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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  Affordable luxuries... - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By Rex - August 11 - 2:24 pm

  Its not as sporty as a Mazda 3 nor as popular (not yet) as Corolla or Civic but my Elantra gets the job done with far more than enough safety and luxury features as standard. MPG 33+ on highway @ 65+ MPH. Although it could use more hp ride is quiet pleasing and comfortable on long drives.Build and qualities are up par with the famous 3. Bottom line is the price I paid for this great car...sure saved me a lot to afford to go on long drives for vacations.

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  Decent little car - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By decent car - August 10 - 3:17 am

  I purchased my Elantra new in Nov of 05. I needed a new car after the electrical system in my 99 Jetta stopped working(very pricey repair) I have had absolutely 0 problems with this car. I have performed routine maintenance on the car, oil changes etc. New tires at 60,000 miles. I have been impressed with the peppy engine and love the gas mileage, I average 36 to 38mpg highway. I commute a lot to work and school. I do not like the fact the engine revs at higher rpms when shifting gears with the 5 speed manual transmission. Sheetmetal dents easily and paint has worn off the hubcaps. Interior has held up nicely, had to install new radio and upgraded the speakers. Wish I had the sunroof

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  Great Car! - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By Danno - August 9 - 1:45 pm

  I purchased a new 2009 Elantra SE, and I absolutely love it! The more I drive it, the more I enjoy it. The 16" Alloy wheels with the Hankook performance tires make the handling awesome to drive. I chose the metallic pearl grey with the rear spoiler and it looks great! I have previously owned two new BMW 3 series, and I in no way feel like I am driving a "poor cousin" of the BMW. I am in no way saying this car is as good as the 3 series, but for the money, WARRANTY, and performance, you cannot go wrong with the Elantra. The economy has changed my purchasing power right now, and I am so glad I made the Elantra my choice. Cash for Clunkers Rocks!

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  VERY DISAPPOINTED - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Mrs Barrett - August 8 - 4:19 pm

  I bought this car in 06 with only 15k miles on it so it was like brand new. I bought it because of the reputation of reliability, quality and gas mileage. But right at 50,000 miles in the middle of a road trip, my radiator suddenly cracked without warning and all of my coolant leaked out on the spot and my engine overheated. It all happened within 60 seconds at a stop light. I ended up stranded for 4 full days. Finally the dealership discovered the cracked radiator. No one can explain why that happened. I have kept impeccable care of the car. In fact I checked my coolant levels etc before I left on the trip. All was fine. It cost me over $1000 and now I am nervous to go on a trip!

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  A great value for the money - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By ssb73q - August 8 - 2:01 pm

  We live in a very hilly region of Western New York State. Economy cars we have owned would always struggle on the hills. The air conditioner would need to be turned off. The Elantra moves smartly up the hills without a struggle and we remain cool. A test drive with the Toyota Corrola showed a lack of power, the Honda Civic on hills was ok, but the dash arrangement was a bit too hokey and the cabin cramped. The ElantraÂ’s clean no- gimmick controls and dash were much more user friendly than the competition. The handling of the Elantra is crisp and the SEs ESC has allowed me to avoid a collision with a deer while moving 55-60 mph. Any other non-ESC car would have been in the collision shop.

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  Love my new Elantra - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By Rita - August 7 - 3:36 pm

  I bought this under the CARS program and am getting 10 mpg better than my Explorer. The car feels solid and drives great. Still getting used to 4 cylinders but small price to pay for better gas mileage. Would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Best cheap vehicle. - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By BLKSE - August 6 - 2:30 pm

  Fairly satisfied with the purchase. Under 17K for SE with ESC, monroof and heated seats. Comparably equipped Civic was about 4K more. Front interior space is hindered by curve of dash. Late 09 models removed the Coolant temp and made the gas gauge as big as the Tach. Ridiculous. Can get 25+ mpg in 100 city driving and 31+ on the highway.

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  sporty. fun, and reliable - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By danhw6 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  This car has been a dream from day one. I love driving it. it has considerable punch. i consistently 350 to 400 miles to the gallon. i am thouroughly impressed with hyundais new crop of cars.

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  It gets the job done. - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By rex - July 31 - 10:37 pm

  Sure its not as sporty as Mazda3, nor as popular as Civic or Corolla (watch it though), but my Elantra gets the job done of driving to work and home along I80 just fine with enough bells and whistles especially safety features as standard equipment. Not to mention its superb warranty. MPG 34+ on the highway @ cruising speed. Most of all the big savings at the dealership.

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  NO PROBLEMS - LOVE IT - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By ELANTRA - July 31 - 9:07 pm

  I bought this car as a new left over and paid 12 grand and that includes tax and all dealer fees. A few later Hyundai sent me a check for 400.13 dollars. I didnt ask why and only made my purchas sweeter. Im a strong at the table when dealing with salemaen and they hate me for it. 88000 AND NO PROBLEMS, NO RATTLES, 28 MPG, NOT GREAT BUT I DRIVE VERY HARD. My car is a 5 speed and I tow a jet ski and somtimes a trailor for yard work and still get 28 mpg every time out. The motor is a 130hp and beats most others in its class. The is of good quality and im an old motor head and know cars. Safety and performance and reliable as Honda. Hyundai I will be back after getting 200000. I have no doubt !