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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  Brake Pad replacement - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Jennifer - October 19 - 3:23 am

  At 20,000 miles, after hearing a noise on the right front side of my car, I was told I needed to service my brakes. I have NEVER had a car that needed brakes with such low mileage. Now, at 40,000 miles, I was told I needed new brakes pads again. This time, I looked at them myself. The right front pad on the inside was completely worn. The right outside was half-way worn. The left front brake pads (inside and out)were hardly worn. It obviously has a problem! And the dealer tried telling me its normal! I probably had a stuck caliper piston this whole time and they probably didnt fix it the first time! Besides, my caliper pins are missing!!!!

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  Im luvin it! - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By Bilbo_Fragginz - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I recently replaced a 91 econo-car with the 2004 Elantra GLS - and I am very pleased. I prefer to drive a car for many years (I drove my last one for just over 10 years) so choosing a new car took a bit of time to make sure I got something I would be happy with way down the road. The Elantra offered the best value: low cost, well built, sufficient fun-factor, good fuel economy, and a LONG warranty. Since I plan to keep this for at least 10 years, resale is irrelevant.

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  Excellent value, very reliable - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By 505danielm - October 16 - 6:57 pm

  This has been an excellent car, the price and warranty are what got us looking at it initially. Weve never owned an import before, but now Id definitely buy another Hyundai. We get 32-34 mpg in town, 40+ hwy. Gasoline with very high ethanol content does reduce MPG somewhat, but it will do that on any car. The only expense other than regular maintenance items was a battery. Plenty of interior room, upholstery still looks like new. PW, PDL, A/C, power mirrors all standard. Dealership was very determined to keep customers satisfied. We are very pleased with our Hyundai.

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  So far, so great! - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Titandan - October 16 - 3:53 pm

  I love this car. Im averaging 33.4 miles/gallon currently and am learning to bring up the mileage by driving carefully (braking less) and trying to cruise when I can. This is in city/hwy driving. When gas is an issue, this car solves the problem. At first, the mileage was about 25-26 mpg and it has drastically improved recently. It is very comfortable and the leather was standard. The CD/audio/radio AM&FM are heck of a lot better than the Honda Civics and the sound is a lot more crisp and clear. This car is peppy and the struts are very tight. I guess thats what comes with a "sporty" suspension. A little more spring wouldnt hurt, but I like the car as a whole.

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  FANTASTIC! - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Alex R - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Just returned from a 3000km round trip from Calgary to Vancouver Island. A lot of mountain driving - steep hills, lots of twists. The car handled like a sports car and was able to negotiate all but the slowest and steepest roads in 5th. Gas mileage 6.7litres/100km or 35mpg US. Drove at 60 - 75 mph where road conditions allowed. Researched this vehicle 1 year before buying. Its exceeded my wildest dreams.

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  Fun to Drive - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Eeshasdon - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Without a doubt this is one of the most enjoyable cars to drive that I have ever owned. I did a lot of research on a third car for my family and the Elantra GT fit the bill perfectly. The only problem as I see it, is I may not want to give it to my daughter when she goes to college.

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  better than most - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Kurt Moore - October 14 - 10:00 am

  this little car will cruise at 80 and still get 38 mpg! What a nice little car. So quiet and rides great. Would recommend it to anyone. Also has better that average head room.

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  great fun and economical - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Kurt Moore - October 14 - 10:00 am

  This little car has been a delight to drive. Love the five speend and enjoy the peppiness of it. With the manual we get 33 hwy and that is good.

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  VERY GOOD CHOICE ! ! ! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Family Guy - October 11 - 9:15 pm

  I have bought my Elantra brand new for $13.800. I insisted on ABS (also came with cruise control and traction control) I worked as a "valet" so i was test driving all kinds of vehicles, but between corolla and civic, i liked elantra better. 10yr and 100,000 miles was a plus. only problem i had with the car is fuel tank. a wall inside the tank was loose, and was making noise. Hyundai dealer changed the tank under the warranty. the engine is not so fuel efficient. the most mpg i got is around 29mpg on a highway (but car was fully loaded, driven 75mph+) but in the city i dont know where the gas is going. i refuel, and few days - boom - gas is not there (trip less than 150- 200 miles(14.5 gal!!))

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  Elantra SE.......Lives up to its expect - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Eric L - October 11 - 12:45 pm

  I drive quite a bit and wanted a car with good MPG. Was looking at the Honda Civic and then the Consumer Reports review came out on the Elantra, peeking my curiosity. After renting an Elantra for a week, I decided to purchase one with leather and a sunroof. I could not find one anywhere close to where I live, all the dealers laughed at me for trying to find one. I finally located one 500 miles away with everything I wanted and drove it home. I am extremely satisfied with it, gets almost 36 MPG highway and about 30 locally. It has plenty of pep and is responsive, the sound system is excellent, the car is quiet inside and has plenty of room upfront. This car is a bargain.