1997 Hyundai Avante 1.8 MT GLS DLX

This gave rise to disagreement from other motor manufacturers, and the name was standardized as "Elantra" worldwide in 2001.

Between 1996 and 1998, the Elantra was marketed as the Bimantara Cakra (1.5litre petrol) and the Bimantara Nenggala (1.8litre petrol) in Indonesia.

The Hyundai Elantra is listed as United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Picks Ten Most Fuel Efficient Vehicles. The Elantra ranked #2 in 2006 and 2007 in the category of most fuel efficient sedans, and also was ranked as the most efficient non-hybrid mid-sized sedan.

Hyundai Elantra SE awarded 2008 Consumer Reports "top pick". Hyundai Elantra SE was among the top 10 vehicles for 2008 unveiled in the magazine's issue. The magazine's annual ratings, based on road tests and predicted safety and reliability are considered highly influential among consumers.

Hyundai Elantra earned Consumer Reports' 'excellent' rating in predicted reliability. Hyundai Elantra SE is Consumer Reports top-ranked 2008 vehicle amongst 19 other compacts and subcompacts (however, the less expensive GLS trim line, without the electronic stability control standard on the SE trim line, and with less sporty tires, was ranked closer to the middle of the group). Beating out such high-quality competitors as the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Toyota Prius.