The Elantra is a pleasant small sedan. We found the ride comfortable and road noise low, but the Elantra still isn't as agile as a Mazda3 or Honda Civic. The engine booms at high revs but returns good fuel economy at 27 mpg overall. Cabin access is fairly easy, and the roomy interior is put together nicely. It also has more standard safety equipment than some competitors, including ABS and curtain air bags. Electronic stability control is standard on the SE trim and, combined with wider tires and a tighter suspension, makes the car very secure. IIHS offset-crash results are good. First-year reliability has been much better than average. An Elantra Touring hatchback model will arrive for 2009.