2009 Hyundai Elantra Review: One Of The Best Years For The Popular Small Car

Alex Showalter

May 27, 2022

The 2009 Elantra lasts over 250,000 miles with only some power steering and ignition issues. At $4,381 – 5,573, it’s an affordable choice for a reliable compact car.

The Good

The engine is efficient, passenger space is better than rivals and the technology is easy to use.

The Bad

There’s a lot of road noise, performance is boring and the steering is not as good as its rivals.

Is the 2009 Hyundai Elantra a Good Used Car?

Yes, 2009 is a good year. Owner reviews like the ownership costs, smooth suspension, and comfortable cabin.
Reliability ratings are good. Models from 2005-2009 are all good, with transmission problems showing up in 2010.
Performance is weak from the 4-cylinder engine.
The Elantra is reasonably safe, getting 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests.
Fuel economy is good at up to 28 MPG combined.

Positive Owner Reviews

Jo E

100,000 mile warranty is fantastic and very important

Love the warranty. Love the gas mileage. Love the low maintenance

Jay G

That it is very very very reliable. I have not had any major issues with it I take care of my vehicle and maintain it so it will last me a very long time. That's what other people should do instead of being lazy and once a car starts to go is get a new vehicle.

I love my car. It is fuel efficient. Runs great. And I still have low mileage on it.

Lisa G

The Hyundai Elantra is very affordable and comes with a great warranty.

I love my Hyundai Elantra. It's affordable, good on gas, and has many features like heated seats, sunroof, and bluetooth.

Shelley O

It gets great gas mileage.

I love the gas mileage I get as well as the way it runs & the sunroof. I also like the fact that in 10 years of ownership, I've never had anything major wrong with it.

D W

Nice European style hatchback that is reliable and roomy.

This vehicle has been very dependable and runs well. The seats are comfortable for long rides. There were a lot of standard features, like sirius XM. It had a long warranty that came in handy when we had a weird incident with the engine. It could be more fuel efficient, but otherwise we like it.

Trista S

Zero Complaints For a 9 Year Old Car

It's been great, never had any major problems...kept the oil changed and bought new tires and windshield wipers when needed. I've replaced my headlight bulb a couple of times and bought a new battery once. I've had zero complaints.

Ryan M

2009 Hyundai Elantra review.

This vehicle has no issues as long as you take care of it, ie. Oil changes, breaks, etc. This vehicle is beyond reliable. Road noise is not the best but it is not terrible. Decent stock radio. Plenty of room and a good size trunk and back seats fold down for larger items to fit. Overall an excellent vehicle.

Lucy L

Great little car nothing wears it down.

This car has 170, 000 miles and it has only been recently that we have had to have major work done. Up until now it was just regular maintenance. Gas mileage is good for such an old car. The only thing I really do not like is it is a bit to small/confining.

Negative Owner Reviews

Celeste L

The horrible hyundai 2009

Timing belt went, the a.c. Doesn't work that great. The trunk button broke, the shift is absolutely horrible.

Sylvia K

It is reliable and does not have a bunch of miles.

My car is very reliable it is comfortable clean an smells really nice, it is just old and does not fit me I have outgrew it.

Anita S

Fits 3 car seats in the back so if you have 3 kids, this car might be for you.

It is uncomfortable for anyone taller than 5 ft 3 in. Not a lot of legroom. Back seat can fit 3 car seat though for children. However once your kids hit teenage years it will be a tight fit. It is a lower car, I prefer higher vehicles. No backup assist or cameras. Temperature setting cannot be set to degrees.

Sidney D

My Hyundai Elantra 2009- runs but issues.

The car has a lot of mechanical issues. It stalls out sometimes and it makes sounds. I had the alternator replaced recently and it only has just over 100k miles on it. The radio also recently broke. The wiring must have a problem. I replaced the fuses and it still will not work. I read on reviews that it has issues and I will probably be buying a new one.

