I love my Elantra.
This is my very first car so I don't have anything to compare it to, but I can say I will be keeping this car for a very long time. She drives smoothly for the most part. There are a few issues with her. She like to blow heat despite the heat being turned off. In the winter, not a problem but as the weather gets warmer, I have to put the AC on to counteract the heat that is blowing.
Recently there was a slight issue with the engine. It was quickly resolved but it was still concerning to me since my car was purchased new and I barely hit 13k miles on it and had the car for less than 2 years. There has also been a 'swooshing' or sound of liquid moving since I last took my car to the dearlership. I want to complain about it but it comes and goes. I also saw comments on Reddit that makes it seem like car dealerships do not take these complaints very seriously, so I am worried about taking it back only to be told its nothing but I still hear it.
The car, despite being compact, is very tall person friendly. I am almost a 6ft girl and I am glad that I do not have to push the seat all the way back for my legs to fit. Another human can sit behind me comfortably.