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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  OK value and practical car - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Doug - May 7 - 10:46 am

  Pros: easy on the eye very roomy interior for smallish car with nice leather nice suspension that handles bumps very well, gives impression of heavier and higher end car. Cons: Engine runs very hot, maybe inefficient design since gas mileage below average sheet metal very soft (thin gauge?) and prone to dings and dents very uncomfortable front seats for interstate driving headlights burn out too often sun roof causes annoying hums and air pressure waves when used. I would not recommend this car although it is average and of OK value for its price. My advice if you buy one is stay well clear of Hyundai dealer who scam you by calling every 3,ooo miles a "service" at $100+

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  Amazing Car - 2014 Hyundai Elantra
  By SF Sunshine - May 6 - 1:34 pm

  This is a solid car by a solid company. I am constantly amazed by how well thought out all the features are and the high quality of workmanship. I used to rent plenty of Hyundai cars when I traveled for work, and now that I spend more time doing a standard commute, I am absolutely delighted by the fully loaded options. You simply cannot go wrong with the leather interiors and technology options crammed into this car.

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  exceeded my expectations - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By david j. jones - May 5 - 11:36 am

  Drove to southern Indiana from no. Ill. The week of purchase. The car is better than I hoped. Got 34 mpg on the way home. Car is quiet, smooth, and handles well. Was considering a Toyota but I believe I got more bang for my buck on the elantra. Satellite radio is great. We, re taking the elantra to no. Wisc. Next week. Out Camry is staying in the garage. I would recommend this car for anyone on a budget. Djj.

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  Best in class - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By drickey - May 4 - 10:00 am

  The Hyundai Elantra GT is everything it was purported to be in 95% of the reviews I read. Mine has the two available options packages, power sunroof and Traction Control System with ABS. Many standard features including A/C; Leather seats, steering wheel and door trim; AM/FM/CD; 4 wheel disk brakes; side airbags; and many other items. Good handling on various road surfaces. Have driven the car hard and fast. Lots of power available when engine is mated to the manual transmission. Finding a GT with the manual was difficult, especially one fully loaded with the chianti paint. The only negative issues are minor. Overall this car is hard to beat.

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  2 more inches of rear seat room - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By loyal hyundia buyer - May 4 - 9:56 am

  this car would basically be perfect just shrink the trunk like two inches and add like two more inches too the rear seat and you have the perfect car

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  The Hyundai that can - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By AbeFrohman1986 - May 3 - 7:52 pm

  After owning a lemon-like 2001 Kia Rio with my wife for 7 years, it was time for a new car. Living in the city, we needed an affordable, not too big car, that offered lots comfortable options. The Hyundai Elantra met those criteria. Our salesman showed us a GLS model with the option package, XM Radio, Cruise, Anti-Lock Brakes and a Sun Roof. Sans Alloy wheels and nifty bluetooth feature of the SE, it was still a remarkably refined and comfortable compact with a smooth and definite road presence on 15 inch steel wheels. 138 HP 2.0 pumps solid life into the car and sitting in the soft cloth seats moving down a rough road, you feel safe and comfortable. Hyundai is making a great car.

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  Good Buy - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Lorenzo - May 2 - 7:06 pm

  Purchased Jan 05. One of the best experiences from dealership. Logged considerable miles on vehicle now. Few complaints. Like the hatchback design, can move alot of odds and ends with little trouble. Getting ready to purchase a 09 model. Solid value. Thank you Hyundai for building a car people can believe in!

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  No complaints here - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Satisfied - May 1 - 12:57 am

  I bought a brand new 2005 elantra in 2005 for 2 reasons: good price and good warranty. Since then i have put 123K miles on it, changed the oil every 10K or so, and bye and large have beat it up. It hasnt flinched. At about 120K the brake pads wore out so i replaced them and decided to change my belts at the same time. Other than that no other work has been needed. I have gotten more than i ever expected out of it. Throw in the fact the excellent gas mileage makes that IRS per mile deduction go real far, and Im a satisfied customer.

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  BEST CAR IVE EVR OWNED!!!! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By #1 Elantra fan - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I can honestly say that this is the best car Ive ever owned. My 2001 Elantra has 35k miles on it and I havent had one problem with it yet. This car runs like a dream. Everytime I get in it I just smile, knowing that I got the most bang for my buck. Its true, when you choose Hyundai you win!

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  Not all its cracked up to be. - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By kherbert - April 27 - 12:33 pm

  I bought the Hyundai Elantra after what i thought was sufficient research. The dealer and Hyundai billed it as comparable in quality to Toyota & Honda. That is a joke. I had rust on the rear vent windows and other places pretty quick. I take pretty good care of my cars too. I dont spoil them but I dont neglect routine maintenance and cleaning. Ive had no end of issues with the headlights burning out. Ive had to replace them both 4 times now (8 new headlights) and you cant do it yourself unless youve already got the tools. Its a pain.