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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  elanra review - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By yomni - August 21 - 10:00 am

  great dollar value. adequate in every regard. Not a 10 in any category but can be rated good in most every aspect.Acceleration will not astounish you.

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  Love my Hyundai - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By doug - August 20 - 11:39 am

  After visiting local dealerships-who quoted sticker prices only-less trade or rebate. Sought an out of state dealer who quoted in writing exact price Edmunds said you should pay-saved $5000- persistence pays. Considered Honda Fit and Civic and Nissan Sentra but Hyundai was much less with more features and much better warranty. Have not had a sedan in awhile-fairly fun to drive. Great mileage so far running @34 average with mostly city.

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  bought for college - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By polystang - August 19 - 10:30 pm

  Bought for my final year at school. So far I am very satisfied. The engine is quite powerful for its class and its handles well. The sound system is nothing to brag about but all in all it is a very good little car at a good price. Recommended to anyone also, Im a big guy. 6,2 and build. I fit in it very well. Good head room and decent legroom

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  In general a great car. - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By ElantraOwner - August 18 - 5:41 pm

  I give high rating because I only compare this to other makes in the same class, meaning hyundai can still build a better Elantra. 7 for Build Quality is because a window came off from its track only 2 weeks after I got it. Otherwise it would be a 9. Very roomy for a small car, pickup is good, seat is comfortable. Everything just looks right and better when comparing to civic, corolla, or sentra. Like my friend says, it looks more expensive than its price. They say tinted windows on the website, but cant see how it was tinted.

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  Great Car - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By HyundaiNewbi - August 18 - 4:31 pm

  Had the car now for two weeks and am very happy. Traded my clunker for $4500 plus the $2000 discount then showed the dealer my TMV report - bottom line is I got a great car at a great price. The car accelerates and brakes well and the handling is very good with little body roll in corners. The car is a bit noisy under heavy acceleration but quite under normal conditions. I have not noticed wind noise at highway speed. Overall the can is nimble, fun to drive and fits four very comfortably. Gas mileage is good but I havent had it long enough to really determine true MPG for me. Finally you cant beat the warranty.

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  Best Choice - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By jennydee - August 18 - 12:02 am

  This is my first car. Throughout my search I test drove many different cars such as the civic, corolla,etc. but found for the money, the elantra was def the way to go. Now having driven this car for a year I am completely happy with my decision. I am in college and do high mileage. Amazing on fuel, smooth ride, can be a little loud but def not that big of a concern. I am a tall person and this car fits me perfect. Very spacious. I would def recommend this car to anyone looking for a sedan with all the best qualities in one low price compared. Especially with the amazing warranties that Hyundai offers you would be absolutely crazy to go anywhere else.

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  good little car - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By robert - August 17 - 9:39 pm

  I have had my car for 4 years and put 150000 miles on it I am on my 4th set of tires found out not all tires work on this car have had a brake caliper stick right front that wore that pad out quick it was fixed under warranty just drove to Indiana from texas and back 2000 round trip and on a couple tanks of gas got 41 miles per gallon I have enjoyed this car and would buy another for the price been very dependable never left me stranded on the road like some other cars have

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  Hyundai - Are you kidding? No Im not!! - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By JT - August 14 - 10:29 pm

  Bought the Elantra SE because I had a budget and needed to stick to it. Requirements were good gas mileage, antilock brakes, airbags, and traction/stability control. Comparable Civic and Corolla were $4K and $5K more, even with cash for clunkers. Took the vehicle on an 1152 mile jaunt to Bar Harbor and back and averaged 31.2 mpg in all types of driving. Plus, I crammed 3 young kids and the wife in the car and a weeks worth of clothes and supplies. The Elantra performed admirably. Not extremely exciting, but a steady performer, fit and finish was perfect, seats were comfortable and ride was smooth. The engine was a little course when acceleration was needed, but overall a great car.

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  Wow - all for $17k!!! - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By Steve Thomas - August 13 - 10:34 am

  I was forced to buy another Elantra after hydro-planing mine into the guardrail on I-70 at 60mph. My 2004 absorbed the accident perfectly and I was thrilled how it did. So, I went to Hyundai and they have improved everything on this newer model and after 700 miles I love the new car

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  Great Deal - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By thelemalove93 - August 12 - 1:12 pm

  I traded in a 2002 Honda CR-V for a 2009 Hyunda Elantra GLS. While I loved my Honda, I was ready for something different. I checked out Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Kia and at the end my decision was easy- I got the most "BANG" for my buck with the Hyundai Elantra. It has a great stereo system (love having an aux cable to listen to my MP-3 player with), blue tooth speaker system for calls, a lovely blue backlit system that people rave about every time they are in my car and a ton of trunk space. It also looks great from the outside. It is fun to drive, spacious, more comfortable than my moms Acura MDX, and reliable. W/ an amazing price and reliability it is a keeper.