2011 Hyundai Elantra Review
2011 Hyundai Elantra Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Outstanding fuel economy on all models
- lots of features for the money
- comfortable and well-built cabin
- large trunk
- long warranty coverage
- distinctive styling.
Cons
- Limited rear headroom
- not as sporty as some rivals.
What’s new
The 2011 Hyundai Elantra has been fully redesigned, with an attractive design, new features, an efficient 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and new six-speed transmissions.
Edmunds says
With head-turning new styling, a fuel-efficient new engine and a long list of standard safety features and upscale options, the 2011 Hyundai Elantra is ready to give any compact sedan on the road a run for its money.
2011 Elantra Highlights
GLS
- Combined MPG
- 32 MPG
- Cost to Drive
- $124/month
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- front wheel drive
- Engine Type
- Gas
- Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
Vehicle overview
What do the life stories of Cinderella and the Hyundai Elantra have in common? More than you might think. You see, for years few people gave either of them a second thought as they toiled away in shadows, just waiting for their chance to shine.
For the fully redesigned 2011 Hyundai Elantra sedan, that moment is now. Like Cinderella ditching her rags, the Elantra sheds the frumpy exterior that frequently relegated an otherwise very likable car to afterthought status for many car shoppers. Its classy new styling may not be a sparkly blue dress on a statuesque blonde, but it's definitely sure to turn a few heads.
Pleasingly, this all-new Elantra is more than just a pretty face. Beneath that dolled-up exterior, the new Elantra sports a new 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. Unlike the Chevrolet Cruze Eco or Volkswagen Jetta TDI that require you to pay extra for their special high fuel economy, this new powertrain helps every single Elantra return impressive EPA estimates of 40 mpg on the highway.
While this all-new Elantra still competes in the compact category, the size of its passenger cabin (like those of several of its competitors) has grown to the point that the EPA now considers it a midsize car in terms of interior volume. The EPA says nothing of its rear seat headroom, though, which is a bit cramped compared to those competitors. On the upside, the interior can also be loaded up with high-end features that aren't even offered on some legitimate midsize cars, let alone compact ones: keyless ignition/entry, a rearview camera and heated rear seats.
Of course, this new 2011 Hyundai Elantra arrives at the Royal Ball only to find the dance floor crowded with attractive rivals. Compact sedan shoppers will certainly want to add the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, 2011 Mazda 3 and the completely redesigned 2011 Ford Focus and 2011 Honda Civic to their consideration lists. But overall we think that the new Elantra's combination of distinctive styling, fuel efficiency, a high-quality interior and an affordable price tag may very well help it become the belle of the ball.
Performance & mpg
Powering the 2011 Hyundai Elantra is an all-new 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder that's rated at 148 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque. Vehicles sold in California and the other states that follow the same emissions laws get a PZEV (partial zero-emissions vehicle) version of this engine, which lowers output to 145 hp and 130 lb-ft of torque. GLS models come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, with a six-speed automatic being available as an option. The Limited has the auto as standard.
In Edmunds performance testing with a non-California Limited model, the Elantra went from zero to 60 mph in 9.4 seconds -- a slightly slower than average time. No matter which engine/transmission combo you choose, you'll end up with impressive fuel economy. EPA estimates are 29 mpg city/40 mpg highway and 33 mpg combined.
Safety
The 2011 Hyundai Elantra's list of standard safety features includes traction and stability control, antilock disc brakes, active front head restraints, front seat side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags that cover both rows. In Edmunds brake testing, an Elantra Limited needed 125 feet to stop from 60 mph -- a good distance for the segment.
Driving
While the 2011 Hyundai Elantra isn't quite as exciting to drive as it is to look at, it's certainly no pumpkin. The new 1.8-liter engine has plenty of pep for daily driving, and the six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and willingly downshifts. The cabin is a relatively quiet place, with little wind noise to speak of, though there is enough road and engine noise to remind you that the Elantra is still a compact economy car rather than the high-dollar sedan it appears to be.
