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 have had 3 elantras - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Debbie - March 10 - 4:30 am

  This is our 3rd Elantra. We also own a Sonata. We love our Hyundais. I recommend the 5 speed. This car is the best in its class for quality, price and overall performance. We love it!!!

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  Value! - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Chris - March 10 - 1:06 am

  I bought this car because my previous vehicle, a 2000 Ford Focus was totalled in a flood. I was going to test drive the Elantra back when I bought the Ford and should have! Though I havent had this car for long, its already so much better then the Focus. As far as handling is concerned, the Ford has this car beat, but thats about it. I dont know of any other car with leather, sunroof, abs, traction control, etc. for the price. Definitely check this car out.

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  Better then expected - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By mirecku - March 9 - 1:34 pm

  Bought new in 2005 equipped with abs/tcs and 5m. 70,000 miles at this time with no Major problems. Been twice in small accidents, repaired fast and inexpensive. Stereo and speakers not good enough for me, but not really bad. We drive the car mostly in suburban areas in upstate NY averaging 26-29 mpg, 32-38 mpg highways, depending on a drivestyle. Traction control combined with winter tires makes car driveable even during big snowstorms, no problems with snow so far. Also very good for long trips, seats are comfortable, driver`s with lumbar support, armrest in good position, roomy in back seats. Almost no rattles, over 3000 rpm you can hear the engine more, aerodynamic noise is low, good for money

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  SE poor acceleration - 2017 Hyundai Elantra
  By Serge - March 9 - 12:30 pm

  Rented for 3 weeks in Florida. While making left turns before oncoming traffic, this car seemed to stall while trying to quickly accelerate... scary! barely avoided a few accidents! This occurred even in sport mode. Dont know if it was just this particular car or problem has occurred with other similar 2017 elantras? Recall on this issue?

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  Great car! - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By emorse - March 5 - 3:10 pm

  Ive had the GT for five years now, few problems, only one repair I had to pay for myself. Original clutch and front brakes. Its been fun to drive, economical and reliable. After 99,000 miles, Im looking to trade on a Sonata, and I just wanted to say that anyone who buys one of these used, if its been treated right, youre getting a great value.

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  alot for the money - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Carl - March 4 - 10:00 am

  well worth it. nice car for the money. no problems so far.

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  my little/bid red elantra - 2016 Hyundai Elantra
  By big mike - March 3 - 3:40 pm

  I cross shopped cruze, focus, corolla and sentra. I bought an elantra for the unbeatable room, ride, performance, features and warranty!! I am 64 and I am very comfortable in this car - in most of the above cars the console cut on my right calfe of my leg. And the gas mileage is AWSOME I drive about 500 miles per week and with only 1000 miles on this car I am getting 33 - 37 mpg!!!!!!! the only thing I miss is not opting for the automatic headlights - trivial issue at best. I would HIGHLY recommend this car

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  Hyundai--No Way #2! - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Hyundai--No Way #2! - March 2 - 3:29 pm

  Had to replace rear brakes at 23,000 miles. Had to replace a all four tires at 23,000. Had to replace the battery at 25,000...all at own cost. The 2 shocks and 2 struts had to be replaced twice at 29,000 because the factory parts were also defective! (fortunately the shocks and struts were under warranty). If you are going to buy a cheap car to save money like I did, try a different manufacturer.

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  Still happy - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Diane R - February 28 - 11:13 pm

  I traded in my 2003 Ford Windstar that was getting around 17 miles a gallon for this car. I still like approaching it in a parking lot and still think it is pretty cute. I got a 5 speed because I had one as a kid and was going through a mid-life thing! The gas mileage is a steady 29-31 depending where I drive. I still really like it overall. My husband keeps asking me if I still like it and it has been 8 months. I am not sure when he thinks I will say no. But I hope never!

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  Great Car for the money - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By AVIBobcat08 - February 27 - 11:47 am

  My little 2006 Elantra is a great car for the money. It has great acceleration in fact some of friends get fooled and think it has a V6 when it is only a 2.0 L engine. I love this car it gets 37 mpg on the freeway and 26 city not bad for this car. My only complaint was the tires they only lasted 33,000 miles but for the price of the car I cant complain it out lasted my cousins more expensive corolla which left her sit a few times so all and all its a great car