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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  I got a good deal - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Wigglypuff - June 26 - 4:27 pm

  I researched sedans on Edmunds 3 years ago and compare all the foreign cars as well as domestic. Hyundai turned out to be the best deal hands down over ALL OTHER car makers. So I decided from that point forth to buy a Hyundai. I got a great deal from my dealership (below invoice per Edmunds). I have 27000 miles on this car. I havent had any real problems with it (except for the recall). I have since upgraded this car with the factory keyless start system (its awesome). Great fuel economy. I started off getting 27-31mpg. Now Im getting 35mpg. Ive driven this car in treacherous snow conditions and she handled like a breeze. Ill probably update again at 50k miles.

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  Simply a Great Buy - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Careful Buyer - June 26 - 5:02 am

  I researched plenty b4 buying my Elantra because I wanted a problem-free car (a real challenge when buying used). The 04 Elantra is highly rated by many car reviewers. Having owned mine for 6 months and driven 12,000 miles, I want to share how wonderful owning this car has been. I bought this car with 52K mi on it. It is a loaded 5-spd GT Hatch. I like the styling inside and out. I have not had a single mechanical problem. I have had to replace one headlight bulb and it was easy. If the biggest complaint about a car is changing headlight bulbs, common sense told me it is a smart car to buy. And the gas mileage? 35 MPG combined thats 450 mi b4 the fuel light comes on! Worth every $ I paid.

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  Great Car! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Hyndi03 - June 23 - 3:47 pm

  Bought the car pre-owned with 50,000 miles on it and it now has 88,000 and never had a problem. Had the car two years and constantly commute state to state. I can put $35 of gas in the tank (which is about 14 gallons if you really push it) and get around 450 miles to the tank. Drove from Philadelphia to Vermont without filling up and still had gas left over! Keep up on the oil changes, transmission flushes, and the tune ups and this car will never leave you stranded. Reliable, simple, and has good pickup.

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  Quiet Car - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By Robert Makela - June 22 - 12:16 pm

  I love the Hyundai Elantra. Its very quiet compared to most small cars. I tested a Toyota Corolla and it was miserably loud and I would never, ever get one of those now. I hate when small cars, just because theyre small and "economy" based, they are loud in the cabin interior. The Elantra really stands out because the cabin is so nice and quiet. I was going 55mph and there was no road or wind noise. The only time it gets a little loud is when youre really stepping on the gas, but thats because its a 4cyl. Im quite happy with how quiet the car is

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  Sorry to see it go... - 1999 Hyundai Elantra
  By S Bianchi - June 20 - 8:50 pm

  This vehicle has been in our family since the beginning I got it as a gift with 130,000 miles on it. Unbelievably reliable car average in comfort...this is not the car for long road trips (your back WILL hurt!) Suspension was average, but you dont buy this car for style and "fun factor" - its an inexpensive, reliable about town automobile. Timing belt broke like clockwork every 80,000 miles. It was still running strong this week when I sold it for $1,100 and 191,849 miles on it. Gas mileage was exceptional at 28/35. Didnt want to sell but couldnt keep showing up at client meetings with a rusty car. I was so impressed with this car that I replaced it with a 2008 Hyundai Elantra.

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  Great looking, fun car to drive - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By Bryan Gotch - June 18 - 2:58 pm

  I bought a GL model (Canada) based on all the positive expert and owner reviews I read about it, including its above-average warranty and great price. Ive had it for just under a month and so far I havent been disappointed. Im especially impressed with the interior room. Im 6-feet, 250 pounds and the head and leg room in both the front and rear seats is excellent. I find the seats very comfortable. The dashboard layout is well thought out and convenient (stereo, storage compartments). Ive read negative reviews about engine power, but its plenty for me. Overall, its a great looking, comfortable, fun car to drive.

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  A Pretty Good Experience - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By grapemanca - June 17 - 11:40 pm

  Weve had our 05 Elantra for 4 years, and weve been pretty pleased. After testing many other cars in its class, we were happy to purchase the Elantra. It has a quieter and smoother ride than the 05 Corolla, and more power than a 05 Civic. Its nice and wide inside, with good head room. After 4 years its still solid and tight.

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  Great City Car - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Millertime - June 15 - 1:54 am

  This is by far the best city car- for the money - I have ever owned. I still get 28 MPG combined even with 69k on it. There is plenty of power to hold your own on the freeway, or get around that annoying person with his turn signal on for miles. Turn on the AC and its a different story. The power flat lines, and the gas mileage heads to the basement. The interior is roomy - better than my wifes 08 Civic -but pretty plain (O CD player in GLS). And you cannot seem to ever find a balance between having the steering wheel at a comfortable hight, and still see all of the instrument cluster. The trunk is huge, and will hold several full sized suit cases. All in all its a great car.

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  Loving my Elantra - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By LAL - June 14 - 5:07 pm

  This car has been awesome!. I got this used with 8k miles for less than $10K and now it has almost 100k miles. Never had a mechanical problem. Performance and pickup is the best in his class. I love the handling, the exterior design and interior space. Could have more interior features. I went to the dealer this weekend to have a full checkup (just in case I want to sell it) and they found nothing at all. So Im thinking on keeping it for another 3 or 4 years, it depreciates too much (because the brand and not the quality), now is worth around 3K.

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  beware - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By tom - June 14 - 1:13 am

  have to replace bulbs all the time @ 20,067 miles NEW TRANSMISSION 4 days in the shop wipers replaced numerous times im 61 yrs old owned alot of new cars in my time this is by far the worst read all reviews and research all said best car in class even still they use these terms we all had to laugh at these comments by so called professional as we waited @ customer sevice wondering what would be next hey got me out of yard work and to you pros have some integrality then ill get the grass cut !!!!!