Hyundai Elantra Review

Just call the Hyundai Elantra the comeback kid. Introduced in the early '90s, the economy-priced sedan didn't exactly get off to a good start, earning a well-deserved reputation for overall shoddiness and unreliability. But two decades later, the Elantra is now a class leader buoyed by better reliability, agreeable performance, handsome styling and a long list of standard features. Take it for a spin and you'll likely be impressed with its smooth ride and responsive handling. Throw in a roomy cabin, solid build quality and a lengthy list of safety features, and the Elantra is a formidable competitor in its segment.

Shortcomings? Newer models have quieted the cabin some, but older Elantras let in enough road noise to remind you it's still a budget compact. The high-strung 2.0-liter engine remains pretty whiny at even moderate rpm, and it's hard to find older Elantras equipped with ABS. But these blemishes fade into insignificance when you consider the great value a new or late-model Elantra represents. If you're looking for a small sedan that suits a tight budget, Hyundai's Elantra belongs on your short list of contenders.

See also:

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe review by Jim Mateja
The 2009 Hyundai Genesis sedan surprised many when it captured the North American Car of the Year award from the nation's automotive wordsmiths. Hyundai had won a loyal, if limited, following in t ...

Operating door locks from outside the vehicle
• Turn the key toward the rear of the vehicle to unlock and toward the front of the vehicle to lock. • If you lock the door with a key, all vehicle doors will lock automatically. • From the driv ...

Folding Rear Seatbacks
The rear seatbacks may be folded to facilitate carrying long items or to increase the luggage capacity of the vehicle. WARNING: The purpose of the fold-down rear seatbacks is to allow you to carry ...