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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  Air bags dont work - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By JDP - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Checked NHTSA web site for similar air bag complaints, and found many people complaining about frontal crashes where air bags failed to deploy. Ill never buy a hyundai again! I dont feel safe in it at all!

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  Quality dropping - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By Thomas Klose - September 13 - 5:14 pm

  I have had 5 Hyundais in my family in the past 10 years. All experienced issues with rusting underside, and around all the brakes. The most recent 2012 Elantra went in with a value tap, and they replaced the engine. All the other models are known to have engine issues, but they were in denial on this model. They also pointed out the accelerated rust on the undercarriage. Speaking to other Hyundai/Kia owners, there is an obvious pattern where some cars had this rust issue, others did not. My local mechanic said the underside looked like a car that is frequently parked over the grass, but this car was always on pavement. There is something wrong with their undercoating or lack of in manufacturing. The dealer wanted to charge to fix it. When we got the car back, with the new engine....we immediately traded it in for another new car...not a Hyundai this time. Update 9/2017. Many of our friends with Hyundais says dealerships trying to blame owners for the excessive rust issues on the undercarriage. Said its our fault when its likely lack of rustproofing or bad/cheap metal used in body. FYI: Car always parked on pavement. Also, everyone I know also had the engine replaced. They traded cars in for other brands.

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  You get what you pay for.... beware - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By Buyer beware - April 14 - 10:20 pm

  I bought this car looking for a reliable vehicle with a good warranty and a useful design. I thought that with a 5yr/60000 & 10yr/100000 warranty that Hyundai was confident in their product. I was wrong. At 61000 miles the radiator blew at 70mph - resulting in an engine overheat and SEVERE engine damage (needs a new engine) Hyundai will not honor the powertrain warranty if damage is caused by an unwarranted part (the 1000 mile over warranty radiator). Its in the fine print on most powertrain warranties. Hyundai has accepted no responsibility or offered any apologies for their cheap Korean part (radiator). You get what you pay for - sell it before it goes off warranty!!

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  good car bad service - 2003 Hyundai Elantra
  By unlucky - January 13 - 10:00 am

  been to shop twice and problem still exists

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  Sell before warenty ends - 1999 Hyundai Elantra
  By ChandlerSunDevil - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Gas mileage getting worse as car ages, expensive to repair, rubber and plastic parts already crumbling from the heat here in Phoenix. Had to replace front strut mounts @ 60k due to rubber rot. Very poor quality materials. Lots of rattles, paint on front bumper oxidizing badly from sun despite lots of wax. Car aging very fast. Good college/school car but get a real car fast afterwords. Once bumper to bumper warranty expires the depreciation of value and cost of repairs make car a very bad choice. Long wait for parts for major repairs such as bodywork.

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  Whats wrong with you people - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By atblis - June 16 - 2:00 am

  This car isnt that great(actually its junk). I want to like it, but I still wish (more now than ever) Id bought a Honda/Toyota. The handling is quirky, but adequate. The brakes are weak (try panic stopping). The clutch is weak and touchy. The motor does make adequate power. Fuel mileage is the bottom end of mediocre. Also, plan on putting new tires on it every 10,000 miles (or less) once it gets older. The dealer has been worthless. They wont even look at the car. "It needs aligned." I just had the thing aligned 1000 miles ago (and this is the 2nd time because of tire wear).

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  What a piece of $@*# !!!!!!! - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By SH - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Four months after purchase: rattling noises, lost a lot of pick-up, and car kicking when going past 30mph. Dealer determined: "all components are functioning to factory standards." Brought car back 5 times and not fixed. Two weeks ago, car lost more pick-up, rattling strongly when in idle, lost almost all power going from 45 to 60mph. Went to my mechanic and asked him to check out. Mechanic asessed that there is something wrong with the fuel injectors and the trans and the air filtering system is not functioning properly (water seeping in). Well see what the dealership says to that!

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  *** - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By marcy - April 2 - 10:00 am

  auto has had many repairs (under warranty), but still have had to go into the dealer to have the reapirs done and it take the servic department several hours at a time. I would never recommend this car to anyone. Save yourself the trouble.

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  Did Hyundai Provide Me Great Customer Service? - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By Disappointed - February 15 - 12:53 am

  Hyundai’s safety recall Campaign 137 was on the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system, which may have caused my car accident with my 2012 Hyundai Elantra. I called the Hyundai Recall Campaign Center several times about my case. Many of the reps I spoke with either provided wrong information, inaccurate timeframes for supervisors to call me back, denied my request to speak to a supervisor, or hung up on me. National Customer Care Rep Larry Bane managed my case. He refused my request to have my car tested in post-accident condition. During an oil change visit at my local Hyundai dealer, a service advisor recommended replacing my car’s yaw-rate sensor (the key component to the ESC system), and I approved. More than five weeks later, Larry Bane’s first conclusion letter said, “Unfortunately, we were unable to inspect your vehicle in its post-accident condition since it had already been repaired.” The message ended by saying, “We believe your vehicle operated according to its design in the accident.” The following week Larry Bane sent a second conclusion letter. This letter stated, “We have re-reviewed all of the available information regarding your accident, as well as the points raised in your most recent correspondence. Based on all of the available information, we continue to believe that our previous response is accurate and that your accident did not involve a product defect. With respect to the recall referenced in your correspondence (Recall 137), we do not believe that the condition that the recall seeks to address was present or caused your accident.” Larry Bane’s supervisor Chris said, “We pride ourselves in customer service and delivering excellence to each and every person.” However, he said the decision on my case was already made, and there was nothing else he could do for me. Then he added, “I’m trying to be really honest with you. I’m in the business for helping people, and I want to make sure that I’m doing my part to make us close any gaps and make the process as smooth as possible for you, and unfortunately I don’t make any of those decisions.” I asked him to clarify Hyundai’s conclusion letters. He simply said, “That was the decision they made.” Then I called the Hyundai Recall Campaign Center and spoke with supervisor Ethan. He suggested that “someone that doesn’t know how to write out a letter” could have composed the conclusion letters. Ethan concluded, “Honestly, those letters just sound ridiculous.” I wrote a letter to Dave Zuchowski, the CEO of Hyundai Motor America. He didn’t address my customer service experiences or answer why Hyundai didn’t want to test my car in post-accident condition. He said, “We continue to believe that our previous response is accurate and that your accident did not involve a product defect.” Do you think Hyundai was correct in refusing my request to test my car with the same yaw-rate sensor and ESC system at the time of the accident as part of the recall? Do you think Hyundai provided me great customer service? Do you think my next car should be a Hyundai?

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  Dont buy this car - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By irishfiregoddess - January 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems with this car from the day I purchased it, BRAND NEW. The alignment was way out of whack the minute I drove it off the lot. Also, I failed inspection, on a BRAND NEW CAR, because the right rear brake wasnt up to code. A week later, the pulley for my power steering just fell off and I lost control of the car. Luckily, I was only doing 30mph. The pulley, again, on a brand new car, was stripped. Now I am having problems with the rotors, and the hose for the coolant was corroded and had to be replaced. The car is only 3 years old. I am sorry, but this was a horrible buy and would never recommend this car to anyone.