why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Hyundai Elantra

Please enter a valid mileage

View all 2 photos

Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Hyundai Elantra

Overview

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 Review

By KBB.com Editors

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)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Hyundai Elantra vehicles for sale near you.

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

8.9

Out of 10

Based on 371 Ratings for the 2007 - 2010 models.

Review this car

Value

9.2/10

Quality

9.0/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

8.8/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

9.1/10

So far this vehicle simply rocks

By StraightSlobbin (NE) on Sunday, May 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 45,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "power, interior comfort, quiet, handles tightly."

Cons: "maybe true mpg'"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Exceptionally smooth and impressive acceleration power. Extremely comfortable and roomy interior with low noise floor. True mpg to be determined after burning a few tanks worth of gas."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Oh, And Another Thing-to add to my previous post

By Motormom (NE) on Friday, May 17, 2013

I owned and sold this car
Reason: totaled by driver running red light-sold to ins company - My approximate mileage is 58,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "Safety, Reliably Starts"

Cons: "Just About Everything Else"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"When the trunk lid is wet and you open it, the water drips inside of the trunk, instead of water being shed back behind the weatherstripping and sluffing off behind the bumper like other cars do. Whatever is in the trunk is going to get wet. Very annoying. Was also upside down on the loan in less than two years, at 4% financing through Hyundai. They don't keep their value as much as they tell you they do."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

I Musta Got The Lemon? But it DID Save Our Lives..

By Motormom (NE) on Friday, May 17, 2013

I owned and sold this car
Reason: totaled by truck-sold to insurance co. - My approximate mileage is 58,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Safety; Starting Reliably"

Cons: "Everything Else, Eventually"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"Purchased this car new from dealer. Had a previous Hyundai years ago which was excellent. This one? Not so much. When switching lanes, as speed dropped for adjustment behind cars in the new lane, speed would not go right back up when stepping on the gas pedal, no matter if softly or hard-made a 'runn runn' sound and slowed a lot (lost power) until something finally caught and we were back up to speed again, like the trans was slipping/not catching. Not funny when being followed by Semis! Took it back to the dealer, who drove it and said there was nothing wrong with it. It did it to every other person who drove it. This continued until the car's dying day. Must have had at least 15 flat tires in the first six months. Car had to get realignment b/c tires were opposite of pigeon toeing-also had to put new tires on it so it felt like a real car. Does not do well in snow/ice/wet pavement; brakes on ice felt like I was stepping on the back of a stick to stop the car;very heavy vibration- Unpleasant. Plastic chrome paint on the interior door handles bubbled up in the summer and peeled right off.Plusses? Definitely safety-we hit a pickup truck that ran a red light, which smashed the entire front of the car to the firewall, and my hubs and I got only bruises and scratches, due to the excellent air bag/seat belt safety system. While that is, of course, a major major plus, the everyday driving of this vehicle was not fun, eventually; actually stressful, in a way. It was running reliably as far as starting every time we turned the key. Good mileage at the start; not so much toward the end. (Owned it 2 yrs, 7mos, 58,000/mi)These smaller vehicles really need a wiper blade for the rear window to improve visibility. Climate control was nearly impossible to keep comfortable-either freezing or cooking. No matter how many vents were closed or dials turned to "off", in order to not have the engine heat come into the cabin of the car as if the heater was actually 'on', we had to have the a/c on. Had to constantly adjust for temp. Went through a water puddle, and the sponge filler behind the front tires absorbed so much water that they had to be removed several days later to stop the tire from rubbing the interior of the wheel well. Back seat had little leg room. Lots of little cubbies for everything you could possibly want to carry. Nice cabin light system. Roomy trunk. Nice glove. Excellent window defrosting system. Seats not all that comfortable on long trips. Sits low. Liked the initial looks of the car-like a poor man's Mercedes? Started out loving this car, but after the tenth flat, it sort of lost its luster for me."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Should have checked with Kelley first

By rl (OH) on Wednesday, May 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 51,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"I purchased this car yesterday for $11,750 .. + fees & tax for a total of $12,870. It was checked out as excellent by a 2nd party. I haven't driven it beyond 50 miles .. at slow speeds steering is over reactive which I'm told is due to the starter being electric vs belt. At higher speeds, it maneuvered well. I may have overpaid somewhat but the dealer was accommodating & overall believe I received a fair price."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

I love this car!

By Tewa (HI) on Friday, April 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 38,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great value for money, smooth driving, comfort"

Cons: "Can't think of any."

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

"I love everything about this car! Easy to drive, handles well, totally reliable, comfortable, safe. All the conveniences I need like drink holders, A/C, CD player/ Radio etc. Controls located conveniently. And, I love the style and look :)"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Love It, Fun and Favorite Car Ever

By Blingsupreme (FL) on Friday, March 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 12,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fun to drive, good mileage, comfortable"

Cons: "none I have seen, could get better gas mileage"

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

"I'm 65 and got this 4 years ago with the Clunker rebate. I have had lots of great cars, but this is my favorite. It's Chili Pepper red, so I don't look like an old lady, lol. Fun to drive. Don't drive far, but fun wherever I go. Very comfortable. 3 adults (including me and 1 dog went on a 1 week trip of 2300 miles and it was very comfortable and held all our luggage and snacks, etc. Love the rear opening door. Great for taking stuff to craft shows, getting groceries, etc. This might be my last car, so I'm really enjoying it."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

See all 371 reviews