Compared to last year's car, this new Elantra is more fun to drive. It doesn't have the outright handling abilities of the Chevy Cruze, Ford Focus and Mazda 3, but in general, its balance between ride and handling is one of the best in the segment.
Interior
The Elantra's interior features a curved center stack and stylized climate controls that provide a bit of extra flair while still being easy to use. The design is attractive and the materials, while not quite best-in-class, at least have a rich look to them. Despite the deep cowl, the interior feels breezy and spacious -- headroom up front is plentiful for 6-footers and the steering wheel is a bit smaller in diameter than usual, which enhances the sense of space up front. The backseat is fine for kids and even most adults, though vertically gifted princes will find its abundant legroom and shortage of headroom a mixed blessing.
The Elantra features a large trunk with 14.8 cubic feet of cargo room, a generous number for this segment. Its 60/40 split pass-through is also quite large.
2011 Hyundai Elantra models
The 2011 Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan that's offered in two trim levels. The GLS base model comes standard with 15-inch steel wheels, heated mirrors, keyless entry, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, trip computer, full power accessories, a tilt-only steering wheel and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio and an iPod/USB audio interface.
Options for the GLS include the Popular Equipment package that adds 16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, cruise control and a telescoping steering wheel. The Preferred Equipment package includes 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth, illuminated vanity mirrors and sun visor extensions, a sliding armrest on the center console and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.
Spring for the top-of-the-line Limited model and you'll get the above equipment as standard plus 17-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, a sunroof, leather upholstery, and heated front and rear seats. An available Navigation package (called the Premium package for the Limited) for both trim levels adds automatic headlights, keyless ignition/entry (Limited only), a navigation system, a rearview camera, real-time traffic and weather updates and a premium 360-watt audio system.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2011 Hyundai Elantra.
5 star(49%)
4 star(28%)
3 star(14%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(4%)
98 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
My Experience with 2011 Elantra GLS Manual
allen51, 05/16/2011
2011 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
After about a month of on-line research, I test drove the 2011 Elantra GLS, Fiesta, Civic, and Kia Forte.
All were fine cars, but in terms of value and the entire package, I was left wondering why anyone would buy a Civic.
I now have purchased and driven the Elantra for over 5000 miles.
It handles well, have not noticed the road noise some folks mention, and my gas mileage has exceeded … expectations (I do a great deal of highway travel, and average between 43 and 46 MPG).
The interior feels about the same size as my old BMW 325I.
5 out of 5 stars
Wow!
buddy904, 01/06/2011
2011 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
Just bought a 2011 Elantra on the 23rd of December. It is my wife's car - she traded in a 2008 Civic Coupe (we've had 5 Hondas). This is our 1st Hyundai, and it is very impressive.
It is quieter than the Civic (which I expected - Civics are loud & I like them anyway) - it drives beautifully, smooth, a bit more powerful than the Civic, and it handles very well. We drove to South Florida … for New Years - about a 600 mile round trip - and got 37 MPG overall. When I kept it at 70, I was getting 41-44 MPG. Of course, I usually drive 80+ down I-95.
It has safety features only available on top level Hondas, it looks great, is comfy has features I never would have dreamed of for 18K.
I am a Honda guy and a Ford guy, and was considering the redesigned 2012 Focus, Civic, or an Accord. But the new Focus seems like it will never be released, Civic apparently won't be redesigned for another year, and frankly, the Accord - as good as it is - is too big, and doesn't do it for me style wise (except for the coupe).
I sold Hondas and Fords, and like both companies. I never saw a Hyundai in my future, or my driveway.
