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:

• 

  Erics review of 2004 Hyundai Elantra GT - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Eric Schmidling - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Handles very well, very responsive to drivers commands. Decent gas mileage. Awesome sticker price after rebates. Only 140 hp, but because the car is so light, it accelerates quickly. Very comfortable interior with perforated leather being standard. Lots of goodies installed. Fun to drive!

• 

  Hyundai Elantra a bargain. - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Herb Trisler - December 1 - 8:34 pm

  This car has been full of surprises. 33mpg hwy, 26-27mpg town. Cruises at 100mph easily on the highway. (Yes, 100mph. Easily.) The ride on the highway is much smoother than one would expect, but when pushed at a brisk rate the car still handles very well, never leaving you feeling out of control. Good brakes. Also, no rattles. No squeaks. Very good quality of build.

• 

  Exceptional Value and Performance - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By rwsc - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Test drove everything in the class, Civic, Corolla,Protege - $ for $ the Elantra won hands down!...in every category - performance, style (opinion) and value (keyless remote, 140 hp, air, pwr windows/locks, cruise control - all extra $$ on the others)..acceleration, nimble handling, standard features and the unbelievably smooth ride and silent cabin will amaze you. I first said, "No way will I buy a Hyundai," but now I recommend this vehicle to everyone - totally different than the old rusty Ponies...only problem was the thin paint (some chips) and drivers seat latch that wouldnt click in..all fixed by dealer. Other than that - smooth sailing!

• 

  More than a good deal - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By frank.hujsa - November 26 - 5:30 am

  I was skeptical about getting a Hyundai Elantra at first, but I was impressed enough by the warranty and features to be satisfied. Since then, Ive come to realize that it wasnt only a fantastic deal for about $15,000, but would have been a good choice for thousands more. There is no other car that offers the combination of style, comfort, drive, and price that the Elantra provides. And, its not a bland and overpriced Civic or Corolla. This is my first online post, but I feel that strongly about this car. Spend some time researching the Elantra and comparing it to the others. Youll quickly see that its more than a good deal; its a car youll love.

• 

  disappointing purchase - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By georgina - November 25 - 1:39 pm

  When you own it for over a year...I bought my elantra dec 08/2000. Within 1 1/2 years had to replace right front bearing - not on warranty. This car has been a money pit. I kept up on my oil changes and warranty work at the dealer. The motor went @ 5000k over the warranty - used motor, towing and rentals - @ $5500. Hyundai did nothing to stand behind the car. Among many other things, i.e. struts, other bearing, cv joint etc., transmission went on 5th anniversary of car - $3000. I paid $15,000 for this car and have spent that much in various repairs. I have spent close to $30,000 on this car. My Mazda 323 was 7 years old before I had to spend $$$ on it. Buyer beware.

• 

  Air Bag - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By A. Stewart - November 25 - 8:05 am

  On October 14, 2008 We hit a deer with the car and then also hit a cement culvert before driving into the ditch. The car was a complete write off. The air bag never deployed and the appearance of the vehicle was of minimal damage. Though there was a twist to the frame from the front right impact, and cracking to interior rear door panel (nothing noted damage wise on the outside of this same door). It concerns me that a crash that was enough to bend the frame would not deploy an air bag. I have since replaced this vehicle but did not repurchase another Hyundai.

• 

  really nice for the money - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By bostonb - November 24 - 10:23 pm

  Really Nice car for its price. Fuel economy in the city 23 mpg using it for pizza delivery around 100 miles a day. Suspension can be better. Also there is a little bit of cracking in the interior but cant complain since I got the car for only $14,200 (a lot of negotiating). This car is made for gas saving so dont expect any good acceleration for racing. A lot of room inside and trunk is huge. Looks a lot better with tinted Windows and make sure you get seat covers in they are not black. All my friends have been impressed. If I dont get any mechanical problems, I will recommend this car to everyone.

• 

  Kory The Korean - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By First-time Foreigner - November 23 - 8:54 pm

  For the last year, I have been the excited owner of this remarkable economy car. Driving this vehicle is an absolute pleasure as it is very comfortable, quick, and excellent on gas. I have taken several road trips including a 3000-mile round trip to Arizona and have never been more comfortable in a vehicle, especially not one of this size. The dashboard layout is impeccable and the lights are beautiful. The engine noise is minimal and returns fantastic performance, even while climbing 6% mountain grades in northern AZ. With 48,000 miles, this car gives me great reason to expect several more years of reliability and and pleasurable driving.

• 

  what a sweethart - 1999 Hyundai Elantra
  By ray - November 23 - 2:45 am

  The only problems I have ever had with this car is the total lack of quality of the dealer mechanics that worked on it for warranty claims.They caused more damage than they fixed. Ill stick to doing my own repairs its safer and less expensive. As a matter of fact this car has over 110,000 miles, driven 70 miles round trip each day and I just replaced the front disc pads not because they were worn out but the backer pads rusted out from the road salt in Maine.I LOVE this car and just bought my wife a 2007 Sonata. Great car. Great warranty, fun to drive, and reliable. no major problems to date. 10 years later.

• 

  Best all around ! - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By ManuelH - November 22 - 10:00 am

  This is the BEST value I have ever seen! For around 14K you get Leather, Aluminun Rims, Side Airbags, CD/MP3, Disk Brakes, Sport Suspension, hallogen, computer trip, cruise control, power everything (but seats), 5 doors, good looking.... Then top that with a crazy 10 year warranty ...One more thing 5 years roadside assist. Can any one come out with something even close to this without looking at 18K? ....NOOOO.