Hyundai Elantra History
By
LATEST ARTICLE
2013 Nissan Altima Sedan: $21,500, Available For Pre-Order Now
The new 2013 Nissan Altima made its debut at the 2012 New York Auto Show, but it won't arrive at... Read More
2013 Nissan Altima Sedan: $21,500, Available For Pre-Order Now
The new 2013 Nissan Altima made its debut at the 2012 New York Auto Show, but it won't arrive at... Read More
- #3LEADERBOARD RANK
- 5424ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
- 204COMMENTS POSTED
247 views
Hyundai’s Elantra has been available in the U.S. since 1992, offering a competent compact sedan or wagon package for a bargain price. Today, the lineup consists of an Elantra Sedan and Elantra Touring (wagon), with an Elantra GT hatchback joining the lineup for 2013.
Over the four generations of the car’s development, the Elantra has grown slightly in size and hugely in recognition, earning top picks and awards in its latest iteration, against competition like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Nissan Sentra.
The first two generations of the car, which covered the period from 1992 to 2000, were, like most Hyundais of the era, minimalist, often cheaply built, economy cars. Since 2000, however, the Elantra and Elantra Touring have made strides toward mainstream levels of equipment and quality, including standard front and side airbags, power locks, air conditioning, and power windows. Redesigned again in 2007, the latest Elantra and Elantra Touring offered even more room, more powerful and efficient engines, and standard safety features like electronic stability control, brake assist, side curtain airbags, active head restraints, and all-disc anti-lock brakes.
With this 2007-2010 model, Hyundai managed to earn a new level of respect for reliability and resale value--even against stalwarts like the Civic and Corolla. This Elantra was offered in just three trims, with the Limited model available from 2001 to 2006 cut from the lineup. GLS and SE trims were complemented by the Blue, a special fuel-efficiency-focused version of the sedan available only with a five-speed manual transmission. The Elantra Touring was only available in GLS and SE trims.
For 2011, Hyundai introduced an all-new Elantra once again. With a radically different design, building on the automaker's Fluidic Sculpture theme as used in the larger Sonata, but with a slightly more athletic look--plus a stylish new interior--the Elantra appeared radically different. Power comes from a new 148-hp, 1.8-liter engine, and with weight reduced, the model gets a 40-mpg highway figure across the entire lineup. While these models aren't especially enjoyable to drive, they're well-equipped small sedans, with refinement a step above past efforts, and wind and road noise much improved.
The current Hyundai Elantra offers some standout options like touch-screen navigation with real-time traffic and weather, a rearview camera system, and heated rear seats. Safety features are strong, although crash-test results have been a mixed bag, as the Elantra is an IIHS Top Safety Pick yet it achieves just three of five stars for frontal impact.
The 2013 model year marks the introduction of a new Hyundai Elantra Coupe, as well as a Hyundai Elantra GT hatchback.
