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:

• 

  Stay Away from this hunk of Crap! - 2015 Hyundai Elantra
  By Nik - December 9 - 6:51 pm

  Chief complaint: the freaking (and I dont mean freaking) trunk goes thru spells where it just pops up whenever it wants. Seriously, I stood in the parking garage at work for 45 freaking minutes closing my trunk because it pops open every 3 minutes! I took it to the dealership and the guy from the service department told me that he was familiar with the problem because it happened to him when he drove a loaner vehicle, however, the techs werent going to be able to diagnose and fix it unless they actually saw the trunk popping up with their own eyes! Are you freaking kidding me! Now Im standing guard at my trunk because it keeps popping open and I live in a freaking apt complex! Next complaint: the alignment or something is off... You cant hold the damn car straight in one lane. No matter how straight and steady you hold the steering wheel, you still end up swerving and veering into someone elses lane. Additional complaint: the worst acceleration that Ive ever experienced in a vehicle... good luck pulling a heel. Haha! You can mash the gas to the floor and youll literally be going 10mph, but give it about 2-3 minutes itll respond to you pushing the accelerator. Last complaint: Idk why, but the windows fog up like crazy! Myself and a coworker who has this same car discussed this... you literally need the defroster year-round...the windows just fog up... no talking or singing with the radio --the windows just fog up. This was a horrible purchase and Im counting the days until I can trade it in. I purchased this car in March 2015 with 4 miles on it. Today it has 4,500 Miles exactly...and the freaking trunk wont close! Im seriously considering speaking with an attorney re: our local Lemon Law. No way a brand spanking new car should have these issues! Why am I outside, in the dark, closing my trunk every 3 minutes... at this very moment...

• 

  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?

• 

  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.

• 

  Replacement of engine - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By Dianne Bruch - August 5 - 4:05 pm

  I bought this car new. The engine had to be replaced twice. The dealer was unable to find the cause of the engine failures. I do not feel secure in the vehicle. Hyundai was unwilling to help me find a solution to this problem. Elantra owners beware of engine problems.

• 

  Never AGAIN!!!! - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By atoria - July 13 - 12:40 pm

  I bought my car in 2005 (brand new) only had about 19 miles on it, and i must say that i regret not listening to my grandmother when she said "go to the honda dealership" shortly after 3 years of purchasing this car it has been giving me issues. check engine has been repeatedly coming on for the same issue which pertains to a sensor(s)!!! and currently its the check engine is still coming on for the SaME ISSUE!!!!!! apparently my car is too rich in fuel!!!! I wanted to pass this car on to my sister, but will not due to the fact that it will take money with the amount of repairs that will have to be done by the car.. This was my first car and I havent been happy at all!!!!!!! and any friends who ask about hyundais I immediately tell them no!!! do not waste your money!!!!! because you wont have none after the amount of repairs you have put into constantly fixing the car! Elantras are for elderly folks who only travel around town. Hyundai has my complaint on file and I will continue to call with any additions to that complaint!

• 

  Engine blew out at 34K - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By vivient - December 31 - 5:31 pm

  Very disappointed in the car as well as manufacturer. Car was rarely driven and well maintained. Engine power was significantly pales when compared to a similar Toyota or Honda model. Brake pads do not last at all. Our cars radiator blew out at 34K and damaged the engine. Manufacturer refused to cover repair cost under warranty even though it has not expired, basically has been a big fat lie about warranty. Will not ever consider the brand again.

• 

  2010 hyundai elantra automatic - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By jackson55 - August 8 - 7:59 pm

  Ive read your review on the 2010 Elantra blue. At first I couldnt understand why it was given positive grades for its performance and then i realized it was a 5 speed manual transmission. I think a fair amount of elantras are automatic, have you test driven them and i am talking about a 2010, although I believe they used the same power train for any number of years. I cant believe its such an annoying thing to drive, especially when people go around praising them, i think it must be the warranty they like. Im not sure how many forward speeds mine is but it doesnt seem like its enough. In particular what im talking about is The car upshifts to early when you accelerate at a norm

• 

  airbags do not deploy - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By used2love - March 15 - 6:11 pm

  I took my Hyundai in for service to fix my airbag warning light 5 times. After the fifth time, I complained that I dont feel safe driving my car, and I dont want my wife driving it, when the airbags dont work. They agreed, and offered us a rental while they looked deeper into the problem. Turns out, the standard wiring for the airbags under the driver seat is defective and had to be replaced entirely. BUT, the airbags do NOT work in most 2007 Elantras. Google "2007 Elantra Airbag" for real horror stories about the airbags not deploying in serious (and fatal) accidents!! Do Not Buy 2007 Hyundai Elantra before reviewing this necessary information. This is Your life.

• 

  Worst Car Ever - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By knaimoli - March 3 - 5:43 pm

  I am the current owner of the 2002 Hyundai Elantra that my mother purchased brand new in 2002. From the time it was purchased there have been numerous recalls and so many problems with this car. We have had both axles replaced recently, the car is constantly at the shop and it is terrible. Terrible to drive no pick up what so ever. There is nothing good about this car.

• 

  The Junkyard dog. - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By wan - November 1 - 11:09 am

  It started great but when downhill from there. The exterior seals constantly leaked. Allowing moisture and water to seep in. The paint started to faint after 2 years. They should borrow Toyotas paint manufacturing process. At 40000+ miles, the engine inexplicably started to burn a little bit of oil. Then at 55000 miles, it suffered a catastrophic terminal engine failure which included a blown exhaust manifold. I will never buy a car from Korea again!