DecodedCars2005 Hyundai Elantra
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatch FWD /Gl/Ve/GT, 4dr Sedan FWD /Gl, 4dr Sedan FWD /Ve
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 23 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 177.2–178 in
- Curb weight
- 2,683–2,831 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 26% better than the average 2005 midsize car (20.6 MPG).
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Hyundai Elantra is a midsize car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 177 inches long and 68 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,789 lb (4dr Hatch FWD /Gl/Ve/GT).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 31 highway), 26% better than the 2005 midsize car average of 20.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 35 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Hatch FWD /Gl/Ve/GT | 177.2 in | 67.7 in | 56.3 in | 102.8 in | 57.9 / 58.3 in | 2,789 lb | 63/37 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD /Gl | 178 in | 68.1 in | 56.3 in | 102 in | 57.5 / 57.9 in | 2,683 lb | 63/37 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD /Ve | 178 in | 68.1 in | 56.3 in | 102 in | 57.5 / 57.9 in | 2,831 lb | 63/37 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elantra | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +26% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Elantra | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +17% | $2,800 | 370 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Hyundai Elantra under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Hyundai Elantra (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Toyota Corolla | 31 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2005 Honda Civic | 41 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2005 Toyota Prius | 46 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2005 Ford Focus | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Volkswagen Passat | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Hyundai Elantra.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Hyundai Elantra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Hyundai Elantra buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Air Bags — 16 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Steering — 5 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Structure › Body — 5 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 126,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Hyundai Elantra. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Elantra years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Elantra | 54 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 4 |
| 2025 Elantra | 54 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 34 |
| 2024 Elantra | 54 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 63 |
| 2023 Elantra | 54 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 170 |
| 2022 Elantra | 54 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 159 |
| 2021 Elantra | 54 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 162 |
| 2020 Elantra | 36 | 181.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 262 |
| 2019 Elantra | 35 | 181.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 266 |
| 2018 Elantra | 35 | 179.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 335 |
| 2017 Elantra | 35 | 179.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 796 |
| 2016 Elantra | 31 | 179.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 300 |
| 2015 Elantra | 31 | 179.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 261 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →