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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  Oh, the things they dont tell you! - 2015 Hyundai Elantra
  By John - November 25 - 2:28 pm

  Ive had this car for about 6 months and its ok, but there are a few things that will make it the last Hyundai Ill buy. First, the gas mileage. I do a lot of highway driving for work and so far the best Ive gotten is 33.2 mpg. I drive around 70 in a 65 (any closer to 65 and Id get run off the road) and Ive found that in order for me to get better gas mileage I have to drive closer to 80. I dont get it. There seems to be something wrong with the gearing for this to occur, or maybe electronics, but this makes no sense. Secondly, this so called "10 year, 100,000 mile warranty" that Hyundai pushes was attempted to be added by the salesman or sales manager to my contract. I was told it came with the car, but what I wasnt told was it was going to cast me an additional $6K!! This was after they told me the honor Truecar estimates and then tried to add $5K to the price of the car. (They said it had extras not on the estimate until I showed them the VIN number on the estimate was the same as the car on the contract.) After 2+ hours of getting a tad hot under the collar I got the price without the bogus warranty. Then I got home and found out there was no spare. Just a repair kit that you cant use since the majority of tire failures happen on the freeway which pretty much destroys the tire. After finding out the ungodly amount of money Hyundai wanted for what should have been in the car (or at least I should have been told wasnt in the car) I found everything on Ebay for less than half. As for form fit and function, the cars not bad. Its quiet and comfortable. I have the sport and popular packages so it has the sunroof, fog lights, etc.. Throttle reponse is weak, though, and sometimes the transmission jerks on acceleration as if the car doesnt know what gear it should be in. The suspension is weak. Real weak. The Hancook tire are also garbage. When I encounter a rough patch on a curve I have to be ready because this thing will jump all over the place. Also the "slip angle" of the tires on turns is terrible. Theres 2 more things to buy. The sound system is ok. The volume capability is less than half of what it should be. To have any decent volume just to listen to talk radio it needs to be just short of full blast. And no I dont have any hearing problems. Also the controls are designed to cause accidents. If you want to say lower the bass, park first because youll be tapping the screen controls that are badly placed and too small for driving just to get to the small, badly placed buttons to make the adjustments. This will be corrected with a small amplified equalizer in the center console compartment-one with knobs so you dont have to take your eyes off the road. Yet something else to pay for that shouldnt be an issue. Anyway, for me this car is a swing and a miss. With the other quality cars out there that granted cost a bit more, Hyundai comes up lacking. Best warranty in the business? Maybe, but they need to make it clear that it will cost you dearly. Not inform the buyer theres no spare, because Ive yet to meet anyone that asks if there is one? Major issue. How many husbands would like to find out while out with the family or from your wife because shes on the freeway with a shredded blow out? Change the station and you want to lower the blasting bass? Dont even think about it if your driving. Hit a bump on the freeway? Hang on brother or you could be modifying the body style real quick. Sorry Hyundai. As long as these types of things exist in your sales staff and vehicles, Ill be driving Hondas. Again.

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  White exl sweet car - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By Adele - November 21 - 9:57 am

  Low miles 43000

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  needs a spare tire - 2015 Hyundai Elantra
  By LeRoy George - November 11 - 6:09 pm

  this car is very sharp.... every body checks out the car, great car for the money NEEDS SPARE TIRE!!!!.... thats my only beef with this car

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  2004 Hyundai Elantra redcrimson - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By BB - November 10 - 7:22 pm

  Has been a great reliable car!!! Would most def buy another Paid $5000 with 50,000 miles and now its has over 100,000 miles and still a great car!!!!

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  Got the lemon!! - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By brittany - November 4 - 12:22 pm

  absolutly hate this car! Good gas mileage and good in the snow but other then that horrible engine drone. Transmission has had a problem since day one that the dealer will do nothing with! Most uncomfortable driver seat and rider seat. Love the size of the trunk and heated front and back seats. Have yet to recommend this car to anyone.

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  Lemon - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By Christina Espinoza - November 3 - 5:59 pm

  I was hoping for something better for the reviews. Only 3 years old and needs work on fuel ejector and a new axle!!!!!! What the heck?

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  Fun to drive, high maintenance costs - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By Jason Williams - October 26 - 7:50 am

  Purchased used with 60k this year. Unfortunately 60k is the cut-off for 2nd owner warranty so dont purchase without warranty. So far this car has cost more in repairs than my two other cars (03 Toyota matrix and 06 Dodge Stratus) combined. So far two bad wheel bearings, ac compressor making loud noises, replaced battery, alternator is starting to fail (lights are flickering at idle) has intermittent rough idle, and the power seat controls work intermittently. No complaints on gas mileage gets about the same as my matrix (average around 33-35 mixed driving) . The car is fun to drive but a little noisy. Bluetooth system keeps trying to pair phone when not active.

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  Horrible Car - 2011 Hyundai Elantra
  By Sarah - October 19 - 9:57 am

  I bought my 2011 Hyundai Elantra GLS last May with only 38,000 miles on it. For the first 6 months it was fine... in less than a year I had to replace all brakes, all rotors, all calipers, all the tires, all the coils, all the spark plugs, and get the seats professionally cleaned because WATER stains them... I was STILL having issues with it and no one could seem to find the issue... when we went back to the Hyundai Dealer and they drained my engine they found a ton of metal in the oil pan... the engine is done. Now I owe $10,000 on a car that needs a new engine that Hyundai would only give me $500 bucks for if I wanted to trade it in. I am, therefore, stuck with replacing the engine. I will hope that with a new engine they will give me at least $6,000 for it and I will take the loss so that I can trade in for a new car. This car has drained our savings and really hurt my work because Ive been stranded numerous times on the side of the road because he stopped accelerating (also a problem we could not find "why"). Even with winter tires, the car is so light is has swung out in the rear on the highway going 40 mph in the winter blocking the highway. I feel safer in our "beater" car which is a 2001 Jetta. Horrible car.

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  Not good - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By Percy - October 12 - 1:30 pm

  Steering wheel has to be replace, tires developed a bump on the side, now engine it is leaking oil.

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  The worst car I owned and the most expensive one - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By Bruce Para - October 11 - 5:37 pm

  The 2012 and 2013 Elantras will apparently always be able to write they get up to 38 MPH. They did lie to the EPA and over-inflated mileage. Thats fact. Hyundai (corp.) told me the old stickers (Monroney) shouldve been replaced on cars reflecting actual and lower mileage. That never happened I understand, however, from Edmunds that this slight of hands (my phrase) is quite okay. But I bought a car that "got" up to 38 MPH and no trip has come close. Problem 1. Under 500 miles had a hardware problem to my overpaid and larger GPS. It took time and effort to get that corrected and I read a review elsewhere when one person gave up on the GPS. Im back at my own dealer. I have well under 9k miles on my car and three things needed to be fixed. The dealer may have been somewhat confused but at least they agreed to correct it. The issue, however, is an old one. Bring it in. They see what the issues are. They order the parts or not. I bring it in and they got the wrong part and did little to nothing with my car. Do they care? Doesnt seem like it. I like the dealership at this time. I loathed them when I bought it and when we buy another, it will not be a Hyundai. But I held my breath. Maybe they improved. It appeared that way. The service dept. dont have to drive it back in three+ times to get things fixed that shouldve been done ONCE. It feels like the old days with the old very bad dealers and cars. The good news is I am dissuading friends from going to Hyundai. Its working so far.