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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I drive a lot... - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
By JROD - September 25 - 8:59 amGot this car a couple of months ago. I was impressed by the price and all the warranties that it came with. I traded in my Acura CL for it. And I am saving tons of gas now. I should have bought a Hyundai instead of the Acura 5 years ago. I probably would have been done paying on it and for sure my warranty would still be in effect. My wife, was not sure on Hyundais, but after test driving it, she fell in love with it. My suggestion, is to test drive one before you buy any other car. I kinda like the Santa Fe, as well....
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Great car for my daughter - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
By Ed Lee - September 24 - 5:01 pmPurchased car for my daughter with 61,000 miles. Car now has 138,00 miles and going strong. Car is dependable beyond expectations. Only routine maintenance has been done on car. Car is comfortable to drive with good acceleration for a 4 cylinder. Good gas mileage.
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My Elantra - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
By Jims5467 - September 22 - 4:04 pmEnjoy driving my elantra whether its on the interstate or in town. More than peppy, throaty sound due to my interstate driving, good handling and braking. Without a/c get over 35 mpg on interstate doing at least the speed limit of 70, combo averages 29-33 mpg with a/c on interstate drops to 33 in town drops to around 25-29 mpg. Love my sunroof, cd sound could be a little better but overall best buy have ever made with the exception of my 69 boss302.
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some problems, but a good car for the $$ - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
By laurelg9 - September 21 - 10:00 amWe purchased on a friends advice and for the waranty. Day after delivery, the a/c stopped working. The trunk hood needed to be adjusted (it was off center and leaked). Three weeks after delivery, a hose clamp in the engine broke & leaked antifreeze. Weve been into the service dept. three times in three weeks! The car *is* fun & very comfortable, but workmanship could be better. Waranty is a real selling point, esp. the extended bumper-to- bumper 100K mile, which we got...and they did offer a free oil change. Overall, were pleased, but tentative to reccomend b/c of workmanship issues.
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If you like the feel of a VW, buy this - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
By Difficult to please - September 20 - 3:31 pm1,500 miles into ownership and one 1,000 mile trip later, Im impressed. Feels like my wifes Passat (seating and steering). Feels big on the inside. Steering is wonderful -- full feel at speed and the ability to turn with a pinkey in a parking lot. Standard features blow the competition away on a $ to $ comparison. I wanted a Jetta but wouldnt pay for features I didnt want to get what I wanted. The Elantra SE had all that I wanted at a great price. This car has exceeded expectations.
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Great First Car - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
By ksjones - September 19 - 12:00 pmWe purchased this car for our 15 year old daughter. Since she is a beginning driver, we wanted something thatÂ’s safe, easy to drive, with all the bells and whistles for under $20k. WeÂ’re impressed with the handling, gas mileage, interior features and space, and warranty. However, it is a bit noisy. Overall the Elantra is a great value for the money.
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Dont get the 5 spd. - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
By Roger - September 18 - 10:32 amIve had a 2004 Elantra GT hatchback for two months. Great car - fast, safe, reliable, comfortable. However, the 5 spd. is extremely clunky it feels more like a truck transmission than a car transmission. Moreover, the fog lights come on only when the headlights are on, which rather defeats the purpose of fog lights. Otherwise, terrific car.
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Best car I have bought - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
By rich - September 17 - 3:46 pmWhat can I say. The best car in price range. Hyundai has come a long way!
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I love this car! - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
By bebe - September 16 - 5:21 pmWe bought the car in July, Ive put almost 1000 miles on it. Have had no problems, save for the "check engine" popping on because I didnt screw on the gas cap correctly. Love it, love it, love it!
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You have to drive this car! - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
By swim77 - September 15 - 2:00 amI test drove the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla before I drove the Hyundai Elantra GT 4-dr hatchback. I bought my Elantra in May 2003 and I still love it. The car drives great, feels solid, and has more standard features than the Civic or Corolla. If you are looking for a car in this class you MUST drive this car!
