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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  Beware of water - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By ggullett - August 1 - 11:09 am

  I purchased the Elantra limited in 2012 after having done a bit of research on the vehicle for mpg, value, and etc. And after driving nearly 78k miles I can say that there are better vehicles for the money. I am on my second set of tires and both sets have horrible road noise that is amplified when stopping on wet pavement. I have had the car looked at by the dealer and they cant find anything. Also the steering wheel would pull to the left since the day I drove the car off the lot to which again the dealer said nothing wrong.

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  Was a great car (at first) - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By donjo13 - July 12 - 10:11 pm

  I bought this car brand new in Oct 2012. I thought it was striking and loved the colors scheme in and out. I was amazed with fuel economy from the git go. I had a 2011 Mazda 2 which got around 32 mpg and was a much smaller car. It got totalled from a sandwich between a Cavalier and an Explorer on I-95 near Richmond VA. I used the car as a courier which was driven 250 miles per day. 40+ mpg was typical on my run cruising at 65 mph. I always got over 400 miles out of a full tank. The Bad: Engine knock after about 50k. Car sounded like it had no oil in it. Interior wear was horrible. Paint came off steering wheel center, seats scotchguarded still stained from hardly anything. Radio issues.

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  I wouldnt buy it again. - 2011 Hyundai Elantra
  By tanian - April 29 - 8:35 am

  I got this car in May 2011 with only 10 miles on it. At 63,xxx miles the wheel bearings went out, on the driver side then 65,xxx the left side. at 85,xxx spark plugs and computer update. Now at 94,xxx miles the drive train broke. I have a 100,000 mile warranty so its covered. But this car is sluggish at times and the gas milage isnt all that. I average 32 mpg. I drive mostly highway some city. Lots of backroads and hills. The car dents very easy with door dings galore and a small hail storm got the best of it. I found putting V-Power gas in it makes it run alot better. (cost alot more though) and the seats stain with just water.

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  new car - 2014 Hyundai Elantra
  By joe480 - April 26 - 1:09 pm

  I have a new car a 2014 Elantra. I found with less than 100 miles on it the speedometer was off by 3 mph. When it showed 35 miles per hour the car was only going 32 mph. I called Keys and took it in. They did their tests called Hyundai and did not fix the problem. I was told the car is with in limits. The dealer said they can not help it is up to Hyundai. So much for bumper to bumper coverage. I might have given a good rating but now every time I get into the car I have to speed to go the correct mph. How they can say it is with in limits when clearly the speedometer is off by 3 mph. I now wonder when something goes wrong what they will tell me why they wont fix it. Beware

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  Ready to give the car back - 2014 Hyundai Elantra
  By tracker14 - April 23 - 5:54 am

  Just bought the car 1 week ago and I want to give it back. I regret buying it. The front seats are extremely uncomfortable if you drive more than 20 minutes . My legs go numb and I limp every time I get out of the car . I did take the car for two test drives before I bought it, but never long distance. I am tall, 6.1. The angle of the seat bottom is something I never considered. In the Hyundai it is extreme. I will look at seat bottom angles at any future car buying adventures .

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  What a dissappointment - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By april_lynn - March 25 - 9:10 am

  At first we loved the car but noticed the MPG was not as described. The 1st month we had it the breaks had to be replaced because of a noise they made. Next the tires were horrible loud. After that it has gone down hill, the car shakes horrible at stop lights (while in gear) and we have had a knocking noise from the motor. Taking to the dealer several times we left with nothing done. Finally I recorded the sound and took it back where they said there was metal in my oil and they would replace the motor.. This was at 24,000 miles... New motor is now making the same noise (1,000miles later) Hyundais answer swap motor out AGAIN. Is anyone else having these same issues???

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  Extremely poor service/quality - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By passingby2 - March 2 - 3:46 pm

  My 2010 Elantra GLS was purchased in May 2011 with 30,000 miles on it. Six months later the transmission had to be replaced and the dealer inserted a refabricated one NOT a new one. Six months later...a front motor mount had to be replaced...and a few months later--a safety recall on a brake part was issued. Now, the car is vibrating again and two independent mechanics have stated, in writing, that a transmission bracket is loose and a motor mount is beginning to crack. After 2 separate trips to the Leesburg Hyundai dealership the mgr stated there is nothing wrong with the car. There are 400 miles left on warranty --then repairs are my responsibility. Staff was rude and non- caring.

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  Terrible fuel mileage and poor supension - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By tdaly16 - February 28 - 2:29 pm

  Bought this cars cause it was showing 58 mpg when I bought it on the sticker in the window I get 28 mpg but I get a credit car from Hyundai for them lying about the mileage works to to fill my tank 2 times a year and I figure Im using about 10-12 tanks extra a year. If I have 2 passengers in the back seat my wheels rub on the plastic cover in the wheels wells every dip in the highway I consider this to be a safety issue took a picture of it to the dealership and was told they put 2 people in the back of the car on the show room and it did the same thing so theres nothing they can do. I also paid 1500 for interior warranty and have a stain that they wont cover only cover threads popping

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  just traded in 2013 hyundai elantra - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By steven39 - February 20 - 7:02 pm

  Purchased 2013 Hyundai elantra last summer and recently traded it in..It was trouble from day one..the radio came on whenever it felt like it and the trunk unlocked by itself also..

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  The car is a bad joke - stop buying Hyundai until they get serious - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By whatfuture - February 10 - 7:01 pm

  1. Its rated well by Consumer Reports. 2. Looking good inside and out doesnt make for a quality car. 3. I feel ripped off and I did my research. Im currently looking to trade it in with @1100 mi. 4. I shouldnt have purchased the vehicle...