1994 Hyundai Elantra
  By big john - November 19 - 2:29 pm

  Bought new for wife, never had Major problems and regular maint. Will keep her running. Drove up and down east coast when new. Would do it again if I had to.

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  Roberts Daily Commuter - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By Robert in Florida - November 18 - 4:59 pm

  I bought my 2010 Elantra GLS on 9 Nov 09. The GLS comes loaded with standard with features others charge for. The Price & Warranty cannot be beat! Love the Fuel Economy and Quite ride. Standard features include: ABS, Power Windows & Door Locks, Keyless Entry w/Security system, Cruise Control, Heated Mirrors, Tilt Wheel, 6 Airbags, Intermittent Wipers, Lighted Vanity Mirrors, Fog Lights, 160W CD Player with built in XM (90 days free), Stereo has IPOD interface and USB & AUX connectors for MP3 playback. IPOD controlled w/ stereo! Huge trunk and cabin space. Fold down seat backs are hard. 32-34 MPG. Paid right at the Customer Cash Adjusted TMV OTD. Only options were Mud Guards & Floor Mats.