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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  130,000K miles, and its perfect! - 2004 Hyundai Elantra
  By petarvn1 - February 26 - 11:22 pm

  This car was bought for my eldest brother when he started college. He got this car in 11 with 101K miles on it. Since then, another 30ishK miles have come and gone, and its as fresh as ever. It does show its age (fuel tank has hairline fracture in it, has needed a lot of engine parts replaced recently) but for a car driven like this one, its not bad at all! The manual gets better MPGs than our 40K mile 06 auto elantra, and it looks just as good! Just one problem with this car, and thats the trunk. Its large, but not as larger as the hatchs. Overall, a great 1st car (especially for $4995!) Only problem right now is a missing trim piece that fell off due to bad glue!

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  Best car ive never owned - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By petarvn1 - February 26 - 11:08 pm

  I know, the title is weird, but hear me out. My brother got one of these when he got a job. It was a mechanic owned, 35,000 original mile elantra with no problems with it (other than a CD that was stuck in the Stereo.) The car is very comfy to ride in the front, but rear hedroom is not too great for anyone over 6 foot. Its also a good looking car, for what it is. The cars achilles heel is the Slushbox they call an automatic. We happen to have an 04 manual as well, and its MUCH more fun to drive. other that that, its just a great comuter car. 5K miles in 5 months, with no issues. Maintenence is pricier than youd expect though.

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  Fun to drive and very efficient too! - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By bleese - February 12 - 5:31 pm

  Weve owned our Elantra for a year now and we love driving it daily. Its sporty and very quick to respond to sudden turns and stops. We dropped from a Honda Accord to this car and at first were worried about the size, but after a few days, we quickly feel in love with it. The savings on gas is amazing, the trunk space is massive and at 62" tall, I have plenty of leg and head room in either the driver or passenger seat. It handles well in all weather conditions and is super quiet. We havent had any issues and never mind taking it in for an oil change with inspection since the warranty is so extensive. I recommend this car to anyone needing a solid, dependable vehicle.

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  Second time Elantra owner. - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By 2ndtimeowner - February 12 - 4:40 pm

  Just traded our 2010 Elantra.Why ?Why not. new style new color . and the best fact we liked our last Elantra . The dealership and I dont say this much but,they made it work. really. we only had 35,500 miles on last car ,gave us great trade in . and in the end walked into new car as if it was nothing. trade in covered loan ,payment stayed the same .. But most of all we liked the service ,and also the car .. the 2010 was a big question mark for us . our first hyundai. We owned Honda,toyota , many times over the years . But this elantra . These two Elantras are the best bang for the buck. saved alot of money . The 2013 is no question a nicer car.

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  2006 Elantra GLS still going strong at 214,576 - 2006 Hyundai Elantra
  By binski72 - January 29 - 5:18 pm

  I bought this car new in june of 2006. The only thing I have done to this car is change the oil every 5,000 miles. I have gone through 3 sets of tires and front brakes 3 times. at 120,000 I did a complete tune up and had the trans and radiator flushed. This is my 4th elantra and they heve never let me down. Just make sure you do the basic maintaince and it will last a long time. I do drive 90% of the time on the highway. With the cruise controll set at 68mph I am still getting 32mpg on the highway. If i set it at 78mph it drops to 28mpg.

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  I love this car - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By elantra6 - January 26 - 12:25 pm

  I have had this car for 3 weeks and I love it. I was trying to choose between Mazda 3, Honda Civic, Ford, Kia, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla , Nisan... and few othes... At the end I had to pich between Honda Cic and Elantra - and I chose the Elantra. So I saved $3,000 , got a better looking car, more leg space, much better warranty , 5 years of road side assistance, 2 years of free oil change. The quality is great it drives great- feels very sporty.

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  Excellent car for the money - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By sconnelly0319 - January 4 - 12:24 pm

  Traded a 2004 Sonata and this car is just as comfortable as the Sonata. Very comfortable and supportive seats. Performance is great and the milage for a car that is not broken in yet varies from 33 mpg to 42 mpg.

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  Follow up on my 2012 Elantra Limited - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
  By rt129 - December 29 - 11:25 pm

  I wrote a year ago about my gas mileage being poor. This winter is colder than last in PA, so based on cold winters with my 08 I am more disappointed. My 12 is averaging 21.5 / 23.5 per gallon. My 08 Elantra SE averaged 25 / 26.5 per gallon in the cold PA winters. Warmer weather my 12 gets 28.5 / 30 per gallon where as my 08 averaged 30 / 31 per gallon (Same driving approx 65% highway / 35% city). On long trips, the 08 would average 36 where as my 12 managed 34. This is my 4th Elantra and by far the worst for fuel economy. When it comes time to purchase a new car, I may have to look elsewhere (Love the car but disappointed by Hyundai and the way they are handling this situation).

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  Love my Elantra! :) - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By elantraguy241 - December 26 - 10:57 pm

  Purchased my Elantra in July and so far I love every bit of the car. With the stock hankooks the interior noise was pretty audible, especially at speeds over 55 mph. Just recently I switched over to new Continental Extreme Contact DWS tires and road noise is almost eliminated. I named my Elantra Serenity since her ride is very peaceful and relaxing. For being a commuter car, the Elantra is quite peppy when pushed. Im impressed with the fuel economy, currently at 33.5 mpg average, which is higher then the EPA rating. I also drive without the active ECO feature. My gps has an instant mpg readout and at 70 mph it reads from 39-45+ mpg depending on how flat the road is.

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  Great car - 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  By eanjel - December 20 - 6:19 pm

  I have 2,780 miles on the car I boght in Oct./12. My mpg was between 24 and 32 since I bought the car until today when I got 38.1 mpg. Im noticing that as the car breaks in, the mpg is getting higher and the performance is getting better. Its a little bumpy on uneven streets or highway, but I can overlook that aspect of the car because of the great price and features this car has. I took 3 weeks researching and nothing came close to the Elantra GLS in price and features. Great car! Ill keep updating my reviews as time goes on.