Overview & Reviews

Since its 1995 introduction, the Hyundai Accent has served as the company's entry-level small car. Although grouped with similarly priced subcompact cars, the Accent sedan and hatchback have always fallen under the EPA's classification for a compact car, which translates to a surprisingly roomy interior. Other typical Accent advantages include generous standard equipment, a choice of hatchback and sedan body styles and long warranty coverage.

The latest Hyundai Accent has made great strides toward front-runner status in this competitive segment, which is a welcome change from past models. It is now larger inside and out, and the overall look of the car is certainly more dynamic. Performance and overall quality have been notably improved as well. Prior to the current-generation car, older Accents suffered from low safety ratings and an overall level of quality that didn't match up to some competitors.

Current Hyundai Accent
Available as a sedan or a four-door hatchback, the Accent comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while a six-speed automatic is also available. Power output is impressive for the class, and the Accent gets excellent fuel economy as well.

The sedan comes only in base GLS trim, while the hatchback comes in GS and the top-line SE trims. The GLS is nicely equipped with air-conditioning, full power accessories and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio and iPod/USB/auxiliary input jacks. Option highlights including foglights, alloy wheels, keyless entry, upgraded interior trim, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control and Bluetooth are available. The GS hatchback adds a few extra features. Stepping up to the SE hatchback gets you pretty much all of the optional features as standard.

Inside, the Hyundai Accent has a look and feel that's a cut above most rivals, with patterned upholstery, a sculpted dash and a modern overall design. Although some drivers may be bothered by the lack of a telescoping steering wheel as standard equipment on most trims, taller passengers will find all but the rear center seat roomy and comfortable. Cargo space is also quite accommodating, especially in the hatchback models.

On the road, the Accent's four-cylinder engine pulls significantly stronger than the power plants of its major competitors. Both the six-speed manual and the six-speed automatic transmissions make good use of that output, too. What it lacks in sporty handling dynamics, it compensates for with a quiet, comfortable ride and good overall composure -- criteria likely more important to buyers shopping this segment. That the Accent performs this well overall while still rating an EPA-estimated 31 mpg combined is impressive. Overall, the Hyundai Accent stands as a front-runner in the subcompact segment.

Used Hyundai Accent Models
The Hyundai Accent was fully redesigned for 2012, marking its fourth generation. Compared to the previous generation, this Accent is roomier inside, with a more stylish design and a more powerful and fuel-efficient engine. There haven't been any major changes since, although the optional telescoping steering wheel didn't become available until 2014.

The third-generation Hyundai Accent was built from 2006-'11. It's a cost-effective choice for a used car, though not a particularly exciting one. All third-generation Accents were powered by 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 110 hp and 106 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices included either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.

During its run, a steady progression of changes and improvements were implemented. Initially, a sedan body style and single trim level were available. In 2007, a two-door hatchback was added to the lineup along with additional trim levels: the GS and SE were offered on the hatchback and GLS was the only sedan choice.

GS models were modestly appointed with the bare necessities. The SE added 16-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, power accessories, a CD player, a sport-tuned suspension and quicker steering. The GLS sedan included air-conditioning and the audio system as standard, with power accessories and alloy wheels optional. A sunroof and an upgraded audio system were optional on the SE.

There was a slight bump in fuel economy for 2009, as well as available cruise control. For 2010, the entry-level Blue trim joined the lineup as the new value leader, but was renamed the GL one year later. In the meantime, the GS received standard air-conditioning. USB connectivity was added to the available auxiliary input in 2010. Used car shoppers should pay special attention to whether or not an Accent has antilock brakes, as the car's braking distance grows excessively long without them. Antilock brakes weren't even an option for the GS until 2010. Finally in 2011, all Accents featured it as standard.

