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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  fun and economical - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By happy - February 19 - 4:05 pm

  Peppy engine and very sporty handling. This car took the sting out of $4 a gallon gas. I drive 80% city and routinely average over 30 mpg. Side panels scratch easily and could use a larger center armrest. This car will save you a lot of money over the years.

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  What do you want for the price - 2008 Hyundai Accent
  By Joe - February 15 - 10:29 pm

  This car is ok if you just want a puddle jumper to get back and forth. I bought this car as a left over 2008 b/c the price was right, but I should have spent more for a better car. The sheet metal body panels ding very easy. This car rattles with every bump, maybe due to the sport suspension. The interior plastic scratches easy, very easy. Plus I am only getting around 20-21 mpg in the city. 25-27 mpg on the highway. I do better with my old awd Subaru. The car is good for parking around town in tight spaces and can hold a large amount of groceries with the rear seats folded down.

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  Why I hate my Hyundai - 2000 Hyundai Accent
  By Jacqui - February 14 - 5:47 pm

  Sunroof leaks, heater broke,replaced rear wiper motor twice in 1 year ($400each), the brakes completely and calipers? twice in 2 years. I have also replaced the exhaust, the clutch which when it broke damaged the transmission so badly i had to replace both. Also goes through oil like crazy. Spend about $3500 per year on repairs. Doors swing back and slam on your legs as well. Oh loses power trying to go up even small hills. Also bought for $10000 was worth $2500 within 2 years. I hate this car. it is currently in for repairs again. Horrible car. would be great if it ran. Ever. Not worth it even for free, use the money you save on repairs to go on a vacation

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  Love this car! - 2008 Hyundai Accent
  By Meghan - February 9 - 10:32 am

  I bought this car in September 08 as a replacement for my previous car, a 96 Saturn SL2. I test drove this car and the Yaris before ultimately purchasing the Accent. The Yaris felt narrow while the Accent felt much wider, and has a warranty that cant be beat, for a couple thousand dollars less. There have been mixed reviews about gas mileage but I am averaging 30mpg with the manual. This car turns on a dime, and I have gotten TONS of compliments about how cute the car is. (Tango Red - looks much better in real life than on the website). The shifter isnt as smooth as the Yaris, but all in all I am very satisfied with my purchase.

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  Great reliable car, yes reliable - 2003 Hyundai Accent
  By KD - February 4 - 12:22 pm

  We bought this car as a cheap commuter car and figured we would maybe get 100k from it. Well at 120k now and still going strong. Only issue was lost a crankshaft sensor around 90k and one battery but that was it. Regular fluid changes and the car is happy. Still get around 34 MPG.

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  Practical yet Charming - 2008 Hyundai Accent
  By thesouthernaccent - February 4 - 1:03 am

  The Accent drives quite smoothly and in that way, it fits my driving style quite well. The most pressing complaint I have is its long shift time, which makes the GLS 4-speed automatic feel kind of like a manual. The suspension is loose too, which makes curves a little wobbly. However, it returns good real world MPG figures, and is very economical in other categories. Accent offers plenty of trunk room, passenger area and leg room, rear head rests, height adjustable seat belts, and many other features I probably still havent discovered. For what it is, Accent is an excellent car.

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  Airbags Failed In High Impact Crash - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By Lucky - January 29 - 12:53 pm

  Airbags failed to deploy in a collision traveling at 55 mph and then hitting an embankment as well. Read NHTSA and other consumer complaints regarding this problem with the Accent and other Hyundais and dont find out the hard way. We were very fortunate and everyone walked away from this death trap! Other prior problems include cheap tires from manufacturer that manufacturer and dealership did nothing to correct - referred to tire maker who said they didnt care about the complaint - no exaggeration! And of course car is very uncomfortable.

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  Died at 99,200 miles! - 2009 Hyundai Accent
  By Angela Wakhweya - January 24 - 9:28 pm

  I bought it new. It ran efficiently for six years...I was about to celebrate its 100,000 mile birthday when the timing belt shredded and killed my whole engine...after one year of no car payments, is it worth the grief now...

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  Hyundai has proven itself reliable - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By JordanG - January 21 - 1:17 pm

  My cars coming up on 100,000 miles and nothing at all has acted older than brand new. With the 5 speed manual transmission, it feels quicker than most other cars in its class, probably because it weighs in at only slightly over a ton. Ive driven a lot of cars with manual transmission, including a Honda Civic with 30,000 miles, and I can safely say this car has the smoothest and easiest shifter Ive ever used, even at 100,000 miles. The fuel economy is right around that Civic/Corolla 30 mpg range. Overall, its a very basic, no frills, reliable car, and its hardly left a dent in my pocket at all.

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  Lemon? I think so. - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By Brian - January 21 - 9:37 am

  I feel swindled by the Hyundai people. Things started off without any real problems. Never had an accident and I always tried to keep-up with any maintenance. Sadly, after 30000 miles, my catalytic converter is destroyed, Ive had serious ignition problems, and theyve had to replace the spark plugs like clockwork. Just traded that sucker in.