The Hyundai Elantra is a compact car from Hyundai of South Korea launched in 1991
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.
Things improved somewhat with the second generation, but it wasn't until its third generation that the Hyundai Elantra really hit its stride. Introduced in model-year 2001, this Elantra offered improved reliability, agreeable performance and a long list of standard features. Suddenly, this Korean automaker's longtime also-ran began to look like a good value.
Hyundai's sedan is currently in its fourth generation, and this Elantra is the best ever. 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.
