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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  Comfort & Reliability - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By Downy0622 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This car was my life saver. I had previously owned klunker after klunker and finally decided to buy a newer car. The warranty was what primarily drew my attention. 100,000 miles or 5 years on a slightly used 2001 Hyundai Elantra. The car looked gorgeous and had plenty of room for a compact car. I drive long distance all the time and was happy to finally have a reliable car. No more braking down and having to call AAA. The car runs beautifully. And because I drive long distance, Ive had time to experience the comfort and roominess of the interior. Just recline the seat and relax. I love my Elantra!

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  Nice - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By PB - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Elantra, I had a 1999 model, I am very please with the car, I would recommend to anyone. It is a very nice car, I feel this maker would eventually capture the US market based on warranty and quality.

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  Well worth it - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By dgh - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This car was a second car for our family (two kids 1&3) Wife has a MPV Van (hate it) and I replaced my 300ZX Conv. as my main car. Everyone fits well in this car--for a small car lots of room, car seats--toys and the trunk holds must haves on a weekend trip. I drive the car 40 miles a day to work and have had no problems. I enjoy this car...and dont get killed when I make a payment.

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  I love my car - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Sharon - June 7 - 11:19 am

  I bought my car brand new and have had all required service completed as suggested. To date I have had no problems with my car. I have 84 thousand miles on it and hope it keeps on going. My next car will most likely be another Elantra or a Sonata depending on cost .

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  Got what I hoped for - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By Midwest Driver - June 3 - 7:10 pm

  The 2009 shot up to the top of the list based on its reliability reports and its price. Ive only driven it 1200 miles but am very happy with the fit & finish as well as with the loads of options. The 5 spd manual is a lot of fun with its spirited acceleration. I averaged 35 mpg on a road trip of 660 miles. The steering wheel is on the heavy side, but it nicely responsive.

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  Nice Car for the Money! - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Jack Simmon - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Great car was surprised how cheap it is and also the Dealer was able to better the offer very pleased.

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  Great Fuel Efficient Car - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Frank - May 22 - 10:36 pm

  I am 63 240 and this car is great feeling when driving long trips, lots of room to relax. I am feeling good about this purchase so far.

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  Very Satisfied - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Risa5 - May 22 - 10:00 am

  I took my new Elantra GT on a long road trip from Central Illinois to Vancouver, BC and back this July and had absolutely no problems. My other adult passenger, my two 50-lb dogs and myself were comfortable throughout the trip. The car cruised easily and quickly along the highway. I experienced very little driver fatigue. My average gas mileage for the trip was between 28 and 30 mpg.

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  A great buy in many ways - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Leonard - May 22 - 1:26 am

  Hyundai was first on my list and this purchase did not disappoint. The features of this car surpass its cost. Highway MPG has been a consistent 35. Interior is so roomy and trunk space is surprisingly roomy as well. XM radio and MP3 ability means I can listen to old time radio programs whenever I wish. The ride is very comfortable and quiet. Handling is smooth and responsive. The car has a nice pickup for a 4 cylinder vehicle and the controls are well thought out and easy to reach. All in all, a great car that is a pleasure to own and drive. My family has driven it and all agree it is a wonderful car.

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  Love this car! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Mel - May 19 - 1:19 pm

  I bought this car used in 2005 with only 13000 miles on it. Now in 2009 with over 100K miles it still drives almost like new! I had to replace the brakes once... but thats it. I live in New England and this car has made it up hills in a foot of snow that Ive seen honda CRVs struggling in. This car was an awesome investment and I am most definitely going to be getting another elantra when I get a new car and Im secretly jealous of whoever gets my old used one!