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 love my car - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Linda - September 14 - 6:26 am

  I purchased my auto Elantra Se in Feb 08. I love the mileage Im getting. I average 29-31 miles combined city/hw driving. On the highway going at 65, I averaged 36.9 miles to the gallon. WOW. Its very comfortable. Ive made 2 trips to MS so I have almost 13,000 miles on it and still loving it. Its a great car and would recommend it. Yes some can get lemons in any make/model but dont let one lemon spoil your awesome driving experience.

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  Impressive Vehicle - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Lei_Momi - September 13 - 10:20 am

  When I bought the Elantra, I thought I was downsizing from a Suzuki Grand Vitara, but the interior of the Elanta offers more hip, shoulder and leg room. The gas mileage I am getting is better than the EPA sticker, at 35 HWY. The first weekend I had the car I went to Mt. Rainier here in Washington. The car handled like a dream on tight curves and was never sluggish on the climb up. There was always lots of power for any steep grade. The car is comfortable, peppy, very fun to drive, solid, responsive and feels larger inside than my parents Intrepid. My husband is 62", and even with some back problems, he has no problem getting in, and has lots of leg room. I absolutely love this car!

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  I love her my Apple Red Elantra - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By andrealan - September 13 - 9:29 am

  I had an disappointing afternoon at a Dealer nearby.Turns out I was lied to about price,stock and color of a cute little car I wanted. Me and hubby then set out and drove many other cars that day and into 8pm. that night. I was tired and wanted to go home. Hubby said "you still havent driven the Hyundai". He said-"remember the Rental I had in Florida? It was the new Elantra". I wasnt excited. every car I drove that night was a disappointment. A good ride but cost too much or a bad ride in my price range. I requested An apple Red Elantra GLS. She was so comfortable, roomy, good performance and I was having fun!! We drove it home that night at 9:30PM. LOL, I really bought her in the dark!

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  Love it - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By Elantra Lover - September 10 - 4:11 pm

  I was a skeptic, man was I wrong, this car is the best. I have owned many cars from ford mustang & probes to crysler sebring convertibles to Grand Prixs w/ turbo boost. This is by far my favorite. Great handling and wonderful gas mileage. Tank was full with 12 miles when I got it now at 54 miles the needle just fell below the full line!!!!!!!!!!!!! Smooth driving with nice big front window, the car handles like a dream!

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  Excellent Ride - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Barb - September 10 - 10:24 am

  This car has a 3.8 24valve overhead engine. We have kept the display for mileage on over a 3,000 mile period of time and have averaged 27.9 mi per gal. The space for hauling is amazing. We hauled two oak doors in it with the back seats folded down. It has lots of snap, very easy to handle, great to see out of and a very comfortable ride with great lumbar support. Love it.

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  Keeping this car forever - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By LM - September 8 - 11:05 pm

  I got this car when this was all I could afford. I have 94000 on it. Ive had some things go wrong with it. I had the transmission replaced, under warranty. The car is strange when I started it, it stutters for about 5-10 seconds when I press on the gas. Fixing the transmission has not fixed this. Other than that no problems whatsoever. Very reliable.

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  Thrilled - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By RB - September 5 - 5:11 pm

  I purchased this car as an alternative to driving my gas guzzling full sized SUV. I was debating between this and the Honda Civic. I test drove both. There was no significant difference in performance or comfort. The lower price, better warranty, and cash rebate made the choice of the Elantra an easy decision. So far Im thrilled with the car and my decision.

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  Big Features for a Little Car - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By jwchick - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Car has many features found on luxury models, alarm sys, auto mirror adjust, remote locks, 5 way adjust seat, trip odometer, overdrive, power everything. Big features for little car at great price -- uy when 0% promo is going on -- cant beat price for amount of car you get.

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  Great Car - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By indyslim - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Absolute Great Buy. No Qualms.

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  Please Read - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By swtness0924 - August 31 - 5:33 pm

  Ive had my Hyundai which now has 46k miles now for just under 3 years now. Up until this year I was absolutely in love with my car, until it started giving me problems. Ive replaced both front and back brakes twice within a year. Ive had my transmission fluid flushed (shouldnt have had to do this). Ive had problems with it stalling, the RPMs jumping like no other. I no longer feel safe in this vehicle nor would I ever recommend it to a new buyer. Ive had it to the dealer 3 times and no one seems to know whats wrong, and everything that they "think" is causing it IS NOT covered under warranty. Paid for a warranty that doesnt cover a thing. Im highly disappointed & looking for a new car!