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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  Ages quickly-lost top gear at 117,500 miles - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By nwmn1 - August 24 - 11:26 am

  I was enamored with my 2007 Elantra when I purchased it certified used with 35,000 miles in 2009. I commute 5 hrs one way to work each week. The cars suspension ages quickly, and it seems I go through tires faster than on other vehicles? I accepted all of that until a mid-night commute in rural MN found the car bucking and losing top gear. Im now unable to go more than 50mph without a new buck every 10-15 miles. Transmission rebuild isnt worth it for the dents and plastic undercarriage breakage from living on dirt roads. I had planned on driving this car into the ground miles-wise. I expected many more years to do so . . .

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  Motor Blew - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By shelly47 - August 15 - 7:51 am

  I bought my 2012 Elantra September 2012, it only had 25,000km. I purchased it in Orangeville, Ontario, The customer service was great when I was on their lot. After purchasing my Elantra, the customer service plummeted, I was no longer worth the time of day to them. 3 months after buying the car it started ticking, Iam thinking no way I bought this car thinking I would have no problems so early. After 4 months of back and forth to hyundai dealerships, they told me my motor was going. I was appaulled, this is a brand new car, they treated me like crap, I wanted to give the car back, compensation $100 gas card & 1yr free roadside assistance. DONT BUY FROM HYUNDAI

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  Gas Mileage - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By rodgarrett - August 12 - 4:30 pm

  Bought my Elantra in May 2012. I know they overestimated the mileage but I am getting about 18mpg in the city and less than 30mpg on the highway. Nowhere near what I expected. I do not drive fast or overly aggressive. I would not buy another Elantra or Hyundai for that matter. Considering reporting to the Consumer Protection Agency and the EPA.

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  Sad to trade at 194,000 - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By tommyz504 - August 8 - 1:05 am

  This little car has performed so reliably I hate to see it go. Comfortable interior (though the cup holders are truly miserable), nice handling, zippier than you might expect. Bought used at 121,000 up to 185k car spent only one day out of service. New Orleans streets took out a U-joint at 125k brakes at 150k, gasket at 175k, high pressure hose around the same time, 2 alternators in 6 years, and belts from time to time. Timing belt at 185k. Minor interior nuisances: rear window motors out at 130k, driver door handle failed, drivers window gasket out of line. City mpg was always a bit disappointing: steady at 18 mpg, much better on the hwy. Still, it was a great way to get around town.

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  Bad Mileage. Check out the lawsuits. - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By lonyjeff - August 6 - 4:13 am

  I bought the 2012 Elantra. The most mileage I got was 24MPG on highway 18MPG on the street I do not drive fast. Steering wheel peels. Awful car. I fill up every 3-4days on 66 miles per day do not buy this car read the real reviews first. Hyundai lawsuit gave $89.00 for gas compensation for 25000 miles. that not even three weeks worth of gas.

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  Not happy! - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By 2424 - August 2 - 3:58 pm

  I have 20000 miles on my elantra. the first 600 miles I followed the recommended break-in procedure from the owners manual. I drive conservatively and always have eco on. I average 22 to 24 mpg city. very disappointing. dealer checked it out and said all specs were normal. I was doing almost that well with my sonata. My trunk latch and glove compartment have had to be replaced. Noise from front brakes that dealer could not solve. Pads are good. So all in all, I wish I had kept my sonata.

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  Average Yet Amazing - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By destiny225 - July 22 - 9:37 pm

  I currently get an average of 30 mpg thats through town mainly with some highway, but I do drive conservatively. The seating is spacey both in the back and front. The seats are quite large in the front compared to other 2009/2010 cars that I have seen. The sound is amazing. I barely have to turn my radio up unlike multiple other cars I have test driven/driven (forester, grand caravan, corolla, etc.). I also have noticed that the ride can be a little more than just bumpy over potholes, but nothing severe. The acceleration is slow when preparing to enter the highway, but I hear you can fix that by taking the ECO off. I havent tried to turn the ECO off though.

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  LOVE this sedan. Have only a few dislikes - 2011 Hyundai Elantra
  By cooperlr - July 14 - 7:06 pm

  I love this vehicle. I am leasing this vehicle and would love to own it. Thinking of purchasing it or even rolling my new lease to another, newer Elantra. Overall, this car is excellent and has been very reliable. Hyundai has stood by their advertisements with the fuel-efficiency even though they give me a check for every five thousand miles due to a suit pressed against them for failed fuel-efficiency. I live in the city and drive highways daily. I get 38-40.5 MPG Highway and/ or 30-35 MPG City. I drive 60 miles give or take a day.

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  Wouldnt Recommend this Car - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By dwrbebop - July 12 - 8:58 am

  I am sitting in the dealership service department waiting for them to Fix a coolant leak, the A/C, and try to figure out why it blows an astronomical amount of smoke when I accelerate to pass another vehicle. This is a $21,000 brand new automobile and there is no reason for me to have this kind of trouble this soon after purchasing. As many of the other post stated as soon as Hyundai get your money they dont want anything else to do with you. Actually called Hyundai Motor Company to get explanation as to why I was having this trouble this early in my purchase. I was told that they have no explanation and was very rude. I will not be buying another Hyundai any time soon.

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  Happy with my purchase! - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By johnbaptist - July 7 - 10:06 pm

  I previously owned a 2005 Elantra and was so happy with it that I stuck with Hyundai. Right off the bat, you can tell the appearance was really stepped up from prior model--and even compared to other cars in class. It looks very sleek and sporty, making it look more expensive than it really is. Additionally, the actual gas mileage (while admittedly a complaint of many reviewers) is still an improvement over previous models. Elantras used to be less fuel-efficient than Honda Civics but now they are equal. That was one reason I opted out of the Civic this time. I have reached the 1000 mile mark and so far I am averaging 33 mpg. Broken down, I get 20-25 mpg city, and 35-40 mpg highway.