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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  good job, hyundai! - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By sammy - January 4 - 3:33 pm

  I just bought my quicksilver Elantra Limited with XM radio. What a nice little car to drive! Robust feel, comfortable and smooth driving, and its really queit on the road. Very impressive for small compact car! Interior fit and finish is on top level, and i love the blue interior lighting! good engine power with good mileage, this car is the winner! It even got a smooth leather seats! I also received $3000 off the MSRP with $1000 rebate, my Elantra LIMITED came out $16000 including tax, fees and everything! WHAT A VALUE! My brother owns 05 Corolla S, Elantra drives so much quiter and smoother than Corolla. this is far better car than corolla with thousands less!

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  One quality vehicle - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By BigRed - January 3 - 3:23 pm

  I wanted an SE but Hyundai did not seem to have any. Went with the GLS and have not been disappointed. Have driven in the desperate rush hour traffic here in North Texas and was well pleased with the cars handling. On the road car did quite well, passing ok, wind noise ok, gas mileage both city and country very good. Quality of assembly, superb! Like the XM Radio.

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  cheap price, great value - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By car shopper - January 1 - 2:00 am

  We drove it for a year. With 300 miles long distance trip every week. Nothing needed repair, just smooth. My hus just had an accident and walked out unharmed at all. The car was totaled mainly because the cost to fix it can buy a new one. We are happy with the result especialy my husband is not hurt. Next vehicle is going to be the Santa Fe and we currently still owns a Tiburon. We believe we have put our money into true values. We paid 14000 total for the Elantra, which includes tax, etc.

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  Great car, 18 year old owner - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By joeychris909 - December 29 - 8:17 pm

  Great 1st car. This is my 1st car and I love it. Gave me some trouble like the leaking transmission, headlight burnouts, fading dash clock, and the airbag light. Im 18 years old and this car has been fun to drive with a decent amount of space. Other Young people like me would choose a Honda over a Hyundai but I chose the Hyundai. Still runs strong with 156,780 miles!

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  198,000 km and still rolling - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Nick - December 29 - 10:46 am

  I bought this car 4 months ago had to change the radiator, the battery and the head light now have to change the exhaust, the alternator and the spark plugs despite of this... Man I love my car! Nice plastic wood finish, engine not hard on oil and engine very peppy for a 2.0l 4 cyl. Only paid 1500$ and I knew I had to put money in it but I didnt mind cause Hyundai is a very reliable brand and that my car will last for another 198,00 km )

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  ride to cali - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By jasonM - December 28 - 6:13 pm

  i just baught the elantra gt about a mounth ago. about a week after i bought it my grandmother took a spill out side her house in california and broke her hip. i decided to get time off of work and take a trip down to help her out. now i live in north dakota and my grandmother lives about 30 minutes north east of sacremento CA. i took her through everything from dirt roads in north dakota to snowy passes in montana, washington, and oregon and rough traffic in portland and sacremento. she preformed extermely well in all envirements. her handling never got rougher no matter what terrain or how much snow and rain were coming.id just like to thank the guys who built it.

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  A Piece Of Paper is More RELIABLE - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By lemlonboy - December 27 - 4:02 pm

  My used 2007 Hyundai Elantra is ok. Its a very practical car but Ive had to replace my air conditioner 3 times in 2 weeks. My headlight froze and fell out in a -35 Celsius day in Alberta. And Hyundai says its over abuse on the car! Plus Ive only had this car for 3 weeks. It was a former rental from Avis. This car is bad except the looks and fuel economy. DO NOT BUY A HYUNDAI ELANTRA!!!!

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  Love the car - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By HGrant - December 26 - 11:20 pm

  After totaling 2 Toyotas I wanted an car that looked,and functioned as well, but cost less. My Hyundai GT was it. The only problem I found were the tires that came with it they did not last a full year. It handles wonderful and has great get up for a small car. There is also plenty of room in the trunk for all my groceries. City gas mileage is approx. 22-24 miles per gallon. Of course my dealerships service dept is wonderful to me, just as they were with the two Toyotas I bought. My neighbors were so impressed, two of them bought Hyundais. That must say something about not only the car but the dealership.

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  Whole lotta car for the money - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Purpy - December 26 - 11:29 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR!!! This is my first "foreign" car but absolutely love it. You get a lot of car for the money, and I feel so safe with all the airbags that almost surround you.

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  My Hyundai rules! - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By KC - December 23 - 4:30 pm

  We get 29-32 mpg even w a lead foot! I still see Elantras on the road & think what a pretty car-oh its like mine! I still enjoy looking outside & seeing my shiny red car in the drive. The interior room is great compared to others in this class, although I agree that the plastic could use an upgrade on the door panels. The trunk is huge. It rides great, but we had to switch out tires as the original ones were death-traps on snow. But now it hauls through the slush and though it slides a bit, I havent gone off the road yet (my friend in a Subaru Outback has 2xs this yr!) I highly recommend it to anyone thinking of buying it. Its a great car for the price-we got ours used-it was a rental.