That has definitely changed. This is a truly nice automobile, loaded with features, my wife loves it. It is safe, efficient, a smooth driver and a good looker. Look out, I think I'm hooked.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Elantra Rock's
elantrarocks, 03/29/2011
2011 Hyundai Elantra GLS PZEV 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
I recently went to Pensacola Florida. I rented a mid size Car. When I went to pick it up I thought they gave me the wrong car. It was sleek and very stylish. I am a 6'1" man about 280lbs. I could not believe I had enough head room and the seat was sturdy and felt very comfortable. The cars not perfect but it's close.
I then drove from Pensecola to Tallahasse and got 42 miles per gallon. … WOW! I did all kinds of milage comparisions while I had the car for a week. In general it gets 32mpg mixed driving. At 75 mph hwy it gets about 35-37mpg. I drove a 17 mile stretch of flat road and it aveaged 55mpg. I was driving a Mazda RX-8. Now I bought a new Elantra for 18,000.00. I would have paid more!
5 out of 5 stars
A lot of car for the money, & FORTY mpg!!!
pud2, 03/17/2011
2011 Hyundai Elantra Limited 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
Just got my 2011 Elantra limited, with Nav, blutooth,back-up camera, heated leather seats front and back...I love it!
EXCELLENT vehicle, and my first 140 mile run on a hwy, got a little OVER 40mpg!(freeway).
It is a beautiful car, everyone who see's it loves it...
So far, I am VERY satisfied!
Did I say the car is beautiful?!
More about the 2011 Hyundai Elantra
More About This Model
It's hard to imagine lusting after an economy car. You typically purchase one only because you have a limited amount of money to spend, and the car in question ultimately provides the most bang for your buck. Yet there is such a thing as a great economy car: one that makes you not only forget about that humble price you paid for it, but also makes you wonder why someone would pony up for something more expensive. The fully redesigned 2011 Hyundai Elantra is such a car.
It starts the moment you lay your eyes on the sculpted curves of the Elantra's body and the dramatically raked roof line that almost gives it the profile of a coupe. Climb inside and you're greeted with a bold dash design that still manages to be easy to use. The materials that surround it aren't quite best-in-class, but they aren't bargain-basement either, and this Elantra Limited's leather upholstery, heated seats and various electronic toys certainly help as well. Start the car down the road and the Elantra manages to be refined and comfortable without making you feel as if you're driving a dull moving appliance.
Now, the Elantra is not alone among the ranks of great economy cars. This segment is stronger than ever, boasting far more hits than duds. And even if the Elantra doesn't quite qualify as the greatest economy car (the new Ford Focus is a tough car to beat), this Hyundai has the style and substance to stand tall amid a very tough crowd.
Used 2011 Hyundai Elantra Overview
The Used 2011 Hyundai Elantra is offered in the following submodels: Elantra Sedan. Available styles include GLS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A), GLS PZEV 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A), Limited 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A), Limited PZEV 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A), and GLS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M). Pre-owned Hyundai Elantra models are available with a 1.8 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 148 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2011 Hyundai Elantra comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic.
What's a good price on a Used 2011 Hyundai Elantra?
Price comparisons for Used 2011 Hyundai Elantra trim styles:
- The Used 2011 Hyundai Elantra GLS PZEV is priced between $6,980 and$12,998 with odometer readings between 51635 and119209 miles.
- The Used 2011 Hyundai Elantra GLS is priced between $8,999 and$12,599 with odometer readings between 84738 and103200 miles.
- The Used 2011 Hyundai Elantra Limited PZEV is priced between $13,998 and$13,998 with odometer readings between 91805 and91805 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2011 Hyundai Elantras are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2011 Hyundai Elantra for sale near. There are currently 12 used and CPO 2011 Elantras listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $6,980 and mileage as low as 51635 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2011 Hyundai Elantra.
Can't find a used 2011 Hyundai Elantras you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Hyundai Elantra for sale.
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Find a used certified pre-owned Hyundai Elantra for sale.
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Should I lease or buy a 2011 Hyundai Elantra?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Hyundai lease specials
Check out Hyundai Elantra lease specials
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