The Hyundai Elantra made its debut in the United States in 1991 as a small car. It was also sold as the Avante in South Korea and Australia while in Europe it was called the Lantra. The first generation car was code named J1 and it was powered by a 1.6-liter twin-cam engine that had 4 cylinders. It came in two versions an entry level one and a GLS version. There were two gear systems that came with the Elantra, a manual gear system with five gears or an automatic gear system with four gears. In 1993, the GLS version and all Elantras with automatic gear system got a 1.8 Liter engine having 4 cylinders. In 1994, the GLS version got side airbags for the Driver and disc brakes on all 4 wheels.

In 1996, the second generation made its debut as a sedan and station wagon. Both the sedan and station wagon came in two versions, the entry level and GLS versions. All Elantras derived their power from a 1.8 Liter engine having four cylinders. The vehicles had a manual gear system with five gears or an automatic gear system with four gears. While except for changes to the seat covers there was no change in the Elantra in 1997, Hyundai made no changes to it in 1998. In 1999, the GLS version was dropped and a 2.0 Liter engine was introduced. In 2000, the GLS version returned with the dropping of the base level model. In 2001, the third generation car made its debut. The new Elantra came only as a sedan, which was available in only one version the GLS. In the same year a hatchback with four doors was introduced. The 2.0 Liter engine still powered the vehicle. In 2002, the four door hatchback made its debut as a GT model. The Elantra got a sports body, leather seats and disc brakes in all four tires. In 2003, a four door sedan version titled the GT was introduced. In 2005, an entry level hatchback model was introduced.

The fifth generation Hyundai Elantra made its debut in 2007. and it was classified as a small sedan that came in three versions, the GLS, SE and Limited. All three versions were powered by a 2.0 Liter engine having four cylinders. The Base level Elantra has 15 inch tires, windows mirrors and locks that can be used with the touch of a button, but has no air conditioning or music system. The SE has 16 inch tires, air conditioning, music system with CD player and 6 speakers and a steering wheel on which the music system controls are located. The limited is has heated seats made of leather and a music system with a CD player and that can play Mp3 music.