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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  suprised buyer - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By dustin - July 31 - 7:42 pm

  bought a elanta gls, auto. went from a Mustang GT. which was fully loaded. Overall, very suprised, was expecting a slow, sluggish car, nice handling and decently comfortable. Gas milage is outstanding, getting 37mpg without the car being broken in yet. Braking response is great, only complaints, high engine rpms at 70, almost 3k rpm on expressway, steering is heavy compared to every other vehicle I have drivin. Cant beat the warranty, and with cash for clunkers, final price $9800 for a car with an invoice price of 18K. Will write a new review when I have more miles on my car. Only have 200 at this time.

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  Maybe a Glitch? - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By John H - July 31 - 5:00 pm

  We bought the Elantra used with about 22,000 in the summer of 06 - it had previous been a rental car (Hertz?. The cars has performed flawlessly until it blew a head gasket at 68,340 miles. Since I was the second owner - the warranty expired at 60,000 miles. I asked Hyundai America to at least partially compensate me for the repair since I think it was a fluke and they just blew me off. Perhaps it was the last one off the assembly in on a Friday afternoon. The gas mileage has always been a bit lower than I expected - less than bothe the Corollas and Civics that I have owned. I am guardedly optimistic about the car since everyone else that has them say they are great.

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  Love my Elantra - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Timzee - July 29 - 10:00 am

  Couldnt decide between a Sonata and Elantra. I opted for less expensive. I love this car. I got a loaded car for less than 16K. It rides great, is responsive and has great pep. It is easy to handle, and with all of its features, you cant go wrong. Hyundai spared very little expense on this car. Hell the tires on this car run 130 a piece!

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  Pretty Good So Far - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By wwest - July 29 - 9:16 am

  I love this car. I traded a Jeep Grand Cherokee and space is not an issue. It is spacious despite its small footprint. I got the optional moonroof and heated front seats. I was looking at a Civic, Corolla, and Jetta. This had standard features that the others didnt have or were optional. The warranty is the best. If you buy this car before the $1.49 gas price guarantee expires, dont get it! It is a huge rip-off. Take the $2000 cash back instead. I would have never looked at Hyundai a few years ago but their cars are now as good as or better than their Japanese and German competitors. Pay the extra few grand for the SE to get the safety features.

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  Do an online check - 2016 Hyundai Elantra
  By Jeff - July 29 - 4:07 am

  Did most of my dealing online and spent less time and hassle than going to a dealership. Saved money, too.

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  The BEST Value for your $$$$$$$$ - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By The BEST Value for $ - July 29 - 4:03 am

  I have had the Elantra for about 3 weeks now. I should say that initially I did not want to even test drive one. My friend adviced me to do so and you know what? I am glad I listened to him. This car is a steal for the money you pay. It has a long list of standard features and if you plan to spen a little more you get the GT. The car is fun to drive and the gas mileage is good. If you are looking for a low price, fuel economy, more standard features then look no further than the Hyundai Elantra. This will be a good buy for the $$$$$$$$$$$ you spend.

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  just bought it we will see - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By poetry - July 28 - 10:47 pm

  Just bought this car today, its a beauty. I love the interior design the Windows are smoked so I dont have to get them tinted. The previous owner put in custom sound and custom rims and it drives like a dream. I bought the car with 4 recalls on it and the dealership already advised me they will fix them with no cost and provide a rental. I only gave it "8" because Ive only owned it for 7 hours now.

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  fun to drive - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By robert - July 28 - 10:24 pm

  I sold my 2006 Hyundai Sonata to a friend and decided to give the Elantra a try. I purchased in mid June 09 and after 6 weeks and 1100 miles I thought it time to do a review. The car is very quiet and comparable to my 2006 Sonata in road noise. I average about 30 to 31 mpg with about 60/40 Highway to city driving ratio. The handling and responsiveness is very good and what I expected. The car is very fun to drive and while it does not have the 6 cylinder engine of the Sonata I am more than satisfied with the acceleration. I drive mostly in the Urban Dallas/Ft Worth area during nonrush hour times. I have not taken it on a road trip yet. It is early for my assessment, but I am satisfied

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  Great car for a great price - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By KUJayDoc - July 28 - 2:36 pm

  My wife and I test drove pretty much every competitive small sedan. We finally came between the Kia Forte EX and the Elantra SE and went with the car we could get at the lowest price. They are identical in all features, but the Hyundai has larger alloy wheels and thus has a smoother ride. We purchased a black pearl SE manual with bluetooth and paid $14,100 walk out (not including cash for clunkers). Couldnt get Kia to get anywhere close. The Elantra SE is a perfect fit for us and has every feature we wanted. Bluetooth, cruise, steering wheel audio controls, sporty exterior, etc. For the price, nothing can beat it. #1 small sedan according to Consumer Report new car guide and it shows.

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  a nice little car - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By charlie - July 28 - 12:34 am

  I have 70 thousand miles on my elantra gt, replaced rear brakes at 50 thousand miles and I do a lot of stop and go Las Vegas driving in the heat, front brakes at 55. Not bad at all. 35 mpg on hwy at 68 mph, only warranty work-- new tie rod end at 49 thousand miles along with torn left cv boot, leaky sun roof and a leaking rear strut, still have the 3 other original struts in the car all work covered on the 50 thousand mile defective part warranty, the dealer told me about at no cost, 450 dollars for timing belt at 62 thousand miles, a 4 1/2 hour job not like the old days, I would never try to do it like I did my old Chevy prizm too many parts. Hyundai totally honored their warranty-