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:

• 

  Looks Arent Everything - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By creeves1 - July 6 - 8:39 am

  I would like to preference this by saying I Never write reviews on anything, so this is a Huge deal to me. Lets see where can I start....Okay so I just purchased a 2012 Hyundai Elantra which I had so desperately wanted since the new body changed in 2011. Let me just be honest here I dont have any Major complaints, but my only issue is the noise level when I am driving. At first it start off on rough roads with potholes, now it seems like the noise and sound when I drive is just becoming louder and louder and it is driving me crazy. Its not a sound coming from the car itself just the noise I can hear when I am driving on rough and smooth roads.

• 

  Not bad, not great - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By chris72771 - June 30 - 8:39 pm

  The interior is very roomy yet it is very plain and some of it appears bare bones. The car has been reliable but the engine has seemed to run rough since day 1. When I asked the dealer about it I was told it was normal for the new cars to not idle smoothly. (It still makes no sense to me but it is what it is) The car is very fuel efficient but definitely could have had more bells and whistles for the price.

• 

  2012 Elantra Wont Start - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By 20grand4crap - June 25 - 10:37 am

  Brand new car. Intermittently wont start. Starts only maybe 30% of the time. Six trips to the dealership, all to no avail. they scratch their heads and send me back home with the hunk of junk. Every week, im having to get it towed in because it wont start.

• 

  Mine just died... - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By 00elantra - June 17 - 3:30 pm

  I bought my 2000 Elantra in 05 (and its actually an automatic transmission - not given that option in dropdown box), and it has officially died right at 150,000 miles. The head gasket is leaking - I could replace for about $1,200, but Im not. AC compressor happens to be leaking / needs replacement also at this time. It was a fine little car while it lasted. Only major repairs prior to this were: front strut mounts at 120k miles entire radiator replaced at 100k CV joint / axle joint issues couple times (not a big deal) went through many tires & car pulled most of the time. Very little mechanical issues.

• 

  Not Happy - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By sem103 - June 13 - 1:04 am

  Purchased 05.14.2013 had it in the shop for bluetooth not downloading contacts, delivered with scratch on glove box door and window tint not done properly on 05.24.2013, windows retinted, glove box door replaced bluetooth problem not fixed. The way vehicle drove seemed odd took a few weeks to get use to it, noticed it was pulling to the right and the steering wheel was not centered and extensive wear on left front tire. Bluetooth still will not download contacts have tried several different phones. Dealership told me that steering wheel and pulling to right would not be covered by warranty, even though it has driven that way since i got it with 65 miles on it. Making another appointment.

• 

  Horrible car - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By genesiscoupe7 - June 11 - 12:32 pm

  I bought the limited 2013 brand new and it has had problems from day. Not to mention they lied about the MPG, and now there is a recall for the car. Also when you step on the brakes hard the whole car sounds like its about to fall apart. Stay away from Hyundais they are not what they used to be. THey are having problems with all of their cars now. You will see massive recalls and their business will go down. THey are pushing leases now so people dont realize what junk they bought.

• 

  Great car!! - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By pnpain - June 9 - 11:09 am

  Weve had our car since (I think) Spring of 2004. It is a great little car! Nearly everything about it is excellent! Pick-up and go is good except for when the AC is on and you are trying to get onto the freeway. The seats are a bit uncomfortable for long trips (2+ hours) though. Our CD player/faceplate is glitchy after all these years. If you press a button (even the off button) too hard it shorts out the faceplate and when you let go it turns back on. Sometimes it simply wont work unless you remove the face plate and put it back on. Our car only has just less than 98,000 miles on it.

• 

  WHITE PEARL ELANTRA-PAINT ISSUES ON PLASTIC SURFACES - 2011 Hyundai Elantra
  By mary151 - June 5 - 2:30 am

  I own a 2011 white pearl Elantra. The paint of the front bumper is a different shade of white than the side panels. Positively more yellow and less pearly. The dealer and Hyundai Motor representatives acknowledge the problem (fading) but states that my issue is, I quote: "consistent amongst all similar vehicles". In plain English :"we are aware of the problem but since nobody complains youd better live with it". It is absolutely abnormal to observe this situation on a less than 2 years old car and the problem seems to get worst overtime...same problem started on door handles and rear bumper

• 

  Wish I could buy another and save it for when this one is finished - 2011 Hyundai Elantra
  By jakenoname - May 31 - 6:53 am

  I am middle aged so I have owned multiple cars from compact to SUV and vans. This is my favorite car ever. At 50,000 miles I get 40 miles a gallon... 35 city. I drive a long way to work so this really helps.

• 

  Attractive compact car with many standard features - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By clark4756 - May 29 - 12:45 pm

  I purchase car to meet the varying needs of the family including easy to park, works for both short and taller drivers, good mileage and appealing looks. The vehicle has not been a disappointment and is feature rich and very functional. It has a larger trunk and the interior layout is well designed. Performance and power seem to be adequate. Since it is a smaller vehicle it does not have as comfortable ride as the suspension of a larger upscale vehicle especially on bumpier slower speed limit roads. The highway mileage has been around 39 mpg but the city mileage has been around 22 mpg and has been a a disappointment.