Hyundai Elantra Review

2008 Hyundai Elantra GLS Sedan Shown

Just call the Hyundai Elantra the comeback kid. Introduced in the early '90s, the economy-priced sedan didn't exactly get off to an auspicious beginning. Early Elantras quickly earned a well-deserved reputation for overall shoddiness and unreliability.

Since then, though, the Elantra has dramatically improved, offering better reliability, agreeable performance and a long list of standard features. Suddenly, this Korean automaker's longtime also-ran is now a class leader. Take it for a spin and you'll likely be impressed by its smooth ride and responsive handling. Throw in its roomy cabin (which features a backseat that's spacious enough to accommodate grown-ups with ease), solid build quality and lengthy list of safety features, and the Elantra establishes itself as a formidable competitor in its category.

Shortcomings? You'll find one or two with a new or used Elantra. Still, these blemishes vanish into insignificance when you consider what a great value this Hyundai is for its low price. If you're looking for a small sedan that suits a tight budget, this one belongs on your short list of contenders.

Current Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra is a small sedan, although there is a related four-door hatchback known as the Elantra Touring. The sedan is available in GLS and SE trim levels. The base GLS car is sparsely equipped, but the optional Popular Equipment package adds a host of desirable features, including air-conditioning, cruise control and a six-speaker stereo with a CD player, USB/iPod audio jack and satellite radio. The SE has this equipment as standard. A sunroof, heated front seats and leather upholstery are also available.

Each Elantra is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 good for 138 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque, mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. If you're purchasing your Elantra in California or a state with California emissions standards, you'll get a car that's SULEV/PZEV-certified, with a 132-hp rating.

Slide inside the Elantra and you'll find a cabin that transcends that of most others in this category. The look of the interior is more high-end than you'd expect, with attention paid to details like gauge illumination and build quality. There are lots of nooks and bins for storage, and both front and rear passengers are greeted with ample head-, shoulder- and legroom.

In editorial reviews, the Hyundai Elantra scored points for its brisk acceleration and stable ride quality. Gripes concerned the din made by the car's engine above 3,500 rpm and the presence of a few cheap plastics on the dash. In consumer reviews, the Elantra was lauded for its sleek looks, fuel-efficient engine and spacious, upscale interior.

Used Hyundai Elantra Models

The current Elantra is representative of the car's fourth generation which made its debut for model-year 2007. This latest Elantra has maintained all the strengths of the previous-generation model, including a low price, capable performance and a spacious cabin. But it also offers a much nicer interior and crisper-than-ever handling sure to breathe new life into its somewhat bland image.

Three trims were initially available: GLS, SE and Limited. For '08, the Limited was dropped in favor of an options package available with the SE. That year also saw stability control and brake assist added to the SE's standard equipment. For '09, suspension and steering tuning were revised, while the USB/iPod audio jack was made available.

If you're looking at older used Hyundai Elantras, we recommend you choose one from 2001 or later to be on the safe side. The previous (third) Elantra generation 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 '02 and came with additional standard features, including leather seats and a CD player. Initially, the sedan was available only as a base GLS version, 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.

The second-generation Elantra – built from model years 1996-2000 – is probably best avoided, 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 a well-equipped car that was 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.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.