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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  Humming Noise at Highway Speed - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By johnsbk2 - September 9 - 10:00 am

  We experienced a humming noise that occurred at about 60mph. Sounded like someone blowing into the top of a empty pop-bottle. Took it to the Dealer yesterday and they had just got a memo to replace the front door seals! Good timing :) The problem was fixed and the mechanic was extremely personable. We love our Elantra GLS. It does well on the highway with pickup & go. A problem that my wife was worried about with a smaller engine. Not a problem with passing or getting up to speed quickly.

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  Good Choice - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By will - September 6 - 3:50 pm

  Had the car for 3 weeks now and am pleased with it. I never considered buying a Elantra, but friends of ours has 2 and love them. I wanted a car thats reliable, safe, good mpg,comfortable and affordable-the Elantra was it! No other car maker came close with the same options & price plus warranty. Its not sporty or a head turner,but for me thats ok.

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  GREAT DEAL - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Hyundai Lover - September 6 - 4:52 am

  Ive been through alot with this car, it took its bumps and bruises. It stood STRONG! Aside from plastics on the cheaper side, you get so much for what you pay for. Plus, i got a STEAL on it, dont overlook the Elantra! BEAST CAR!

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  Great Little Car for Everybody - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By nr1989 - September 5 - 9:58 pm

  Bought this car a few months ago from a lady who rarely drove it, only 9,000 miles in 5 years. Bought the car for my Grandmother, she likes the compact size because it is easier for her to drive and park. Have taken the car on small tips and 2000 mile trips, it is comfortable and will drive all day without a problem. Car has a lot of power, even my 20 something friends who have driven have commented on how quick it is. I never thought I would buy a foreign car, but this little Hyundai is great for everyone.

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  Great Value - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By laura - September 5 - 8:08 am

  I bought my 01 Elantra gently used in 2002, because it appeared to be the best value. And it has been. Ive not had to pay for any major repairs in the 7 years and 100,000 miles Ive owned. Def. the lowest cost to own car Ive ever had. The car is not sexy, so Ive been a bit bored with it ( since I bought it), but will keep driving until it starts needing major repairs.

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  Great Car - Even Better Price - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By Pastor Ken - September 4 - 10:00 am

  My 2001 Elantra has performed beautifully as basic transportation and more. It has a solid build quality, decent performance, and has been reliable so far. After two years, it still looks and drives as well as my buddys Civic, purchased at the same time. He paid $3K more than I did!

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  Good and Bad - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By rocky03 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  The Hyundai rides nice and has pretty good power. We have had issues with a connector to the fuel tank, and with a sensor that caused the car to sound out of gear at certain speeds, and with a low idle. The car looks nice and for under 13K is still a pretty good deal, especially with the warranty.

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  2003 Elantra GT - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Dujybug - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Elantra GT in February 2003. Having driven it for several months now, I love the way the car handles. It is wonderful to drive on the freeway or in city traffic.

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  magnificent - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By robert - September 2 - 11:03 pm

  My wife had a Toyota corolla with 110.000 miles and I told her, its time to get rid of this garbage, we had problem with the corolla since we bough it, battery death less than a year, window motor broken after 3 years, so 3/36.000 warranty is not good. I check for two month the new corolla, matrix, yaris, civic, sentra, versa, etc, etc and I decided elantra se full loaded. I did a good choice, I feel so good driving this car, wow, the seats feel better than my kia sedona, minivan. The instrument lights are beautiful. I know its not perfect, but with so many stupid expensive cars out there that just take our money, elantra is perfect choice. Im very, very happy, I almost forget, has leather seat,

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  25,000 and climbing - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By limee925 - September 2 - 7:50 pm

  Have had the vehicle 2 years. Absolutely no problems with anything. Put gas in the car and drive with oil changes every 5000 miles. Not a creak, groan or rattle. Very happy with everything that I use the car for. Its comfortable with great gas mileage consistently in the low 30s with mixed driving. Best so far has been 39.8mpg on a 700 mile drive to Washington state. Would certainly recommend to anyone who wants a solid, dependable, reliable, comfortable car who has an aversion to dealers workshops!