The 2002 Hyundai Elantra comes with a single engine: a 140 hp, 2.0 liter inline 4-cylinder engine. There are two transmission options: the standard 5 speed manual or the optional 4 speed automatic. Gas mileage is around 25 miles per gallon city miles and 33 highway miles.

As far as the interior goes, the 2002 Hyundai Elantra doesn't have too many features. Air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and power locks a CD player, a leather steering cover and leather seats are all available, either standard or optional, depending on the trim. To ensure everyone's safety, driver, passenger and side airbags are standard on both trims, with anti-lock brakes and traction control was safety options.

The quality of the 2002 Hyundai Elantra seems to have improved from the previous year, at least as far as owners are concerned. The number of terrible ratings was noticeably less, and the problems were not as drastic. The biggest problem was that the car tends to go through brakes a little faster than it should. Other than that, most of the complaints were of the cheap plastic parts that make up a great deal of the 2002 Hyundai Elantra's interior. It was around this era that Hyundai seriously started to get their act together, and owners noticed and were appreciative.