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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  Trouble child - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By kenosmom - April 8 - 7:18 pm

  Bought my Accent GT new and regretted that purchase! Transmission troubles plagued it (my neighbor also has an 04 Accent and had to have tranny replaced at 30,000 miles). Blew out valves upon traveling over Blue Ridge mountains. Traded it in after owning for a troublesome 8 months for a Jeep. Never looked back! My first and last Hyundai!

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  Not the fuel mileage you would expect! - 2006 Hyundai Accent
  By kgirl - April 8 - 6:33 pm

  I bought this car specifically to get better gas mileage as my old car, a 99 Buick Century, was getting up there and losing its MPGs (about 20- 21). As the gas prices soared, I thought I could and should do better, it was time for a new car. With all the Hyundai spots advertising 30/39, I thought the Accent would save me so much money in the future. Wrong! The car only gave me 21MPGs out of the gate. I bought one of those air flow jobbies and only got it up to 23- 24MPGs. I could have stayed in my Buick for this and it was already paid off! The look and the reliability are great, but Im so disappointed overall. What was the point if the MPGs arent nearly what theyre claiming them to be?!

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  Nice Small Car - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By Army Husband - March 27 - 7:58 pm

  My wife and I are in the Army, and we needed a vehicle that got good gas mileage. Our other vehicle being a Dodge Ram 1500. We got a flyer in the mail advertising the sale at the dealership we go to to get our truck serviced and decided to stop in and check out what they had on the lot for the special sale. We found this on the lot with only 13678 miles on it. I took it for a test drive and liked it. It did not seem to sluggish, it shifts real easily. I travel from Savannah GA to northern MI every 3 to 4 months, it is 1098 miles each way, this it only cost me 70 to make it each way.

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  Great car with Warranty - 2009 Hyundai Accent
  By trevor - March 20 - 8:31 pm

  great little car for the money. Great mpg. Performance isnt the greatest but for a 4 cylinder it does good. There is tons of room on the inside of the car. One thing that I did was get tinted windows. car looks alot better.

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  Good things in small packages - 2009 Hyundai Accent
  By Hako - March 13 - 6:23 am

  Ive only had the car for 8 days, but I am totally in love with it.....more so than any car Ive owned. Funny thing was, I didnt expect to be. I figured it was a nice looking, decent fuel economy and great warranty. I was stunned when the car arrived at the dealership. It was way more beautiful than the internet pics, and the interior seemed upscale in rich, textured black. The car itself is Ebony Black. I love the 16 inch alloy rims, satellite radio, and the B&m short-shifter. I assumed this car would be a yawn to drive. Wrong again. It has snappy acceleration, and is grippy through the turns. I am totally happy with my choice, and grin every time I sit in this cute car.

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  QUALITY GOOD/MPG BAD - 2005 Hyundai Accent
  By drew - March 10 - 8:29 pm

  Its a peppy fast little car for the size of the car and area that I live in which is nothing but steep hills. The car had 26,000 on it when I purchased it and I only put 10,000 on it since then and I did not need to repair anything for it so far. The gas mpg could be better, I drive in the city 99% of the time but I only average 20-22 mpg. When I drive the highway, the mirrors seem to roll down a bit causing air to seep in causing loud whistling noise

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  Defintely Worth the Money - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By cmc - March 8 - 1:04 pm

  I bought my Accent new in 09/01 and now have 120,000 miles on it. Still get 38 mi/gal and it is one of the best purchases Ive made. Only problems Ive had were minor - broken door handle, power window cables broke, and an ignition sensor (covered under warranty). My only current issue is a break/leak in the original exhaust (8 winters in Wisconsin will do that), otherwise Ive been very pleased with its quality. Because of our new baby, Ive looked into a replacement car. Putting a toddler into a car seat in the back is becoming tedious. I wouldnt recommend the Accent for families of four, but as a 1 or 2 person commuter car there is nothing better.

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  great little car - 2008 Hyundai Accent
  By drumthumper - March 1 - 8:57 pm

  I bought my Accent to replace a 2000 Saturn that failed me only after not even a year. I drive over 100 miles a day and this has been a good car for that. I have had the check engine light on a couple of times for a random misfire but it goes out after a couple of starts (I did have the dealer check this and they said it should be fine). I compared this with a Yaris and found the Yaris was more expensive considering the features (and warranty). It is not the most comfortable car but again I drive a long distance each day. I would and have recommended this car as a cheap commuter (though I could have gotten it even for less if I could have been able to wait a few more months).

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  In one word "crap" - 2008 Hyundai Accent
  By na - February 27 - 5:19 pm

  This is my first new vehicle. I was looking for something with good warranty , fit in my budget, good gas mileage. I got some of that . I have had it for a short time and its been in the shop more times than i would like to count. I would not recommend this car and will never buy anything from Hyundai again.

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  Great Car-Great Price! - 2008 Hyundai Accent
  By ddrake - February 21 - 12:39 pm

  My husband and I bought our second Hyundai Accent about one month ago. Our first one we purchased in 2001 and it is pushing 95,000 miles and still scampering along (we never had any major problems with the car!) I have been driving the car approx. 62 miles each day for my commute to work and just love it. Even for a smaller engine, it still has pep. The interior is actually bigger than our 2001 and I like the outside styling much better. The only downside is the quality of the plastic interior Hyundai should use better plastics. Our side panel did not fit correctly and that needs to be replaced but no big deal (dealership has been great!) 27 miles gas mileage round town highway 33+!