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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  Finally....... Elantra at a good price! - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By litesong2 - May 29 - 1:45 am

  Coming from small cars, I no longer have to apologize to the 3 people in the back seat. Elantra has 54.8 inches of rear seat shoulder width! No gas powered car getting almost 40mpg, OR weighing up to 300 pounds more than Elantra, OR less than 70+ inches of exterior width has it. Yep! 3 people in the back of a smaller car dont have to bruise each others arms, any more. MPG? Yep. Just laid down 43mpg with 3 people, a/c, & 3.5 hours of cooling engine time. Took it on my favorite valley back country trip & the trip computer indicated 49-50mpg. Of course, heavy town or city traffic knocks that nice number down a lot.

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  still going strong! - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By tigerbully - May 27 - 8:36 pm

  My 2001 Hyundai Elantra has over 340,000 miles and still kicks backside going up and over the grapevine numerous times a year. As a matter of fact it just made yet another trip from Oregon to California last month. I just had the transmission replaced and a new clutch(the second one) last week. If you maintain a car and fix it when the littlest problems comes up it will be good to you. Having said that my daughter is using this car to commute 110 miles back and forth to school 5 days a week while I am driving a brand new 2013 Hyundai Elantra and so is my husband thats how impressed we have been with this car. Didnt test drive or look at anything else.

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  Good Car in Need of a Suspension! - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By brooklynjoel - May 18 - 6:32 pm

  My wife and I purchased our Elantra GLS in late June of 2012. So far the car has required nothing other than routine maintenance in the 8,200 miles weve driven it. Our main reason for purchasing this car was to obtain good fuel economy, and good value. It replaced a 2003 Honda Accord 4 cylinder that was burning a quart of oil every 700 miles with only 86,000 miles on it! The best Ive seen using the cruise control on the highway (65 mph) is about 33 mpg, which is lower than we expected. In NYC traffic, the fuel economy has dipped to as low as 16 mpg. This is disappointing. Hyundai has promised to reimburse us for the fuel economy shortfall as has been widely reported.

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  Good car but gas mileage disappointing - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By gws2 - May 15 - 5:45 pm

  I used to test auto manufacturers prototypes, so I understand how to drive for best MPG. No matter how I drive the Elantra, I never get over 28 MPG highway or city. Gas mileage was biggest selling point for me. My Infiniti G20 I traded got better MPG

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  Just an amazing car - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By lovethiscar - May 15 - 2:11 pm

  I traded in my 2007 Civic. The Elantra so much more car for the money as I test drove a new Civic as well.

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  I Cant Complain - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By lclark3 - May 14 - 3:53 pm

  I purchased the 2012 Elantra Feb. 2013 as a birthday gift to myself. I must say I have no complaints other than the car not coming with a spare tire (that is just lame and cheap), what am i supposed to do with a air pump?! And the steering quality on rough or damaged roads (cant have it all). Also I just received a recall notice because of the side airbags, but I am happy that the company was able to communicate this safety error.

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  new 13 elantra limited - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By firemanjack - May 6 - 6:34 pm

  Nice car..Very comfortable to drive..Good on gas

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  Great car and gas mileage - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By borkel - May 2 - 2:24 pm

  This is my 4th Hyundai. Checked Gas mileage today on 120mi R/T...Temp 49deg Wind N20G30 mph...fairly level highway with speed limit varing 70 to 75 mph. Results northbnd 37.3MPG and southbnd..(tailwind). 43.3.For entire trip speed control set to speed limit. Checked by adding fuel and dividing miles and also the trip cmptr. Trip cmptr off by 2 tenths. actual mileage better. All of my previous Hyundai cars (2 Sonatas 1 Accent and now this one have easily exceeded the sticker mileage. Its not the car its HOW it is driven. Great car all around ..

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  Have owned this car for 1 year...My opinion - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By brittanyb00 - April 22 - 8:02 pm

  Overall, I am very pleased with this car. Just a quick breakdown: -Road noise is loud but not bad (to me at least) -I have gotten 28/38 MPG, after subtracting 2 from the reading it gives. I have changed my driving habits tremendously. -Owners now receive an MPG reimbursement card. After 11,000 miles, I was given $46 and can continue to get reimbursed when I visit the dealership.

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  engine knocking - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By buddy75 - April 12 - 9:42 pm

  bought my 2013 elantra in Febuary. I was told I could have my routine oil changes done at any reputible dealer as long as it is documented. I live 30 miles from the dealer and work alot of hours. As it came time for my oil change I took it to valvoline and had my first oil change at 3,800 miles. The very next day my engine was making a knocking niose. i called the dealer and took the car in. I then paid for another iol change and was handed a bulletin dated sept. 2012 that states anything but a huyndai oil filter can cause engine knocking. The oil change did not fix the engine knock. I now have a car with less than 5,000 miles and an engine knock. The dealer is less than helpful.