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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  Gave it a chance. Fed up. - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By ifaub - April 24 - 5:14 pm

  My wife and I purchased this car used in December 2006. One main reason was for its reported gas mileage. Another was for its "value". This car has been one problem after another. Multiple issues with the brakes (took them 4 times back in the shop to finally fix the problem). The paint downright fading/falling off on the door handles. MPG is around 19/21 even after the ridiculously expensive 60k mile service ($1200) and bringing it back again for diagnostics to see if something was wrong to cause poor fuel economy. Nothing found, but tried to up sell the injector cleaning service. Now, the vehicle feels like the trans is having some problems. Done with it. Trading it in this weekend.

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  Going on 5 years and 2 transmissions - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Kim C. - March 24 - 10:44 am

  One month after purchasing brand new the problems began. Had to arrange multiple visits to dealership for various issues:1 month-check engine light repeatedly on 3 months- rotors had to be cut, new brakes warranty covered as per recall. 5 months-black around Windows and hatchback hinges needed to be replaced. All minor compared to the transmission exploding (pins blew out the side- pics avail) at 31k miles. Not covered in 100k mile warranty because I did not have trans. Fuel changed at 30k as suggested in manual. I compared w/ other vehicle manuals Toyota, Nissan and tran. Fuel change is suggested @ 50k miles. Suggested not required or car would stop running. Now 79k mi. And need new transmission.

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  Bad Investment - 1999 Hyundai Elantra
  By brian rawson - February 27 - 9:43 am

  I bought this car used and had nothing but problems with it from the start. It had 62K on it, and about every 3 months something would be going wrong with it. From hub bearings, to cv joints, cheap brakes & electrical problems, this car was a hassle to own. I did all the standard maintenence, fluid/filter changes, belts etc. It still ran terrible. Then at 90k the transmission started to give out, and I finally traded it in with 115k on it. Very sad that a car I kept so well maintained couldnt even make it to 100k before breaking down. Theres a reason they sell you the 100k warranty, with cheap cars like this you will definitely need it. What do you expect for under $10,000?

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  You get what you pay for, if that - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By StangFan247 - January 10 - 8:12 pm

  Even for an economy car, this car falls short of the competition. The handling is sloppy, acceleration is weak, and same goes for the brakes. The only "plus" about this car is the gas mileage, which is still not too good for a 2.0 4-cylinder (est. 25-27 highway). The interior is not that appealing, and the seat is quite uncomfortable, and after about a year, the interior smelt worse than my friends 93 Ford Escort. There is absolutely no style whatsoever. Ive seen pizza delivery cars more appealing than this tin can on wheels. Get a Civic or Jetta.

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  warranty fail - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Anna - December 18 - 8:08 am

  I was in love with my car. I took out extended warranty, bumper to bumper warranty(inside and out). I convinced 12 of my family and friends to buy a Hyundai. I serviced my car religiously. Warranty ran out at 100,000 miles and at 110,000 I now need a new transmission. Paint starting peeling at 108,000 headlights fogged over at 102,000. If it werent for so many Hyundai transmission problems I would look for a new transmission. Now that Ive read about all the other people that have had the same thing, why bother.

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  Nightmare on Wheels - 1999 Hyundai Elantra
  By brian rawson - September 25 - 10:20 pm

  I bought this car almost 3yrs ago for 2500 with 62k mi. From the start it had a bad hub bearing, a few months later the ignition coil went, ive changed brakes at least 2 or 3 times and changed the spark plugs more times than i can count. Every time i turned around something else was going wrong. I did all the maint fluid changes etc and still at 90k the trans started to go. it has 117k on it now and is on its last leg. Dont buy this car, it was my 2nd elantra and i should have learned the first time. I will give it credit for still running after all its problems but hyundais are cheap for a reason theres a reason why you get the 100k warranty, dont expect more than that out of it.

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  Save your money - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By Unhappy - August 19 - 12:58 am

  This car is a nightmare!I have driven it 37000 miles and so far I have had 3 headlights replaced, the car is rusting out and paint is peeling off. Clutch and transmission both went last night with no warning. Dealership said "sorry its out of warrenty". So much for Americas best warrenty.

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  Warranty to trap you into a low quality - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By misti - May 31 - 6:31 pm

  I have had the worst luck with hyundai. My elantra had the gas pedal stuck and at 3000 rpms on the freeway as i was trying to change from one to another. The warranty is NOT worth the car as I was in the dealership EVERY month!! The input speed sensor, output speed sensor, warning lights, check engine light-hose leaks, ALL on seperate occasions. Then the dealership(Anaheim) told me nothing was wrong with my ac but it has a hideous sound when i turn it to four. they waited until after my warranty expired to tell me NEVER again will I buy from them. The warranty is not worth the endless trips to the dealership (with no loaner either).

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  Clutch-death, Best Warrantly? - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Bob - February 26 - 11:10 am

  There is a reason Hyundai does not cover the clutch...it goes out, soon and they know it. Ours went out at 60k and the dealer said it is not covered since a clutch is a wearable part. I said, a defective and very expensive part which is not covered under "Americas Best Warranty?" If you dont have a problem with a $900 bill to fix your clutch, buy a Hyundai. Else read the fine print on the warranty. Because of this, we will not buy another Hyundai.

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  Never own Hyundai again - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By Karen L - February 18 - 8:27 am

  I own a Hyundai Elentra 2010 and I am getting rid of it in 2 months. Horrible brakes and skids in bad weather.