2007 Hyundai Elantra Review

What reviews like:
The redesigned 2007 Hyundai Elantra is larger and roomier than in prior model years, making it more of a mid-sized sedan rather than an economy car. The Hyundai Elantra's low price, spacious interior, laundry list of standard safety features and long warranty are high points in reviews. Most reviews say the Hyundai Elantra is a good, comfortable sedan. Though not flashy or sporty, you get a lot of car for the money.

What reviews don't like:

Most reviews say the 2007 Hyundai Elantra's handling is fine, but not remarkable, and highway road noise is an issue at higher speeds. some say the rear seat is cramped. Reviews say the Elantra is just not a sporty car; it lacks the element of fun that's notable in competitors like the Honda Civic and Ford Focus.

EPA fuel economy estimate: 24 to 27 mpg/city, 32 to 34 mpg/highway, depending on engine

2007 Hyundai Elantra review highlights

Reviews say the redesigned 2007 Hyundai Elantra is now larger and roomier. This puts it in competition with other mid-sized sedans, while keeping the price in line with what you'd pay for a compact car. Reviews also say the 2007 Hyundai Elantra has improved in handling, fuel economy and comfort, with a full complement of standard safety features. However, reviews note that engine noise on the highway is pronounced and that the Elantra doesn't have the sporty feel of the better-rated Honda Civic (*est. $14,800 to $23,250). But overall, reviews say the Elantra is a lot of car for the money -- a good bet if you're looking for a larger car with an economy price tag.

The Hyundai Elantra was redesigned for the 2007 model year, and the whole car is now so much larger that most critics say it's more of a mid-sized sedan than a compact car. We found the most credible review for the 2007 Hyundai Elantra at Car and Driver magazine, where it's included in a six-car comparison review (the Elantra finishes in the middle). A review at Edmunds.com is also comparative; while the Hyundai Elantra is not track-tested side-by-side with other vehicles, editor Scott Oldham does make informed comparisons to other cars. Reviews at AutoWeb.com and CarCritic.com are also helpful, but they don’t compare the Hyundai Elantra to other cars in its class.

Also see full report: Economy Cars

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Car and Driver
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Sensible Shoes
Patrick Bedard
Dec. 2006

Car and Driver compares six sedans with price tags below $20,000. Cars are evaluated with road tests, along with critique of design, comfort, amenities and overall impression. The Elantra comes in fourth place. Editors say the interior is comfortable and the price is right, but in the end the Elantra doesn't feel as sporty as the others, and engine noise on the highway is an issue.

2. Edmunds.com
Full Test: 2007 Hyundai Elantra
Scott Oldham
Nov. 24, 2006

According to reviewer Scott Oldham, the 2007 Hyundai Elantra is an improvement in almost every aspect. While not a direct comparison, Oldham does compare aspects of the Elantra to other cars in its class. The Hyundai Elantra has a roomier interior than the Toyota Sentra and a laundry list of standard safety features. Performance-wise, it's on par with the Honda Civic and Ford Focus. Fuel economy has also improved, along with handling, while the Elantra's price undercuts that of comparably equipped competitors.

3. AutoWeb.Com
2007 Hyundai Elantra First Drive
Christian Wardlaw

This detailed review covers most aspects of the Hyundai Elantra, though the Elantra isn't really compared to the competition. Engine noise and cramped rear-seat leg room are criticized, but overall, the Hyundai Elantra gets an excellent review. High points include its safety features, front-seat comfort and great trunk space.

4. CarCritic.com
2007 Hyundai Elantra review
Don Vorderman

CarCritic.com doesn't review cars in depth. Instead, editors offer a quick assessment that tries to get to the point. Editors say the Hyundai Elantra has really improved -- it’s now roomier, with great features for the price. However, Don Vorderman notes that the reason Hyundai is able to do this is because the company pays its workers far less than those in other auto factories. Reading this review online will cost you a dollar.

5. Cars.com
2007 Hyundai Elantra
Joe Wiesenfelder
Apr. 2006

Cars.com offers a nice rundown of the 2007 Hyundai Elantra that is broken down into sections such as interior, exterior, options, safety, etc. However, road tests aren't mentioned. The review notes that the redesigned Hyundai Elantra is now large enough to be considered a mid-size car. Safety features are high point.

6. Consumer Reports
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2007 Hyundai Elantra review
Editors of Consumer Reports

Editors at Consumer Reports generally review most cars on the market, but at the time of our visit (March 2007), editors hadn't yet tested the Hyundai Elantra, which was redesigned for the 2007 model year. Editors have tested previous models, however. You must be a subscriber to read reviews at Consumer Reports.

7. TopSpeed.com
2007 Hyundai Elantra review
Simona Alina and Anthony Kodack
Apr. 2006

This article has a lot of general information about the 2007 Hyundai Elantra, and while the level of detail is nice, there's almost no critical information at all. So this review isn't the best if you're looking for a balanced evaluation.

Also see full report: Economy Cars