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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  Thank you CARS - 2009 Hyundai Accent
  By tusker - August 7 - 10:30 pm

  I have been looking at small cars for a year and ended up with the accent. I went from a Yukon to this and love it. The front is just as roomy as my Yukon was and it is a lot more fun to drive. The mpg is fantastic and it looks good too. Going up steep hills can take some patients but it is a small 4 banger so what do you expect? for the money, it is a great buy and Hyundai is what Toyota used to be. You cant go wrong. Not a lot of extra features, but I knew that going into it. It is even easy to drive on the interstate with it. I have not owned it that long, but I like it more and more every day.

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  Good expectations, Great results! - 2009 Hyundai Accent
  By Stephen - August 7 - 4:14 pm

  Love the Hyundai Accent! Needed a new car after wearing out a very good Subaru but did not want to pay the high price for another Subaru. Looked at Hyundai since they are affordable and reliable. Liked the styling of the Accent hatchback and the fact that it did not come with a bunch of gadgets that will eventually break. Test drove and immediately knew this was the car for me. Though not a Ferarri with acceleration it gets to speed well enough. The car is quiet and rides very well. You get a little suspension noise over large bumps but the ride is very stable. Get the A/C - it is nice and cold. Controls are well laid out and easy to reach. Surprisingly very roomy for a small car.

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  Am a Honda guy, but bought the Hyundai!! - 2009 Hyundai Accent
  By MikeK! - August 5 - 11:11 am

  I didnt even want a new car, but when the government came out with its new middle-class welfare program (Cash for Clunkers) I said what the heck, Ill go spend some of my own tax dollars. I wanted a cheap, cheap car and thought of the Hyundais, Kias, etc. The Hondas and Toyotas were still too pricey for me even after the 4500 cash. Well, I came across the Hyundai Accent GLS and that was it. This car is nice, not cheap. Im 64 and I fit just fine. Get one w/o a radio and install your own, all the wiring/speakers are already installed. Took me 20 minutes to put a great radio in. Keep up w/ the maintenance and the warranty wont let you down. GO BUY ONE, YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED!!!

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  Dont go 100k or get in a crash - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By jnorlund - August 4 - 5:46 pm

  We bought this as a inexpensive first new car. Overall, I had thought it was ok...until we owned it a while. MPG was about 27/29. Prior to this year we had to repair the door handle, the key broke off in the trunk, brakes twice and engine stabilizers once (regular maint). Then, as soon as we got to 108k, the tranny started to act up. $350 later we found out an overdrive part had broken off inside and demolished it. Cost to repair $2500. Guy said he had to do the same thing to his daughters 01 last year. So, if you think this car will go 100k+ or more than 5-7 years without major problems, think again. I know I will before considering Hyundai.

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  Good for few years if your a new driver - 2005 Hyundai Accent
  By boulevard226 - July 31 - 3:58 pm

  I was a fairly new driver when I got mine, and this just may not be the car for me, but I do not like it. I had a nice Chevy Cavalier before this car and it was amazing so maybe I am comparing them unfairly. The engine struggles to accelerate. The dash is beyond plain and boring. The Sony Explode system I installed makes the car vibrate like crazy. I am tall and it limits my passengers cause if the seat is all the way back, I lose the seat behind me. All and all I only recommend this car as a starter for a youngster. Only thing good about this car is the MPG of about 30. Cant wait to get my 2010 Chevy Silverado! Think American.

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  What a surprise - 2009 Hyundai Accent
  By GL Brink - July 31 - 9:13 am

  I have been driving large cars all my life but being retired I needed to save on gas. What a car, this little Accent drives great, has head room for my cowboy hat, accessory holders, great radio/CD player, goes around curves like a BMW, less noise interior than my old caddy, drives by gas stations on trips, we love our light green color, air conditioning cold as ice, leg room for my 61" 250 lbs and comfortable in drivers seat, Took my granddaughter to lunch and she had plenty of room in rear seat next to the groceries and half dropped back seat. What a bargain for the price. As you can see we love it.

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  Money would be better spent on a used car - 2017 Hyundai Accent
  By Pac757 - July 30 - 7:02 am

  I purchased whats now "the top of the line" Accent, a value edition for my daughter after she totalled her 2013 Accent. This car is maybe one step above a stripped rental car. The quality of the interior is cheaper and less attractive than her 2013, the her 2013, which wasnt a top of the line Accent came with fog lights, auto dimming review mirror with compass, better quality interior and you were actually able to purchase a jack and spare tire for that car. I regret buying this car for her now but to late to get rid of it, its only one month old and has a horrible resale value. Even the Hyundai dealer I bought it from didnt want to work with us to trade it in on a used Elantra. Poor resale value, absolutely bare minimum extras for a top of the line model, very dated styling, almost as if Hyundai went back to the Excel days of the 80s but without the cheap price. Guess shes stuck with this till she hits the break even point with her financing. Makes me think twice before buying a Hyundai again. In hinesight, the Kia Rio, which is their bottom of the line car is actually a better car. My own fault for not doing more research plus was under pressure as she needed a car quickly for getting to and from work, public transportation where we live is horrible.

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  Retro 80s car , that rocks!! - 2008 Hyundai Accent
  By bill g. - July 28 - 5:09 pm

  I love this car! This car is small,nimble and gets super mileage[about 33-35 overall mpg!]. Also,regarding some retro 80s accommodations ,I love the small size and its manual windows and doors.This a taste of what pre-sedentary America was!!I luv it,simplistic and very practical!And something less you wont have to worry about failing you!

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  Hyundai Accent = Lemon - 2005 Hyundai Accent
  By JoJoF8c - July 21 - 8:06 pm

  This was my 1st new car I bought in hopes it was a reliable car and wouldnt break down cuz its new. Since buying it, I have put in $5000 in just repairs. The dealer refuses to listen to me, cause Im a girl & car was in a cosmetic accident a yr after buying it. Exterior of car was damaged only, but a year later it just refused to start and continues to have the same problem. Plus the radiator, water reservoir, thermostat all went out and now it wont stop overheating and it gives no notice that it is overheating, it just shuts off. In the last 2 weeks I have spent $2000 on it & been to mechanic 4 x. Never buy a hyundai again, not a quality car.

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  Not bad for basic transportation - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By Scott - July 21 - 2:56 pm

  I bought my 04 Accent last November. Its about as basic as a car gets - MT, no AC, power locks, power windows or cruise - but it gets great gas mileage - 30-35mpg in mixed driving and is surprisingly good in the snow. Purchased it for $4k, so for the daily commute, its a good deal. I miss the AC, but never travel long distances in it. I would definitely recommend the accent for anyone needing reliable transportation.