Kari J

Hyundai Elantra meets basic needs, is reliable and holds up well over the years.

My vehicle has been very reliable and has not require much maintenance besides oil changes and fixing basic wear and tear over the years such as tires, brakes etc. As well as some cosmetic interior wear and tear. It fits our family of four comfortably with some extra room. The features are standard and pretty basic.

jen S

I never had a problem starting my car

In winter it takes a long time for the engine # to go down. It's black so hot in the summer

Jeremy P

The gas mileage is a very efficient aspect of this car.

The ride is very comfortable and the gas mileage is very efficient. Maintenance is very easy as well. I love the air conditioning

Beverly R

My car's size is a good size for a 5ft. Person.

My car has low mileage. Only 106,350 miles on my 10 year old car. My transmission is failing at such low miles. It should last more than 106,000 miles. The 4 cylinders are not big enough to run and pick up speed as needed. My car is starting to squeak and rattle a little. This can be expected with an older car but not one with low mileage.

What Do Critics Say About the Elantra?

Consumer Reports says the Elantra has great handling, and average owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds gives the Elantra 4.5/6, liking the nice cabin, but disliking the noisy engine.
Kelley Blue Book users rate the Elantra 4.6/5 and enjoy the safety features, but don’t like the stiff seats.

What Common Problems Does the 2009 Hyundai Elantra Have?

Problems found on the 2009 Elantra include electric power steering lights, failure to start, and broken door handles.

Power steering lights are the most common complaint from owners at about 65,000 miles. The most common source of the problem is the electronic power steering motor. There’s an active recall to replace the unit for free.

Failure to start is another issue mentioned at around 70,000 miles. A failing immobilizer is the source of the problem, and costs around $250 to replace.

Broken door handles are also brought up by owners within the first 25,000 miles. The interior handle fails, and replacing the part costs only around $60.

There are 4 recalls, with the most serious one being for the power steering, and the rest covering other safety systems and lights.

How Long Will the 2009 Hyundai Elantra Last?

A properly maintained 2009 Hyundai Elantra should last around 250,000 miles, similar to the Mazda3, which is a popular competitor. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than some competitors, at $404 per year, according to data from Repair Pal.

Most 2009 Elantras will have over 100,000 miles, so buyers should be prepared to replace the alternator for $600, the fuel filter costing $200, and the vehicle speed sensor which costs $325.

Daisy R

Yes, it is very reliable. I have had no problems with my vehicle other than the tire pressure at times.

Heather W

It is been very reliable, overall. There is an issue with the alarm (it will occasionally go off randomly if the car is locked), and the wiper fluid sprayer stopped working within the first year, however.

Kali L

It is very reliable. I have had it for two years and have yet to take it to the garage for any sort of problems.

Megan R

Yes, it is very reliable. I have not encountered any issues. Gas for this car is cheap. You do not need to change the oil too often.

Vanessa S

The Hyundai Elantra touring is a reliable vehicle with a couple of recalls through such as electronic steering system.

Irene M

The problems have been that it has had some recalls but they always replace the part that has been recalled which is good.

Evana S

It has quite a few problems I noticed. Air conditioning unit keeps needing to be refilled every few weeks during hot months.

Candace M

It is very reliable. I haven't had any major issues with it since I bought it brand new in 2009. It gets me where I need to go in comfort and style

How Much Is the 2009 Hyundai Elantra Worth?

Blue book values range from $4,381 – 5,573, making the Elantra about $1,000 more than a Ford Focus or Nissan Sentra. When new, the price range was $14,120 to $17,820. Depreciation is similar to other compact cars, losing about 10% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Elantra?

There are three models of the Elantra available. Technology was just updated for the 2009 model year, with the next full redesign coming in 2011.

