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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  2005 Hyundai Elantra - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By gary f huth - September 1 - 11:40 pm

  This car was a good buy, and great gas mileage for not being a hybrid. The only thing I have detected so far is that the trunk lid sounds tinny when being closed. Good car, nice design, and great service from dealer.

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  Nice Car, Bad MPG - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Chen - August 31 - 1:17 pm

  A very good car. I got it as a used one with 35,000 miles. Its comfort but very, very poor mpg in city. ~ 200-250 miles/tank (14.5 gallon). Omg, where is the gas going? but good mpg in highway, ~ 30 mpg.

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  I Am Impressed - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By isaacandmary - August 30 - 10:15 pm

  My wife and I purchased the Elantra out of desperation because it was the last day of the Clunkers program, most dealers in our area had already stopped accepting trade-ins and our 89 BMW 735i was falling apart We test drove the Jetta, Civic, Sentra and Corolla but purchased the Elantra blindly because we really had no other choice as all dealers inventories were fully depleted. WHAT A PLEASANT SURPRISE THE ELANTRA HAS BEEN! The car is solid. The ride, instrumentation, handling, braking, feel etc. are all terrific. I had and image in my mind of Hyundais being cheap and raggedy, boy was I wrong. We live Chicago, the Pothole Capital of the World and this car easily holds its own.

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  Sorry im late - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By becker - August 30 - 5:01 pm

  Should have posted this back in April. This is one of the best vehicles Ive ever owned.. Had over 50 of em... If you are thinking of a new car... Put this at the top of your list. Check the residual value ( surprising ).. Have owned the others, toy, niss, etc. Would recommend this car highly.

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  SE is fantastic value for the price - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By AMB - August 29 - 9:22 pm

  This is yet another happy Cash For Clunkers story. My trusty 06 Accord lease was ending and I happen to have an F-150 I was holding on to. I got an early 09 (no USB - just AUX) with BlueTooth option and walked out the door paying just under $10,500 TOTAL (taxes included!). The great deals are available because, even though this car is highly rated, Hyundais are just not coveted like Honda and Toyota are - yet. Build quality is excellent and interior is nicely laid out. I got the manual, which is similar to German gear layouts with a unique reverse lock-out feature as well.

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  A Great Car - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Steve - August 28 - 9:43 pm

  I bought the Elantra as a fuel-saving means of getting back and forth to work. On my last tank I got 36.5 mpg, with only about 15 percent freeway, although living out in the country I do go about 50 mph getting into town. The car feels very solid and comfortable. I love the XM stereo and the myriad of small touches inside the car. The trunk is cavernous. All in all a great car.

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  Some Problems but overall a decent car - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Former Truck Guy - August 28 - 5:21 pm

  I bought this vehicle used in August of 08 to replace a wrecked vehicle. It is fun to drive. I average 28 miles to the gallon. I have replace two headlights and have had numerous break problems with both the rear brakes and the E brake. Hyundai has not been kind about repairs.

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  Great Car - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By Chris - August 22 - 7:15 am

  We really enjoy driving our GLS with sunroof and XM. Smooth, quiet and refined. Seats are firm but comfortable. Dash is attractive and well laid out. Controls are easy to use. Sound system excellent. Peppy engine growls only when pushed, but this car is more of easy going car than a sports machine. Price was certainly right considering quality, included features and the warranty. Notice there are some exceptions in the fine print on the 60K, 5 year guarantee. Cash for clunkers really sealed the deal for us. Looking forward to many years of service.

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  good for the pirce - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By Z - August 21 - 9:58 pm

  I bought this 2001 Elantra GLS 5-speed back in 2001. Im in the market for a new car now, after about 8 years and 130,000. The car still runs fine, but little things like the power windows, catalytic converter, etc. have given me reason to buy another car (possibly another Hyundai). The car was 100% reliable through out most of its life so far. I have driven it through all kinds of weather conditions, and even drove it cross-country. Despite two low-impact collisions, only cosmetic damage was done the car drove on as if though nothing happened. I still have the original clutch on it, and it works fine! I think its time to retire this one it served its purpose, and served it well.

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  Best Car at its Price - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By Matt - August 21 - 1:26 pm

  The dealer was wonderful. Got a very good price for the vehicle. The vehicle it self is excellent for me, a single male living on my own. It gets around town very well, the freeway drive is comfortable. The audio sounds good, and AC cools well. The steering wheel is a little touchy, but that could be me who use to own a 96 Mercury. The brakes are great, and the layout of the interior is excellent. Overall this vehicle was the best value out there... Hyundai has awesome rebates, check your local dealer. Going one on one with Honda, this car offers the same as a honda that cost 1500-2000 more.