In reviews, we found the third-generation Accent to be a decent choice for those seeking basic, fuel-efficient transportation, but plain styling and cheap materials kept appeal fairly low. Still, there was enough interior space for average-sized adults to get comfortable in the front or rear. Driving the Accent offered no revelations in performance, but the brakes were strong (with ABS) and ride quality and handling were acceptable for an economy car. Power was adequate for driving around town, but sluggish at highway speeds in automatic-transmission models. One final aspect to consider is the Accent's crash test scores; it performed very poorly in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's side-impact crash test.

The second-generation Accent was sold in sedan and hatchback form from 2000-'05. Initially, this Accent was offered only with an 89-hp, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (horsepower varied slightly over the years). A 104-hp, 1.6-liter engine joined the lineup in 2001 and replaced the 1.5-liter altogether in 2003. Acceleration was adequate even with the 1.5-liter engine, however, and both the automatic and manual transmissions perform acceptably.

Handling and braking capabilities were modest on second-gen Accents, mainly because of the car's undersized 13-inch wheels and tires. Hyundai did offer the 2004 and '05 GT hatchback with 14-inch wheels and a firmer suspension, but if you're buying any used Accent, it's a good idea to set aside some money for better tires. Unfortunately, antilock brakes were optional only on 2005 Accents. Front seat-mounted side airbags were standard on 2003 GL sedans and hatchbacks, and on all 2004 and '05 models.

Sold from 1995-'99, the first-generation Hyundai Accent was also available as both a compact sedan and a three-door hatchback; it replaced Hyundai's shoddily built Excel subcompact (1986-'94). All Accents of this era came with a 92-hp, 1.5-liter engine, except for the 1996 and '97 GT hatch, which had a DOHC, 16-valve version of this engine good for 105 hp. ABS was optional on automatic transmission-equipped Accents sold from 1995-'98, but this safety feature was discontinued entirely for 1999 and didn't turn up again until 2005.

User Reviews:

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  6 speed manual ..... - 2012 Hyundai Accent
  By myfj40 - August 7 - 10:32 am

  This is a great little car, but lacks power when the A/C is on. If you try to pull a hill in lower gears with the Air on you have to really wrap it out or it will bog down when you upshift. I have owned this car 3 weeks and put on 800 miles so far....gas mileage is NOT as good as my 2000 Corolla with an Automatic. I have averaged around 34 highway so far. And that is including some pretty flat interstate driving.....My corolla has actually gotten over 40 when the conditions are right !!! I am really hoping that I can get much better mileage once it cools off and I dont have to run the air......

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  My Car - 2012 Hyundai Accent
  By vcave - August 6 - 10:13 pm

  I had to trade in my 5sp manual to get an automatic for health reason. We have 100 miles on the car in one day, and have not gotten under 36 miles per gallon yet. I am totally impressed. I expect to get the 40 when the car is broken in.

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  Hyundai proves again that they are a company to be noticed.... - 2012 Hyundai Accent
  By twbmusic - August 5 - 7:39 pm

  Awesome! Is the word to describe Hyundais latest redesign of its entry level vehicle.... First of all let me say that finding a vehicle that fits a over 6 tall male and a 5 female can be a challenge, especially from a driving position point-of-view. No problems here...seat, steering wheel, interior headroom and leg room are all generous....I can even fit in the back seat comfortably! The 138 hp direct fuel-injected engine is very willing and has plenty of passing power on the highway. In my opinion, the car rides as nice or better than Hyundais own redesigned Elantra (which is not direct fuel injected). Fit and finish both inside and out are class equal to its competition.

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  good value - 2008 Hyundai Accent
  By sbrothers - August 3 - 9:51 am

  this is not a great car, but it is a good solid well built reliable car. our 5-speed manual averages about 34 mpg per tank full. we have had minor problems: check engine light (loose gas cap?) and tire warning light that kept coming on---dealer said they reset the onboard computer. other than basic oil and filter changes we have had no other expenses in about 3 years of driving.

