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10 Best Used Cars Under $8,000

2009 Hyundai Elantra

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Overview

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2009 Hyundai Elantra Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

A value-packed and inexpensive alternative to the segment-leading Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, the 2009 Hyundai Elantra makes a great first (or even second) car. The spacious and fuel-efficient Elantra can comfortably and safely pack in a family of four (five in a pinch) and its cargo. From front to rear, the Elantra's sharp styling, roomy interior and quality-conscious engineering qualifies this fourth-generation version as a fully contemporary, yet affordable, sedan.

You'll Like This Car If...

You'll like this car if high mileage is a must and regular is your gasoline of choice; its 25/33 city/highway EPA fuel economy numbers trump the Volkswagen Rabbit's, for example. If safety is your issue, the 2009 Hyundai Elantra offers front, side-impact and side-curtain airbags, plus antilock brakes (ABS), as standard equipment.

You May Not Like This Car If...

You may not like this car (at least with the manual transmission) if your daily drive demands constant gear shifting, as the five-speed does not have the smoothest operation in our experience. Also,the Hyundai's resale values are nowhere near Toyota or Honda.

What's New for 2009

Changes are limited to a new audio system with larger display, USB and iPod auxiliary inputs and an enhanced suspension.

Driving the Elantra

Driving Impressions Zippy little engines are no longer a surprise in economy cars, but the Elantra's 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, 138-horsepower CVVT ULEV engine, teamed with the five-speed transmission, is particularly impressive, especially on...

uphill climbs. Quieter than one might expect, engine noise is drowned out by wind and tire noise when the windows are rolled down. Ride and performance are average, with handling far more responsive than the previous version. A comfortable car to drive, the Elantra feels secure and reliable, and its owners will likely appreciate its straight-forward predictability and control.

Favorite Features

Audio System Controls
Steering wheel-mounted audio controls are a huge convenience and are standard with the Elantra SE. Nestled neatly into the wheel's left side, the flush-mounted buttons for Volume, Seek and Mode are within easy reach.

Ample Trunk
The generously-sized trunk stretches into the car and, with the 60/40-split rear seat folded down, the space is even larger.

2009 Hyundai Elantra Details

Interior

The interior is comfortable, functional and spacious, with well-padded seating, but not necessarily an example of modern style. The SE's somewhat dated-looking velvety seat fabric, the instrument panel with its expanses of plastic and the over-designed door panels appear a little old-fashioned. Otherwise, the roominess, headroom and rear-seat legroom are welcome in a car of this size, the trunk is exceptionally deep and large, the rear seat splits 60/40 for added convenience and an auxiliary jack and power outlet allow for plug-in accessories.

Exterior

The impressive exterior styling, with its clean lines and sculpted body sides, borrows design characteristics from the larger and more expensive Hyundai Azera. Prominent among the pleasing exterior appearance features is the grille, with three horizontal bars, finely integrated headlights and a two-bar air duct with corner lamps.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

In addition to the front, side-impact and side-curtain airbags, all 2009 Hyundai Elantras feature anti-lock brakes (ABS) with four-wheel discs, active front head restraints, remote keyless entry, power locks and windows and heated power mirrors. The SE's generous list of standard equipment includes air conditioning, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, fog lights, rear window defroster, alloy wheels and a 172-watt sound system with XM Satellite Radio. Standard safety features for the SE include Electronic Stability Control and Brake Assist.

Optional Equipment

If carpeted floor mats are all you want to add, you'll pay just a little extra for them, but most buyers will likely want the four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and lockup torque converter, as well. Other options on the SE include a power sunroof, heated seats and leather seating surfaces. On the GLS, options include cruise control, fog lights, 172-watt sound system with XM Satellite Radio, illuminated vanity mirrors and extendable shades on the front sunvisors.

Under the Hood

A competent 2.0-liter super-clean engine powers the Elantra and scores high on the EPA's Green Vehicle Guide. The combination of Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and dual overhead camshafts gives the engine a very broad power spread, coupled with high fuel efficiency and low emissions. The manual transmission helps get the most out of the engine.

2.0-liter in-line 4 (ULEV)
138 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
136 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/33 (manual), 25/33 (automatic)

2.0-liter in-line 4 (PZEV)
132 horsepower @6000 rpm
133 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/33 (automatic)

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. see your car's value

Buying this car?

2009 Hyundai Elantra Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

4.6

Out of 5

Based on 330 Ratings for the 2007 - 2010 Hyundai Elantra models.

Review this car

Value

4.7/5

Quality

4.5/5
Reliability

4.8/5

Performance

4.3/5
Comfort

4.5/5

Styling

4.6/5

Nice car for the price.

By Jazz (NY) on Friday, February 10, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 35,300

5 4.0

overall rating 4 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/5
Value: 4/5
Reliability: 4/5
Quality: 4/5
Performance: 4/5
Styling: 4/5
Comfort: 4/5

Pros: "Great comuting vehicle and great on gas"

Cons: "Just a little too small for a family vehicle..."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Enjoy driving...Holds the road well... Sporty feel... Great fuel economy... Comfortable for comuting and short day trips."

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Good looks, great gas mileage, good fit and finish

By RJ (PA) on Wednesday, February 08, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 72,000

5 4.0

overall rating 4 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/5
Value: 4/5
Reliability: 5/5
Quality: 4/5
Performance: 3/5
Styling: 4/5
Comfort: 4/5

Pros: "Price, gas mileage, no major problems."

Cons: "Could ride a little better."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Needed a car for commuting to work 120 miles daily. Got 34-36 MPG on highway. Liked the looks and qualilty and have had no mayor problems. I would like if it road a little better but overall am very satisfied. I would like to upgrade to a 2012 Elantra in the near future."

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