GLS is the entry-level model with:

15-Inch Steel Wheels
Cloth Seating
Keyless Entry
Power Windows
Cruise Control
6-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System With USB & 3.5mm AUX Input

SE is a step up adding:

16-Inch Alloy Wheels
Optional Leather Seating
Heated Front Seats
Steering Wheel Audio Controls

Touring is the hatchback version and has:

Unique 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
Cloth Seating
Rear Spoiler
Manual Driver’s Seat

GLS

138 HP 28 MPG

View Details

138 HP 28 MPG

View Details

Touring

141 HP 26 MPG

View Details

What Engines Come In the Elantra?

The engine found in the Elantra is a relatively weak 2.0L 4-cylinder which only makes 138 horsepower and gets up to 28 MPG combined. Performance is below average, taking 8.4 seconds to go 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Elantra Come In?

How Big Is the Elantra?

The Elantra is an average sized compact car similar to the VW Jetta and Mazda3. Passenger space is better than rivals, and the Elantra has enough room for adults in the backseats of both the sedan and hatchback models.

Cargo space is generous, offering 14 cubic feet of room in the trunk of the sedan. The Touring model offers 24.3 cubic feet of room behind the seats, increasing to 65.3 with the seats folded flat.

How Does the Elantra Compare to the Competition?

The Toyota Corolla is a popular competitor costing about $1,800 more. Where the Corolla stands out is with better exterior styling, but interior materials and technology are better in the Elantra. We recommend Elantra for the 2009 model year, since the Corolla has more complaints.

The Honda Civic is another rival costing about $800 more. Performance is better in the Civic, but the Elantra offers a more upscale interior. We recommend the Elantra for the 2009 model year since it’s more reliable, but the competition is closer in other years.

Ranks #20 Small Cars by Owners

2009 Volkswagen GTI

4.86

2009 Subaru WRX

4.64

2009 Hyundai Elantra

4.14

Do Owners Recommend the Hyundai Elantra?

Daisy R

Yes. It is efficient, fast, attractive, comfortable, easy to drive, and most of all I feel safe driving this vehicle.

Heather W

Yes. It is been very reliable, low profile, easy to maintain and replace parts as needed. Gas mileage is good. Interior is roomy and comfortable.

Kali L

Yes, it is very good and all sorts of weather. It is not too expensive on gas, I rarely have problems where it has to be taken to the garage. Nothing on it works improperly.

Megan R

Yes, it is a very easy care to handle. I have had no issues with this car since I bought it. The mileage is good and the look of the car is nice. I would recommend this car to many people.

Vanessa S

Yes, it is a good. Reliable vehicle that is a gas saver. The car is small but spacious and lots of trunk room for traveling.

Irene M

Yes, it is a good vehicle. It is amazing and reliable and safe and comfortable and affordable and fuel efficient and looks great.

Evana S

It is average. There are a lot of issues with the engine and air conditioner unit. The serpentine belt keeps needling to be replaced constantly.

Melissa S

Yes, it hasn't had any issues and it drives really smoothly. I enjoy my Hyundai Elantra because of the Bluetooth option it has as well as satellite radio

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Ida Brown on July 1, 2022

My Hyundai Elantra Touring

I have a 2009 Hyundai elantra touring i brought it in 2014 the only problem I have with it is buying tire and a car battery other than that I love my car

Brenda A on March 28, 2021

Lots of great features, roomy back seat, great gas mileage, USB ports, storage.

It is very roomy the back seat is very comfortable for my kids to sit, plenty of legroom. The car gets great gas mileage, the a/c keeps the car cool and comfortable. It has good speed when the gas is accelerated, great breaks for stopping quickly. It has a room trunk to hold a multitude of groceries. Lots of interior storage for glasses, coins. The USB port is great for charging the cell phone and co coaxial cable port is very handy. Really like the steering wheel button for the radio and also cruise control.

Brittany N on March 22, 2021

It is great on gas, both highway and interstate.