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  Two Hundred Eighty Seven Thousand Miles and Runs Great - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By warren_j - July 11 - 2:53 pm

  First the bad. The hatchback latch spring gets stuck so after pulling it to open the rear door, I have to manually place the latch/handle back in place. I REALLY wish there had been cruise control on the Accent. The good. Everything else. This car has been driven an average 300 miles a day and it has been awesome. Outer paint looks new, engine runs great. Inner trim still looks great (but showing scratches and some fraying on the seats). Just took it to the dealer for a checkup, engine light on issue and an oil change ... $250 total bill. Ill drive it to Florida next week. Averaging 36-37 mpg with the 5 speed, compare that to my 31 mpg avg driving a 2007 Versa 6 speed.

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  Very pleased - 2012 Hyundai Accent
  By t_lecuyer - July 7 - 2:27 pm

  Ive now owned my Accent for 2 weeks and I have nothing but good things to say about my purchase. The styling is impressive and they have definitely stepped up in terms of overall quality and features for this model. I love the Eco and the MPG feature that helps me with gas mileage and all of this without affecting the torque. They added the features that are available on the higher end models in their smaller model and it makes for a great little car. The engine has the same power as my 2006 Elantra had and it drives smoothly all around. The only issue I would pass on is the comfort of the headrests, which I got used to quickly. My wife not as much, but all in all the comfort is there

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  286,000 Miles and Almost Like New - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By warren_j - June 25 - 6:49 am

  I am actually the second owner. The first commuted 300 miles each day from PA to MD four 4 years (80K miles /year x 4 years). I just drove from MD to Atlanta to pick up my daughter over the past three days. From the look of the car, you would think I just went to the 7eleven. Ive owned 2 Fords, 2 Nissans, 1 Mitsubishi, 1 Toyota, 1 VW and 2 Audis. This is the coolest little car Ive ever owned. It gets about 36 miles per gallon average, turns on a dime, runs perfectly, is super smooth in traffic and up to 80 mph on the highway, and looks pretty good. The 6 CD stereo sounds really good, although it skips when running without AC in summer heat. In short, its an amazing little car.

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  Cannot Bring myself to trade it - 2008 Hyundai Accent
  By generalflea - June 24 - 11:44 am

  My wife and I bought this car back in June of 2008 and it has been one of the best decisions ever! The little guy, (now known as the General Flea due to its color (tango red) being close to the General Lee and the way I can drive it) has been faithful at every turn. We bought it with 2 miles on the clock and it now has close to 50,000 without any trouble, just gas, some oil, and a couple of airfilters. The transmission at first was rough but I added a more sporting clutch setup and it has alleviated the rough transmission. This car has been known to hit 51mpg on the highway before and usually has a combined city/highway of 36mpg, well above its estimate. Overall great car!

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  Champina -- surprised to find a new love! - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By mikistewart - June 21 - 3:16 pm

  We purchased our used 2004 Accent GL Sedan last August for $3,600.00. This amazing compact car quickly became our go-to choice -- even for distance travel! Shes already been roundtrip from Nebraska to Arizona. We named her "Champina". Our first vehicle is a 2001 Dodge RAM Pickup with every luxury Champy was bought as Moms "local errand car". When gas prices topped $3 a gallon, she became our primary transportation. The Accents fuel economy, comfort and reliablity have won us over our 15 MPG RAM is reserved for hauling, intown errands and "boys night out!" She has needed only regular maintenance in >15,000 miles of all-weather mountain travel.

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  Not happy at the moment - 2012 Hyundai Accent
  By winvid33 - June 20 - 8:12 pm

  I bought my car because I couldnt come close price wise with the american car dealers. Within 3 days of purchasing my car, the Transmission had to be replaced. I would have rather got the manual transmission but they are like a needle in a haystack. That is what the low price represents. You end up paying way more with the automatic. I called Hyundai to try to get a new vehicle since the brand new one I bought lost a tranny in the first week. No way! I just put in gas and got 31.5 MPG on exactly half highway driving and using the Active Eco Mode. I dont expect I will ever get the 30 city that they say they get.