2012 Hyundai Elantra Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

3.99/5 Average
117 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

After a complete redesign last year, the 2012 Hyundai Elantra gains an "Active Eco System" that modifies engine and transmission parameters at the push of a button to increase fuel economy by up to 7 percent. The names of option packages have also been changed.

Pros:
  • Comfortable and well-built cabin
  • Outstanding fuel economy on all models
  • Large trunk
  • Lots of features for the money
  • Distinctive styling.
  • Long warranty coverage
Cons:
  • Not as sporty as some rivals.
  • Limited rear headroom

User Reviews:

Showing 31 through 40 of 117.00
  • I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER HYUNDAI! - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
    By -

    We are very disappointed in this car. 17,000 miles in, the car developed a blown headgasket. Service manager said bolts were loose from the factory. Hyundai area rep. tried to blame this on us, saying we had let the car overheat, although the car had never got hot. Why would a new car overheat anyway? While being fixed, dealer found timing chain tensioner was loose also. Kept smelling antifreeze later and dealer found hoses with pinholes. 35,000 miles now and car is making a popping noise in the front end and our mileage has dropped from averaging 35mpg to 29mpg. We bought this car, because of mileage and Hyundai quality supposedly being better now, but it is the last one we will ever own!

  • Follow up on my 2012 Elantra Limited - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
    By -

    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).

  • Wow, no thanks to the Elantra - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
    By -

    Wow So disappointed in the Elantra. I talked my wife into selling her 10 year old Honda and buying a used Elantra. I wanted her to have a car with low mileage and a warranty. sometimes I have to leave town for work and I wanted to make sure she had no problems. while I was at the Dealership. I looked at the new 2012 Elantra. I under stand that the car would not get the estimated mileage on the sticker. but the salesman talked me into trading my car in based on the money I would save buying the new Hyundai. Here is what I fount out. the Elantra only get gets 3 more miles to the gallon than my other car. it dose not get the mileage the sales person told us. what I gave up is handling. comfort, and more. I am saving about $20.00 a month. the car has so much road noise I have to crank up the stereo to here it. the stereo. is one of the worst I have had. I swear I can hear the wind blowing through my windshield right above the rear view mirror. the seats are not very comfortable, my last car was a better car, and only had 50,000 miles on it. this car is not comfortable especially for long road trips. my wifes Elantra wow. this car came with the Hyundai. certified used car warranty. all 4 tires were bald on the inside. so you couldnt see it. it was out of alignment. and we just found out the Transmission Had never been serviced.. and now it has a electrical problem. the Car only has 40,000 miles on it. that over $700.00 we had to put into a certified used car. this car gets less mileage that her 10 year old civic. and also has more road noise, ect. Now her interior is more comfortable than my new car and she cant ride in my car for long periods of time. she has a bad back. I only had 1 year left to pay off my other car. then I would have about 4 to five years of no payments. I would take that money and save it for my next. car. i figured to have my last car 8 to ten years, and then buy another new car. this way it keeps my payment down. Now I get a letter stating Hyundai will give me credit for the mileage the car doesnt get, great. that doesnt solve the the comfort, and other problems I have with this car. If I trade it in on sothing else I will take a loss. I cant see having this car for 10 years. Thanks Rick Pettry

  • update from 6 months ago - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
    By -

    This is an update from a review i wrote 6 months ago. We now have 12000 miles on our elantra and gas milage has only improved about 1 mpg...from 22/32 to 23/33. VERY DISAPPOINTED! We took into dealer to try to improve milage and they couldnt find anything wrong. The milage indicator also does not tell the truth for the milage. When i check it with actual miles per tank and divide the gallons put in, it is about 2 mpg off. This car is horrible on ice...not sure if it is the car or the tires they put on it in the factory, but dealership said they are all-season? We dont feel safe with the kids in this car when the weather is bad. NOT HAPPY FOR THE MONEY SPENT!

  • Great value - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
    By -

    This is an excellent car for the money and shows just how far the economy game has advanced. It is not a sporty car to drive nor is it a smooth luxury ride but it does exactly what it is meant to do and that is to be an excellent commuter car. It is spacious, comfortable, cheap to buy, has features like XM and heated seats that are wonderful on the commute, and gets solid gas mileage. The interior and exterior styling are excellent. Reliability is something that is still tough to determine. Through 25,000 miles it has been good mechanically but there was an issue with a sunroof leak. Overall it has been a good choice and made a lot more sense than spending more on a Civic that had less stuff

  • Frustrated w/ 2012 Hyundai Elantra Limited - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
    By -

    We bought the car in September 2011 (2012). The car is light blue, fun to drive as long as its working. Rear view camera quite often doesnt work when in reverse. Rear back panel under the windshield became sticky jelly so it was replaced but the shop messed up the glass under the tail light. The rear seat began to fail taking another 4 hours to replace. The steering wheel began to peel - within 6 months became a mess so it was replaced. Navigation system with voice as you all know is junk. Satellite Radio is ok. Bluetooth doesnt always work. Theres a tapping sound from the engine on start up and when freeway driving on cold days. Leaking oil from oil pan seal when only shop serviced.

  • Average vehicle - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
    By -

    I have had my Elantra for almost a year and 18000 miles into the service I am in a position to provide some feedback. As far as the gas mileage I am resigned to the fact that the vehicle is going to give me avearage 26-27 in mixed city/highway driving. At this time I have found a couple of things that are annoying and I wonder if other owners face the same issues: 1) When coming to stop the shifter gear makes a clicking noise. I have taken this to the dealer and they replaced the shifter solenoid but it hasnt entirely resolved it and I still get the noise most the time when the vehicle is coming to stop. Another issue is the clicking noise from front left tire when driving over certain bump

  • Nice Car.. Could use some improvments - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
    By -

    I bought this car in April new and now almost have 17,000 miles on it. I drive a lot and for the most part I love the car. Recently the steering wheel started to peal in a certain spot and the dealership installed a new one with no questions. The backseat has heated seats but when you put on air/heat there are no vents in the back which makes it uncomfortable if you have people in the back since it has to be too hot/ cold in the front so it blows to the back.. The cruise control is really sensitive if I hit a little bump on the highway it flips it right off (which might just be a safety precaution).

  • some issues and sounds - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
    By -

    i got this 2012 elantra brand new. since the first time caught my eye , nice exterior and interior design..the right window pasanger side make noise, driver seat is peeling off (5250)miles on it. every morning when i start it the lifters sound like old car but the dealer say its ok ...well i asume that is fine ...who knows???. i onw this car since february 2012 its very nice presentation compare with the ugly honda civic and corolla ...but sometimes i think its too delicated and doesnt run x ever like toyota or honda . im afraid to close the doors cause if i close hard seem like im gonna destroyed hahahaha. and the other hand i own before a strong gmc sierra but gas prices kill me

  • Best New Car - 2012 Hyundai Elantra
    By -

    I bought this car for my wife and weve been very pleased. Weve driven over 23,000 miles on our 2012 Elantra Limited are averaging a consistent 37mpg during routine weekly driving in Eco mode. When it was new and with Eco mode turned off the worst tank average was 29mpg. Since the 10,000 mile mark the worst weve seen is 31-34mpg while driving around Atlanta traffic. When driving on the highway the first tank full averages 39mpg, and every tank afterwards averages 45-47mpg. We travel with 2-3 passengers and about 100lbs of luggage.

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