I like that the car is great on gas and has a good engine and transmission. The biggest thing I dislike about the car is that it does not have a lot of room for passengers.

Aliyah B on March 14, 2021

The Navy Blue Hyundai- Fun and Easy

We've had this car for almost 10 years and it has never given us problems. It drives great and there have never been problems with the brakes or the engine. There are many great features and the many cup holders for our coffee drinkers are such a plus.

Yolanda W on March 7, 2021

This car will last you 10+ years and it gets good gas mileage.

This car requires very little maintenance and it just keeps on running. It's comfortable and gets good gas mileage.

Brittany J on February 28, 2021

Great on gas and mileage while traveling

I love my car it's so reliable and great on gas mileage and I love the fact it just enough room for my kids and I and my sisters kids whenever we are ready to go somewhere. It had wonderful tires and durable seat belts. When we go on long rides we always prefer to drive my car

Jennifer M on February 27, 2021

This car will last you a long time. I bought this car brand new and it still runs like new after almost 10 years

Comfortable to drive. Never have any issues with the car, only maintenance has been normal wear and tear even though it is almost 10 years old.

Marcia A on February 25, 2021

Good on gas. I have kept the up to date.

Great car. Satisfies my needs. Plan to keep it till it no longer runs which I hope is a long time from now. I bought it used and it has been a good car for me. Now that it is paid off I am happier.

Jessica G on February 18, 2021

Hyundai Elantra Review - Extreme Traveler Edition

I purchased my Hyundai Elantra used in 2013. I purchased based on size and comfort of the vehicle. I was traveling nearly 120 miles per day, so a smaller, yet comfortable, vehicle was needed. You can comfortably fit 4 adults in the vehicle, 5 would be a tight ride, but it is doable. I haven't had performance issues with the vehicle while traveling. The only issue I have had is that the airbag light on the dash has been on for over a year, yet no issues with the airbags have been found. The only feature I wish this vehicle had is Bluetooth due to the amount of travel and phone time.

Samantha D on February 15, 2021

2009 Hyundai Elantra has amazing audio in car

I really like my car but it has a few issues. My steering wheel shakes when I brake too hard or when I'm going on the highway. The gas cap needs to be replaced so my check engine light has been on for quite some time even after fixing supposed problems with it. The trunk is very spacious and the car itself is really comfortable.

Whitney H on February 12, 2021

My car is well equipped for the road. I always feel safe driving it.

I like the size of my vehicle and the way it drives. I don't like the maintenance it requires but it has been a reliable car.

b M on February 11, 2021

Good mileage for gas purposes

Pretty good transportation. Fairly cheaply made. Looks good

Alicia W on February 5, 2021

It's a nice smooth car. Great on gas. And super classy.

The car is good quality. It has been reliable for me. Has helped up through the years. I like the way it drives. I don't really have any complaints on the car.

Brittany A on February 3, 2021

My Awesome Hyundai Elantra

I love my Hyundai Elantra! It's small and compact so I can park on busy streets but it's also spacious enough to travel or have 4 other passengers! I also love that its a hatchback. So cute. I would recommend this car to anyone!! Great city car. Plus the ride is super smooth and quiet!

Regina D on February 3, 2021

09 Hyundai is a comfortable family car.

I got my 09 Hyundai Elantra several years ago. I have always liked this car. I only have had minor problems, replaced battery this year. It is comfortable & easy to drive, can seat 5 people. I like the adjustable drivers seat & steering wheel. Trunk has lots of room.

Laurel b on January 31, 2021

That it is comfortable and has great mileage!

I like the smooth ride. I like the comfortable seats. It has great mileage. A few problems: the passenger side window doesn't work, and button for opening trunk broke!

Kelly B on January 28, 2021

I love my little car. The turning radius is amazing!

