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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  Very dependable car even at 198k miles - 2007 Hyundai Elantra
  By Tyler - August 21 - 12:40 pm

  I personally own a 2007 Elantra that is approaching 90k miles and I have never had any issues with it. My cousin owns one that is the same year and he has 198k miles on his. He beats the crap out of his cars and does absolutely no preventative maintenance, and he does not consistently change his oil. The only things he has ever replaced is the emergency breaks and the breaks and rotors. Overall a great car for the price.

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  Best car I have owned. - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By Karen - July 31 - 12:50 am

  It has been totally dependable. I have not put it through alot of miles so I cant testify for long term. My problem is getting in and out all the time.

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  NOT A CIVIC 4 SURE - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By Bill Bidlack - July 28 - 9:47 pm

  Read the owners manual thoroughly. It is not a Corvette or Mustang. And, it certainly is not a civic. I traded in my 2008 Honda Civic for my 2013 Hyundai Elantra GSL. Most noticeable difference was the roominess. Second difference is I got 43.3 MPG w/A/C on, ECO engaged and cruise control engaged on a trip from Dothan, AL to Panama City, FL. However, use your foot on the accelerator and use Jack rabbit starts, and yes youll only get 28 or so MPG. As for road noise, if you want to reduce It get rid of the dealer supplied tires which are the cheapest at best and put on some Goodyear Comfortread or Micheline Defender tires, inflate to 32PSI and your road noise will go away. If your Elantra GSL didnt come with a spare tire kit, order one from wholesalehyudaiparts.com and save 35%. I ordered mine. Other then the above, the Hyundai Elantra GLS can provide years of great driving.

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  Six-Speed Manual Great First Car - 2011 Hyundai Elantra
  By Savian Walker - July 27 - 1:20 pm

  This is a great car for anyone seeking to learn how to drive/drive a manual transmission. The front seats are comfortable and the car is easy to control. All of this is coming from a fifteen year old who has a learners permit. The only gripe are that the seat stain easily (with water!!!) and the rear end can get a little antsy in the highway. The car has been very reliable for only being in for the curtain airbags recall and regular service. The car now has 129,000.

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  Me & My Elantra - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By Daniel J. Andrews - July 14 - 12:43 am

  I have put less than 25K miles on this car (which replaced a 2004 Sonata which was a great car!) since I bought it in Nov., 2012. But I am currently on what will be about a 2,500 to 3,000 mile road trip over a period of 12 days from Fla. to GA. to MI. to PA. and back to Fla. I have completed nearly 1,200 miles over the last few days. This is, without doubt, one of the best cars I have ever owned during my 74 years of life on this planet, including Fords, Mercurys, Oldsmobiles, Dodges, Plymouths and Chryslers! I loaded up my MP-3 player selected a number of CDs I had not listened to in years and confirmed that the XMRadio subscription was paid up so I was good to go. What I did not expect was the +/- 40 MPG that I am realizing on the interstates at speeds averaging 70-75 MPH. I was also concerned that these old bones would not be able to withstand hours of driving, but that is no longer a concern as the seats are so adjustable and comfortable that I only need worry about my own "bony butt" in that regard. Spent nearly 13 hours on the road on Monday, July 12 and was none the worse for wear. Also had some serious rain around Knoxville and my Elantra performed beautifully under very adverse circumstances. All in all, I could ask for nothing better. There I only enough "technology" in the base vehicle that it is a help, rather than a hindrance as I must admit that I am technologically deficient. But for getting me from 25here to there, this is one of the best rides I have ever had!

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  Very Nice Car - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By hvac999 - April 9 - 12:06 pm

  I purchased a 2013 in 2015 after looking into a Veloster. I found the Elantra to be the best bang for the buck. I have owned over 20 cars in my life and I feel the Elantra rate right at the top for all around buy. I bought the Limited with the Technology package and it is truly a small "luxury" car. Read the Edmunds review for all of the options and you will see it lacks little. I would give it a higher score on the fun to drive factor because I look for windy roads to drive. My car happens to be Hyundai Certified and that is what you should look for , just to be smart.My wife has a loaded hybrid Kia Optima and she enjoys driving the car as much as I do. Oh, the car was built in Alabama.

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  Love my 2014 Limited - 2014 Hyundai Elantra
  By William Rice - March 30 - 5:29 pm

  I am not sure about the bad reviews because I love mine. I owned everything from, Pintos to Caddys. I like the car all the way around and feel it is one of the most under rated cars out there.

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  Outstanding - 2015 Hyundai Elantra
  By kello1 - March 14 - 12:02 pm

  i took this car on a 5000 mile trip through the Southwest with my Wife. The car performed flawlessly ! We averaged well over 30 miles per gallon every tankful . Even on the days going through the deserts traveling at high speeds. At 85 the tach was reading 2800 rpm. The car feels stabile at that speed as well. I really dont know the top speed of this car but I do know its above 115. (I have the Sport w/ the 2.0 four cyl.) Ride quality was very good. I did notice some wind noise around the driver door. I will see if this can be adjusted out.

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  just purchased - 2015 Hyundai Elantra
  By mrsbarr0802 - December 15 - 6:18 am

  My husband and I bought two new Hyundais this past Saturday we purchased a 2014 accent and a 2015 elantra se I am driving the elantra so far I love the way it handles the seats are comfortable, as far as head room it seems to be plenty. It is a great fit for three children in the back or will seat or two adults comfortably with plenty of leg room all the way around. The radio sounds great from the speakers there is plenty of storage also all the way around the overall style of the elantra is great inside and out. One thing I have noticed that I dont like is all the road noise inside the cabin at highway speeds almost as if I have the Windows down. We can also feel and hear every bump

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  Great car for the money - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By waxahachiejoe - December 9 - 10:35 am

  I am a leasing agent for a leasing company and get to drive every kind of car out there. I recently leased a used Elantra a client of mine traded in. This is no Mercedes, but its the nicest car Ive driven for the money. The styling is great, has lots of power for a small 4cyl car, and gets great gas mileage. I regularly average 33 overall. I have to seriously abuse this car to get under 30 mpg. The handling is so-so and it tends to dart from one side of the road to the other if Im trying to eat and drive with my knees.