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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  New Elantra 2003 - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By kuya94 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  My 2003 elantra Having 60 series 15” Mich tires front and rear Stabilizers bars and 2.0 Liter engine Makes for quick and easy Back road driving. Yet with the 4 speed automatic trans turning the motor about 2200 rpms at about 65 mph has got to be more than 33 mpg highway mileage and having a ten year 100,000 mile warranty and 9990 price tag what else can you ask for.

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  Fantastic car - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Danvik - November 9 - 8:13 am

  Thi small sedan has a smooth, comfortable drive. Handles like a mid- size, and has that much room. Fantastic car.

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  MY BABY !!! - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By Eddie Boyce - November 8 - 5:06 am

  I am a three time Elantra Owner since 2000. This a quality and safety all wrapped in one beautiful package in the Apple Read Pearl. I wish we American Car Manufacturers can build and Sell for the same low price as I got this Hyundai for. I paid $16,000 out the door in cash for MY BABY! My Baby has auto,CD,XM asnd cruise control. I got an unbelievable deal, because its a buyers market at this time.

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  Engine vibration above 2500rpm - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By c0mmuter - November 7 - 8:14 am

  I bought the Elantra back in August 2009, 3600 miles currently. It has performed reliably, no major mechanical problems. Handles well, though the steering is a little stiff. For a small car, it rides well on a variety of surfaces. However, the engine vibration is excessive above 2500RPM in all gears. It is felt in the drivers feet. I took the car to the dealer ship and was assured that this is normal by the service department. I did not run it above 2500RPM during the test drive. The manual says that during the first 600 mile break in to run the engine between 2000-4000rpm. The vibration has reduced a little since August 2009.

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  Long lasting - 1995 Hyundai Elantra
  By Medina - November 7 - 8:04 am

  I have a 1995 Hyundai Elantra. This car has lasted longer than any car that I have ever had. My husband keeps up the regular maintenance and oil changes. It takes off like a jet and is a smooth ride even after 14 years. The only problem that we have had is the gear shift sticking and the door handles needing repair. When taking off this car leaves the others in the dust!

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  Solid vehicle - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By Joegiant - November 7 - 4:40 am

  So far, so good. For those shopping for a good, reliable, relatively inexpensive commuter vehicle, this may in fact be the one. Youre not buying prestige but rather "bang for the buck". Hyundai truly has packed alot of punch into this car for the pricepoint. Many standard safety features too numerous to list. Comfortable ride. Decent gas mileage (getting about 34 on the hwy after 5,000 miles break-in). Slushbox trans works the way its supposed to - trouble free. Start er up, put er in drive and away you go. Trouble free transportation. With Cash for Clunkers program, after all the smoke, paid under $11k for this 09 Elantra SE. Truly remarkable. Give this company a serious look!

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  Utilitarian Plus - 1998 Hyundai Elantra
  By SmallWagonDriver - November 6 - 10:52 pm

  Bought this in 99 w/30,000 and its still used daily in-town and on long trips. At 158,000 total miles it has suffered a couple problems, the worst a cracked exhaust manifold at 124,000. Clutches do wear out, and that was replaced at 152,000. Otherwise, its very solid and has been very reliable, however we do keep it well-maintained (the secret to car longevity). It has seen some pretty tough duty in the mountains and in hot, dry desert-like conditions and never left us stranded. Its never had any electrical problems, no leakage from underneath, does not use oil (weve always run synthetic), heater and AC still works great, and to top it off, a tree fell on it but it just pushed back!

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  Very Happy Consumer - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By KrazeyKel - November 5 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle because I needed something reliable, yet sporty to drive. Fuel economy was also important. I needed a 4 door vehicle and was initially looking at a used Camry. I found the Hyundai for roughly the same price, and considering the warranty it convinced me to buy a Hyundai. I have not yet had any problems with my vehicle and am happy with the overall styling. The stereo looks nice, but the quality of speakers could be bumped up a bit. The biggest downfall of this car would be the acceleration, which I crave a lot of, but considering the other benefits of the car, I can deal with the slight dissappointment. Highly reccommended purchase.

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  The Junkyard dog. - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By wan - November 1 - 11:09 am

  It started great but when downhill from there. The exterior seals constantly leaked. Allowing moisture and water to seep in. The paint started to faint after 2 years. They should borrow Toyotas paint manufacturing process. At 40000+ miles, the engine inexplicably started to burn a little bit of oil. Then at 55000 miles, it suffered a catastrophic terminal engine failure which included a blown exhaust manifold. I will never buy a car from Korea again!

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  The best buy! - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By hnicoleg - November 1 - 9:34 am

  I just bought my Hyundai, and I have no complaints! Its performance is amazing compared to my old mazda, and you cant beat the price, 12,000. If anyone is looking into the Hyundai Elantra, you should really consider it!