The Elantra runs great. She has been put through quite a lot traveling from Alabama to Connecticut, to Wisconsin, and a whole bunch of places in between. As of late the driver's door has come a bit loose so the reminder that goes off often, and the driver seat belt does not stay in place any more, so we have to hook it around the e brake handle. These issues have been due to the driver's anger more than the car itself though.

Caleb B on January 12, 2021

2009 Hyundai Elantra - A super reliable well balanced car!

The 2009 Hyundai Elantra really is a great and reliable car! It's served me very well for over 100,000 miles with no major issues at all, would definitely recommend for the reliability! Also is a very sleek looking car, and despite its age quite modern looking. It even drives well in snowy conditions, as well as the many times I have taken it down sketchy dirt roads, great balanced car!

Serena H on January 9, 2021

This car is great on gas, and cheap to fill the tank up.

This car is great on gas. Has never given me any problems. Great size for my family. Great car to get your family around.

Val L on January 3, 2021

Elantra a nice car for a small family.

I like the features that came with the car including the rear view backup camera and GPS. It is the perfect size for me and my son. The lights had a short that shouldn't have occurred already.

Trama T on December 27, 2020

Low cost, easy maintenance vehicle.

It is an easy to maintain small sedan. It has good gas mileage and general maintenance costs are low. Overall, it has no amazing features, but it has over 130k miles and drives well.

Shelley O on December 21, 2020

It gets great gas mileage.

I love the gas mileage I get as well as the way it runs & the sunroof. I also like the fact that in 10 years of ownership, I've never had anything major wrong with it.

Tres J on December 13, 2020

Very spacious, gas efficient.

This car is perfect, great on gas and very spacious, very simple and easy to use. I travel long distance to work and $20 fill my gas tank, the interior is nice, this car is mainly a family car and its good for traveling long distances. I do not regret getting this car.

Sam G on December 9, 2020

It's important to know that it's a safe and reliable car, but can be pricey to repair.

I like that my car is for the most part very reliable. It also is very affordable to fill with gas. I dislike that it seems to always be making a weird noise and that it is expensive to fix when there is a problem.

Celeste L on December 8, 2020

The horrible hyundai 2009

Timing belt went, the a.c. Doesn't work that great. The trunk button broke, the shift is absolutely horrible.

Jane S on December 4, 2020

My Hyundai is still running fairly well after having it for 9 years. I am very hard on my cars.

It's a good running, nice looking car. It gets good gas mileage. I got robbed on the purchase from the dealer.

Wayne T on November 25, 2020

Amenities of a luxury car yet economical to run

Has all the amenities I need and some over and above. Is a smoother running vehicle. It is relatively economical

Sarah A on November 11, 2020

It's been a great town car.

I really haven't had any problems with my car, everything works great, the only thing I can think of is I need to get new windshield wipers but that's about it.

Haley R on November 10, 2020

This car is awesome- definitely recommend.

I have had very few problems with my car since I bought it. I absolutely love it and will continue to purchase from Hyundai. My car has had it is issues, but had never broken down on me and I have had it for quite some time. It is a really great car. I haven't had any issues.

Alyssa S on October 28, 2020

The most important thing others should know is that it has good gas mileage.

I love the color and the speed. It is a great car and there are no problems with it. I do not have any complaints.

Joyce G on October 28, 2020

It has leather seats. And it is roomy

I love it because it is small but roomy the seats are leather. The car itself is great on gas. I can fill it up and 2 weeks later it is barely on empty. It picks up speed quick. I got my favorite color. Red. I wouldn't trade it for another car in the world

Lucy L on October 24, 2020

Great little car nothing wears it down.

D W on October 12, 2020

Nice European style hatchback that is reliable and roomy.

Jasmine W on October 11, 2020

The XM radio, bright red color, and tan interior makes for a chick car.

The car runs well. The car has run well for ten years. The car is great on gas. The car runs smoothly. The car is visually appealing. The car has great features. The car has XM Radio. It also has great space, and cup holders. The interior stays clean and the lights have the perfectly brightness.

