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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  cheap, tinny and reliable - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By ben - January 20 - 8:46 pm

  We have had the Hyundai since new, it now has 111,000 miles on it and it is very reliable and has never let us down. However, the rest of the car is falling apart around the drivetrain. The rear door locks dont work, the windshield broke the first year we bought it and it eats tires! Not to mention it dents if you look at it funny. It has not been a bad car but I would not buy another Hyundai. The fit and finish makes you feel like you failed in life somewhere and you will soon be parking this thing in front of your used trailer

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  Worst Car EVER!!!! - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By stogz - January 18 - 8:27 pm

  I bought this car for my daughter in-law on October 31, 2009. The worst mistake ever. The salesman said this was such a good car. Had not owned it a month when check engine light came on. It needed a new head gasket, water pump, timing chain, valve cover gasket. Since all this work it developed an oil leak when it is drove on a trip, must be a high pressure leak. Hyundai dealership does not have good enough mechanics to figure it out. I will never buy another Hyundai. I will always stick with a Toyota or Honda.

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  Its an alright car - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Kevin - January 10 - 10:24 pm

  I bought my Elantra used 1/22/07 with 16,000 on the clock. For the first year of owning car was really nice , but has come down with a plague of problems a clicking when only turning the wheel to the right, a clicking or tapping noise from the engine compartment, and a hesitation problem only when really cold out side till it warms up. Been to the deal for all of these issues more then once and still not fixed. It rather cold in Nj and a week ago the car interior has come down with some creaks and rattles as well. be sides these issues the car does drive and handle well. I may have just got a dud. Gf has an 04 tibby V6 and it has been amazing no issues at all. I would buy a Hyundai again tho

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  Beware - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By Davo - December 15 - 9:59 pm

  When I took the car in to the dealer at 2600 (yes 2600)miles to check an engine noise. I was told the engine was bad and would be replaced. They used a REMANUFACTURED engine short block. I talked to 4 levels of Hyundai consumer affairs and was told this is routine. So a used engine in my brand new car. The warranty isnt worth much if they use used parts.

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  Not aging gracefully - 2008 Hyundai Elantra
  By ecodrive - December 3 - 2:40 pm

  I bought this Elantra due to excellent reviews and perceived quality. You certainly get a lot of car for the money. Unfortunately my post purchase experience has been somewhat disappointing. Interior materials are cheap and are showing premature wear. Upholstery is especially poor. One recall on fuel pump. LR window track fell off, oil leak. Engine is very noisy when pushed and has a very dated design...still has a timing belt to be replaced. Decent drive but you do indeed get what you pay for...

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  Bad car - 2005 Hyundai Elantra
  By shadow - December 1 - 1:51 pm

  This car is very uncomfortable. I bought car new and tires were bad from the start. Brought the car back to dealer several times to get different tires, and never got anywhere. Had to buy new tires myself. Then 2 sensors went out at 30,000 miles and had to go back twice. Back hatchback door wont close properly and have to spray wd-40 on that to get to close. Now brakes and rotors are totally warped and that isnt covered. The 100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty is a joke. They find ways to tell you that it is "regular maintenance" so you have to pay. Getting it home tonight and putting a for sale sign in it....Very unhappy with car. Runs like crap and air is gone. 45,000 miles on it now.

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  cant beat price/value - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Ronl - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I hate to buy cars but found the elantra a reasonable investment. This is my 3rd elantra and will probably buy another if the price remains at the same level. Getting a CD, power locks,windows,and mirrors plus a great warranty for this price will keep me coming back.

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  cold and frustrated - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By frustratedelantra - November 27 - 9:51 pm

  All though I have enjoyed my hyundai very much, in the winter it is very cold. I cant leave my car running to warm up without staying in it. There is a saftey feature that wont allow you to lock your doors with the car running so that you wont lock your self out. This may be good for people in warm places but for me it is very frustrating. When I asked my local dealer about it they werent much help at all. Also for "SAFTEY REASONS" you should be able to lock yourself in in case an extreme situation forces you to do so.

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  Rattle Trap - 2002 Hyundai Elantra
  By Mike A - November 14 - 10:00 am

  The car makes more noises driving down the freeway than any car I have owned. After taking to dealer several times to try to stop rattles, they no longer return my calls.

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  Not Happy with the ride. - 2009 Hyundai Elantra
  By Catherine Curtis - November 12 - 11:14 am

  This car vibrates like a lumber wagon and it has Solis tires on it. That could be the problem, but I dont think so. I have had 2 4-wheel alignments on it and the wheels balanced 3 times in 17,000 miles. It is now in for rebalancing again at the price of $100.00, plus diagnostic fees. I had a 2003 Hyundai Elantra and it was a great car. Drove it for 6 years 100,000 with the wheels taken care of 2 times. Fuel economy is not as good as advertised or as good as my 2003.