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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Excellent alternative to Civic/Corolla - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
By DavidC - January 31 - 10:35 pmI am a loyal Honda Civic owner, and my wife is a loyal Toyota Camry/Corolla owner. So we are still in shock when we are shopping for a replacement car this past month we decided on the 2009 Hyundai Elantra SE. What made us make this decision? For me its not really hard to make after a comparison of features and pricing. Its really disappointing how much Civic/Corolla has really jack up their prices, now youre paying more for the "brand name" then actual product. The Elantra, by comparison, no longer just offers a cheap car at a cheap price, but its a great car (by comparison) at an incredible price. Anybody looking to buy Civic/Corolla should definitely give Elantra a hard look.
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The Next Best Thing to a Civic - 1999 Hyundai Elantra
By Ramon H. Herron - January 31 - 2:01 pmThis car was a very good buy got it for 2700 fully loaded sunroof, cd player, check this even had an viper security system. I had no Major problem out of this car just regular stuff brakes, oil, tune up car has over 190,000 plus on it car still get me to and from work. A very good car is u keep it up. Tip please have u timing chain and water pump replaced at 100k
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You Can Expect Top Shelf -Hyundai - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
By JayAdler - January 29 - 3:10 pmJune 12, 2008Admittedly, when I went to another county to visit Atlantic Hyundai with gas priced the way it is, I was looking for an economy car to help me beat whatever is ailing us today. A lower payment and better terms were my objective, however crass and vehicle ignorance this may appear to suggest. What I found was a most welcomed and impressive sales organization and in the case of the vehicle I brought home; the 2008 Hyundai Elantra GLS with the power package intact, the most outstanding vehicle I have personally owned and I was born when Harry Truman was a feisty "show me" President. The Elantra feels the road, has astounding pickup and get go and more. I also saved.-Jay Adler
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Control arm?? Not - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
By dogmollie - January 27 - 10:48 pm100,000.00 miles nothing covered, car has 74,000 control arm broke??? Not covered, pulled out transmission, not covered. Dont buy these cars the warranty is a joke, hey they let you talk to a consumer advocate, huh right they consume your money. This was my second Hyundai first one lasted 225,000 miles and was running well when I sold it. This is my last Hyundai and I tell everyone I talk to to avoid these cars now. They changed something, and no longer need loyal consumers. Stay away from these cars.
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Couldnt ask for better - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
By gambler2 - January 27 - 10:00 amI have over 33,000 miles on my GT. I have only replaced one headlamp in addition to the regular maintainence. I usually get between 28 and 33 mpg. Most of my driving is at 45-70 mph. Im very satisfied!
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The Perfect Car! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
By babygirl10 - January 27 - 10:00 amThis is the best car that I have ever had. It fits my needs perfectly. It is a perfect size, and rides beautifully! It was also priced unbelieveably great. The gauges are easy to read and everything inside is easy to find. There were even a few extra perks that I didnt expect the car to have. For instance, I now have a special holder for my sunglasses. This comes in handy because I always leave them in the car, and this way they dont get scratched. Sometimes it is the little things that get the consumer excited about a car. I must say again how pleased I am with my new Hyundai Elantra!
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Love my Elantra - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
By Amy Davies - January 27 - 10:00 amWhen I had my second child, I needed a reliable 4 door vehicle, within our budget. I did a lot of research and found that the Elantra was affordable and classy. I went to our local Hyundai dealer and in no way was I pressured to buy. I went in and told them exactly what I was looking for as far as options and it turned out everything I thought was an option, came standard. For example, dual front airbags, side impact airbags, and power windows and locks. After I test drove it, I bought it! I love my Elantra!
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Great Car - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
By Spohn - January 27 - 10:00 amI am only 49 and I sit great in it. Have great visiblity. It is a great car for a short person. When I sit behind the wheel, I feel like it was built for me.
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Joss Car - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
By Jos Sante - January 27 - 10:00 amI am 62 year old man and have owned 8 new cars in my lifetime. A VW, Chevy, Mercury, Toyota, Mitsubishi and this Hyundai is the best new car I ever owned. The design is smart, well done, clean and safe. It is also the best price car I ever bought and with the most conveniences included in standard price.
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Very comfortable Ride - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
By Ralph T - January 27 - 10:00 amBought my Elantra May 2002 and to date I have been pleased with the overall car. The reliability of some parts slightly disappointed me but I guess the warranty made up for it.