Sarah K on October 10, 2020

Best car for first time drivers.

The car drives smoothly. It is great on gas. It is very quiet. The car has a great radio it is relatively small. It is very comfortable. It came with heated seats for the winter time. It is a light blue color. It is very reliable. Has 5 seats. Automatic come in handy.

Jen T on October 8, 2020

Reliable, Economical, and Comfortable

I have not had any issues with this vehicle. In the 10 years I've had it, I have only put on 50,000 miles but I have never had to get professional repairs done. Just some regular maintenance that I or family have helped me complete. The interior and exterior holds up well and the seat are comfortable, not to mention the back seat has plenty of leg room for even adult passengers.

Beth R on October 1, 2020

I can park it where a lot of others cannot.

I love my Hyundai. The car is smooth and drives well. I wish it had a rearview camera and heated seats.

Sandy F on October 1, 2020

I love my car. Its runs very good the engine is clean and really good on gas.

So far my car has no problem. It's very reliable its drives very smooth. The performance is great its in all areas, in speed which also have anti lock brakes. This car also have back wipers and inside it have a lot of space for your feet. And also the back seats can carried 4 people.

Dan S on September 24, 2020

Great reliable vehicle. Has stayed in great condition.

Great reliable car. Has served me well for ten years and I have no desire to get rid of it still. Two different people have wrecked in to me and you would never know because the car still rides smooth and dents were easily popped out. I still have less than 50,000 miles on it and hope to own it for another ten years.

Cara M on September 21, 2020

Kinda like it kind of don't

It doesn't shift that great, too small, like a go kart. It does have great gas mileage at the least! I like it but I don't. To small with a child. My driver window went out recently so I can't use it. Had it for 5 years and it was only good for the first year in a half then I started having problems. I have replaced multiple tires!

Mary S on September 21, 2020

That it is a good option for a person with limited income, but wants a reliable quality car.

I actually really like my car. It is a perfect fit for my large body size, it is roomy and it handles well. In the 8 yrs i have owned it i have only had to make minor upkeep repairs to it. It's a really good car for the money. I bought it new.

Lisa G on September 20, 2020

The Hyundai Elantra is very affordable and comes with a great warranty.

I love my Hyundai Elantra. It's affordable, good on gas, and has many features like heated seats, sunroof, and bluetooth.

Tom D on September 19, 2020

Reliable beyond expectation.

It is a reliable, economical workhorse of a sedan. I;ve commuted to work for 19 years in this car. It has shuttled three kids to their various activities.

Patsy R on September 5, 2020

Never have had a problem with the car at all.

It gets great mileage. Well built. Runs well. The paint job is not up to par as it should be. It is a small car would prefer to have a slightly bigger car.

Emma G on September 1, 2020

Good reliable car with decent gas mileage

Reliable car with fairly good mileage. Approaching ten years so only time will tell how durable the car is compared to known longevity brands like toyota and honda

Sidney D on August 8, 2020

My Hyundai Elantra 2009- runs but issues.

Cat H on July 31, 2020

2009 Hyundai Elantra Review

My car gets great gas mileage, which is the main reason I got it. I typically drive around 40 miles in a day for work. I don't like how it is cramped feeling.

Laura R on July 25, 2020

It's the perfect car with drivers of any experience, young and old alike!

I like the dependability of my car; gets me everywhere that I need to go. Wish it was just a little bit bigger!

kathy g on July 10, 2020

Great highway gas mileage between 28 and 32 especially when gas can be expensive. Roomy car too

This car is good on gas mileage. Care is not too big. Car has comfortable interior (seats). It serves its purpose for what I need it for.

Kathleen D on June 19, 2020

That I have children so I have car seats in my car.

Because it is a reliable car! It is very spacious and there is room for everyone. It also has cruise control. And it has great gas mileage!

Ryan M on June 17, 2020

2009 Hyundai Elantra review.

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.