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:

• 

  I am just shocked - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Bridgeport Buddha - October 7 - 7:45 pm

  Truly amazing how much car you get for the dollar. Pzero, fuel economy, fun to drive and less of an economy feel than expected. Hyundai certainly has come a long way. Thank goodness the hybrids at the time were too in demand and their dealers were so high and mighty. We started to look most fuel efficient and then cost efficient and ended up at a Hyundai dealer. After checking consumer comments here, the price and the test drive, there was nothing left but to do the smart thing and buy. The sparkles in the paint help it look clean even when its not - bonus for the lazy owner.

• 

  A very safe car! - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By LYONESS247 - October 5 - 3:01 pm

  After owning my new elantra only 3 months, we loved it but I found out the hardway yesterday just how safe my car was, my husband, four year old grand- daughter and I were returning from an outing, when we were involved in a terrible accident, we were hit on driver- side then a bank, then rehit again before coming to a stop. We had damage from end to end on driver side and rear end, neither drvr door opened, side curtain airbags employed and my g- daughter and myself were able to walk outwith only bruises on our necks from seat belt restraint. My husband not a mark. The car, a total loss, if you saw it you would not believe we walked away. Thank you 4 such a safe car!

• 

  Love My Hyundai! - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By Sandra Van Domelen - October 5 - 8:09 am

  This is me second Elantra (other one was a 2008 my daughter-in-law bought from me) and it has been amazing. I love how it handles, the comfortable seating - front and back - plus the gas mileage. I am definitely a big fan of Hyundai.

• 

  Won over - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By RN - October 4 - 5:34 pm

  I bought this car at 99,000 miles to get out of a gas guzzling van. I was wary, but now Im won over. I love this car. Good pep,good nimbleness, good gas mileage, good comfort. This small car even has leather seats and a sunroof! I looking for another Hyundai for my kid and stating to look for another used elantra in a more recent model year for me.

• 

  Walked away alive - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Changingtide - October 3 - 3:35 pm

  I purchase this car in June and have loved driving it for the past three months. We took a long 2,000.00 journey and the car performed great and was a pleasure to drive. Two weeks ago we were rear ended at a light by a SUV and forced in to a truck in front of us (bad enough to declare the car totaled). The car crushed by the impact but protected everyone in the car. I cant complain one bit about the way the car held up in the crash. Were on our way to get a new Elantra next week.

• 

  Reliable and Affordable - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Reliable! - October 3 - 1:55 pm

  I bought this car new in 2003. It is the base model GLS. It is not fancy, its only a 4.0 cylinder, but it is very reliable. It now has 105,000 miles and has not needed any major repairs and still running great! Im looking to get a new vehicle and after the experience with this one, Im thinking it will be another Hyundai. My husband bought a 2001 Ford Taurus in 2003, when I got my Hyundai and has had all types of problems with it.

• 

  Great Value - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By westsidecouple - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Finally a small car that is a blast to drive. This car (2003 Elantra GT 5 spd) bridges the gap between $20,000 plus smal sport car and value oriented customers. We purchased the car below Edmunds TMV price. The car is loaded. We couldnt be happier. We dont feel like we had to settle to get a car in the price range we were looking for. We feel like we got a better value than we were looking for.

• 

  Problem-free at 100k - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Ian - October 1 - 12:54 pm

  Purchased for $6900 with 35k miles on it. Good condition. Manual. Handled well, peppy for an economy car. I have only had the following problems: A leaking radiator hose Suspension squeaks and creaks I get regular oil changes, replaced the timing belt at 90k miles and had it tuned up, and have replaced the tires once. Very low maintenance costs overall. At this point, the performance is suffering a little (diminished torque at high rpms), but Ive driven this car hard for about 70k miles now. Still extremely reliable, and I wouldnt think twice about driving it cross country. I had a 99 Elantra before, and my friend is still driving it in San Diego at over 160k miles.

• 

  This car does everything well. - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Jim Hawkins - September 28 - 11:31 pm

  We have had this car for about 5 months and we are very pleased. It has zippy performance and gets 27MPG City and 35 MPG Hwy in the process. Braking is excellent. The four wheel discs do make a difference. The sound system with the XM radio, while not world class, is very pleasant to listen to. In town, it handles beautifully. At speed, there is a bit of extra body roll (especially right turns for whatever reason). I would recommend the 5 spd M. It makes for much more driving fun. The shifter does great as long as you dont force it. This car is extremely comfortable under pretty much all conditions (front and back). There are a lot of things "well done" about this car.

• 

  Happy with my Elantra GT - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Californiaguy - September 28 - 7:30 am

  I bought my second Elantra, and so far I am extremely happy with the car. Everything I could ask for is there, and improved compared to my previous Elantra. Before I bought it, I test-drove a few different cars, that is the one I like the most. Hyundai, keep up the great work!