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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  what a bargain! - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By mik mastrian - November 28 - 11:47 pm

  great buy for 14000

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  my little friend - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By Frank - October 1 - 7:15 pm

  136000 and still going strong. I drive it easy and give it tlc.everything works. it is a good little car. I love it. cassette player died but I got a after mart thats sounds good. I dont know what these other people knock it for. it ony cost me 13000 dollars new.maybe I got a good one but I still love it. 15 winters so far and runs like a champ. rustproofing does pay off. body has none and paint still sines because I wax it often. so there

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  A Big Car for Not So Big Money! - 2010 Hyundai Elantra
  By J.P. - September 10 - 10:13 am

  Bought mine in 2013 used with 31,000 miles on it. I like its simple in design, but seems to be sturdy built and reliable. Now have over 65,000 miles on it and no trouble except for wear / tear items. Front seats are very roomy, firm, and it has a lot of room compared to most cars at this "compact" class. The EPA actually considers it mid sized due to interior room. Only things I dont like about it are the steering is a bit heavy, tight, and the gas pedal is stiff as well. It will get out of its own way, but not like our 2013 Accent that is a very light gas pedal. Hoping to get to 150,000 plus!

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  Bought new, donated it to charity at 205000 miles - 2000 Hyundai Elantra
  By Joe S. - August 30 - 9:44 pm

  I bought this as needed, reliable transportation in October of 1999. It has been there through thick and thin through cross country road trips and raising 2 of 4 kids. It was a great car for a long time. I lost my timing belt at 205K, and it ruined my head assembly. Too expensive to fix, given the worth of the car. It was starting to show its age, although it still looked mighty fine. So, I hope I made another great decision with my purchase of a used 2013 Elantra sedan.

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  My little Korean - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By Anders Bang - August 10 - 10:55 am

  I have my Elantra since 2013. So far I only got 16500 miles on it, and it has been running fine. MPGs on the highway is great, I see upper 30s and a few times over 40. It is not a race car, the 1.8 does not have a lot of torque. I never use the ECO mode since it makes the car feel slower, and forces up shifts. I am sure some people will like it, but it makes the car even more dull to me. Half a year ago a lady nicely decided to crash test it by hitting me with her Isuzu Trooper. The poor Elantra crumpled as intended and i got out without a scratch, though in need of a new front end. The stock tires are terrible, I cant wait to wear them down a little more and buy some proper ones. The car is roomy, easily sits four people. I am 6 foot 4 and have no issues being comfortable in the front. Very good trunk space too. Buy a spare tire if you want the safety, it is not included.

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  Purchased new 2007 Never a problem - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By happy elantra owner - August 10 - 8:14 am

  Bought new in 2007, had no mechanical issues. Great service from Fitzgerald Hyundai. Excellent ride quality. Received excellent trade in value for vehicle as it had low miles and was very clean. I bought expecting a very reliable car, and that is what I had for 8 years. Traded it in and got over $1500 above average price for true value trade in. All city dtiving.

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  Solid Purchase - Limited - 2015 Hyundai Elantra
  By Tj - August 6 - 2:28 am

  I purchased in May of 2015 and have since taken it to 2 road trips and accumulated 6k miles on it. I can honestly say its a solid purchase. Comfortable, full of features, entertaining on the road, looks amazing. Its fuel economy is "OK", only because it was rated at 27-37 city/hwy mpg, but I calculated 24-26 overall in mostly city/some highway driving, perhaps the LV heat has to do something with it. I love the drive selectable steering, the transmission is okay, you can on some occasions feel the transmission shift harshly, but rarely. Having been on those road trips, Ive noticed some things. My passengers and I both agree that the back seats are not comfortable on long road trips, theyre leather so Im not sure this could be said about cloth seats. Our butts and backs were very sore at the 2 hour mark, stretching at each rest stop was a must, but the two front seats were Okay for the road trip.

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  Great Car, Great Value - 2014 Hyundai Elantra
  By eflatblues - June 29 - 12:25 pm

  I wanted to wait till my first year of ownership was completed before offering my opinion. As of July 3rd I will have owned my 2014 Elantra SE Manual for a year and have put a little over 16,000 miles on it. My thoughts after a year is that this is a very good, solid, economical and reliable automobile and has been completely trouble free. I really like the styling and find the car very comfortable to drive. The fuel economy is fantastic. Mixed city/highway cycle returns 36.4 mpg and if I am keeping a steady 70 – 72 on the highway I consistently get 40.2. The Elantra is an exceptional value and is worthy of consideration in a new car purchase.

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  Has been a GREAT little car - 2001 Hyundai Elantra
  By paulnbedford - May 31 - 1:56 pm

  We bought our Elantra new in 2001 and maybe thats the difference from everyone elses experiences on here, but our has been a great little car only letting us down once. Turned out to be the spark plugs and wires needed to be replaced. Ive never seen a car jerk back and forth and act that way before in my life. Sure enough thats what the dealership said it replaced and it ran great afterwards. Unfortunately at the time it was bad enough you couldnt even drive the car though and had to be towed in. Fortunately though it was under warranty! Weve both said wed buy another Hyundai again without hesitation. Its been the best car weve ever owned other than our old Dodges from the 70s.

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  44 MPG @ 65MPH on #66 - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By R. Lee Earman - April 6 - 1:14 pm

  Had a few problems but fixed under warrenty - really have no complaints.