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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  7.2 L/100 Km, Not really - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By richiray - January 3 - 8:51 pm

  I am writing this review cause I am disappointed with my 2013 Elantra GLS. After driving for some weeks and going for three full tanks, I am not even close to the publicized 7.2 L/Km. I am getting between 8 and 9 L/100 km (city and highway combined). I drive very cautiously, never accelerate too aggressively or maintain the car idle for prolonged periods of time. I went to see the Hyundai dealer and they first mentioned that they could not do anything about it, that 9 L/100 Km was better than other drivers were getting. I had to push the dealership to do something and I they said that I needed to take the car for a road test and I needed to pay for the test. I accepted.

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  Nice Car But! - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By tedtlaw - November 10 - 2:04 pm

  Suspension engineering and steering awful. Owned this car for 2 years and had to replace both rear shocks in addition the dealer could never get the steering working properly. I believe it to be an engineering flaw. The front suspension started thumping and in general this car got to be one of the worst cars we have owned.

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  Too Loud and Although Mostly City MPG Averages 28/30 - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By alabamaautoguy - September 21 - 8:55 pm

  Hi! Youre probably getting ready to upgrade or make that big purchase for the first time. As a new Hyundai owner I dont recommend the Elantra or any Hyundai because of the noise (you can hear the engine when you hit the gas), it doesnt get that great of gas mileage (always look at the bottom city number and think that most of the time), the way it wears (Im worried how it will feel in a couple years), the weird policy of Hyundai to replace things rather than make them good in the beginning, no spare tire, etc.

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  Not bad, not great - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By chris72771 - June 30 - 8:39 pm

  The interior is very roomy yet it is very plain and some of it appears bare bones. The car has been reliable but the engine has seemed to run rough since day 1. When I asked the dealer about it I was told it was normal for the new cars to not idle smoothly. (It still makes no sense to me but it is what it is) The car is very fuel efficient but definitely could have had more bells and whistles for the price.

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  Very Disappointed - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By lemon25 - April 1 - 8:39 am

  This is the third Hyundai I have owned and, to be honest, the one I like the least. Outwardly it is a beautiful car. I owned it less than two weeks when I had to have a new steering column installed. I have owned the car since last July and find the suspension so loose that hitting a bump in the road causes the car to jump sideways. At freeway speeds the car tends to drift somewhat. Noisy, as well. I dont feel I have as much control with this model. It is very light and I dont feel I have a sturdy vehicle under me. Additionally, the gas mileage is just about the same as my 2008. Sorry I traded my 2008 Elantra for this new, (improved?) model. No more Hyundais for me.

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  Zero problems - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By morahno - March 30 - 4:07 pm

  Bought with 128k miles on it. Changed the battery and windshield wipers cause they were old, thats it. After 8 months and 10k have had absolutely no problems.I get 28 mpg combined. The exterior is pretty cool comparing to other cars with same age imo, the interior of course is not good looking, in high speeds it shakes sometimes, the steering wheel shakes a little most of the time, but for the money I paid and the reliability I got, I can overlook those.

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  Decent car serious problems - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By anonumos - March 5 - 7:48 am

  I bought this car used in May 2012. I paid too much, but thats my fault, not the cars. It had been throwing an engine warning off-and-on since I bought it, but the dealership mechanic could not find the problem told me it was fine. However, with 38k on the odometer, the engine has blown a main seal and is being replaced completely. It appears to be covered under warranty, but I felt no warning until oil started to leak all over the engine compartment. Engine still ran smoothly, good power, no problems...just oil everywhere. And now a replacement engine. Meanwhile I have a 2013 Elantra loaner with 100 miles on the clock. 2013 is a much better car.

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  Problems with tires and break - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By rafiai - February 11 - 8:51 pm

  I have bought this car just over one year ago, we do live in cold climate ( Ontario), I am not sure if this car was built for this climate, as the car has done only 25000 KM, the dealership tells me I need new sets of tires and my break are rusted, I was shocked to hear I have to spend over $1400 for a car that is one year old and Hyundai Canada refused to cover the cost, they said to me the tires are not part of the car and I have to go to the tire manufacturer , and when I did approached them, they refused to pay for the tires, this is a car that is been used for inner city and was kept indoor at all times, and I am 56 years old, so I was not racing with

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  Deplorable Gas Mileage - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By metzrob - February 1 - 2:57 pm

  I am getting under 30 MPG on my 2012 Hyundai Elantra while doing 55 MPH on the highway and using cruise control. They respond to your emails with big promises, but then they just disappear and think that you will magically become a satisfied, and silent, customer. Im neither satisfied nor silent. I estimate that I have steered at least 15-20 people away from Hyundai and I will try to warn as many people as i can in the future.

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  Deplorable Gas Mileage - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By metzrob - January 31 - 5:30 pm

  I am getting horrible gas mileage on my 2012 Hyundai Elantra. It is under 30 MPG while doing 55 MPH using cruise control on an open highway. The dealership treats me like a moron and promises me the moon and then thinks I will just disappear and somehow magically become a satisfied customer if they do nothing. The mileage rebate program is woefully insufficient. People need to know that these cars are not good on mileage to say the least.