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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  The Best Car Ever - 2001 Hyundai Accent
  By Valerie - December 2 - 10:20 am

  I came from a Mercedes to a Hyundai. My car had 6 miles when I purchased it. It now has 228,000+ and I have EVERY original engine part. Only changed the timing belt and brakes and did my oil change every 3000 miles. My car has NEVER broken down on me or ran out of gas. She has been 100% reliable to me! My tranny just went and YES....I am putting a new one in. I know the car and trust it. Its worth it to me. So if anyone is thinking about getting one....just make sure you change your oil ON time EVERY time its suppose to get changed. I love my Hyundai Accent and when I decide to get another it will be the Hyundai Azera.

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  Fun at first. - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By Rob - December 1 - 12:01 am

  I love my accent! Although, at 50,000 my water pump went thus causing the engine to overheat which in turn had to be completely replaced. Thank god for the warranty! Impeccable service! The pick up could be a little better when switching lanes. Interior door panels scratch real easily. Center console would be Nice. In all I love it, trading soon for something a bit bigger.

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  starting out new - 2009 Hyundai Accent
  By joseph a colombo jr. - November 28 - 7:36 pm

  This car is fun to drive you can zip around in parking lots and it fits anywhere. There is lots of room, I am a large guy and I fit in her fine. It rides Nice on the road, very smooth. I think they could of put a little more sound deafening inside the fenders and rear quarters. There is a little road noise. All in all this car is cool. Try it I think you will like it.

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  My little gray mouse - Hyundai Accent - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By Barb - November 28 - 3:10 pm

  I love this car. I was looking for something cute and fuel efficient and I found it. It doesnt have the whistles and bells (power windows or door locks), other than power steering, and an automatic that I insisted on having. This car takes me back to the days I owned my Ford Pinto.

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  Not what I expected - 2008 Hyundai Accent
  By mechanic - November 26 - 2:32 am

  The overall configuration of the two door hatchback is nice because it gives you large doors to get in and out of and large items can go in the back without the limitation of a small trunk opening. My Hyundai only got 21 mpg to start and that declined to 15 mpg!!! For a 1.6 liter engine that is unreal. The wipers did not work from day one and the dealer took over a month to get the part. It ran cold always, the transmission way slow to react and locked up at times. The engine would tach over 4000 on the interstate in any kind of a grade and gave the feeling of going backwards. The service department was impossible to deal with at my dealer making the warranty useless.

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  My 2nd new Accent - 2008 Hyundai Accent
  By ANNIEMONTE - November 24 - 5:52 am

  I am on my 2nd Accent and the first was a 2005 Accent. I have driven this new car over 2 weeks now and I love it. Compared to my other car, it rides better, drives better and there is less road noise. I have 6 ft plus sons who has head room to spare. The color is perfect and with the spoiler in the back quite cute.

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  2008 Hyundai Accent - 2008 Hyundai Accent
  By Dewayne - November 23 - 10:02 am

  Bought my 2008 Accent new. It now has almost 5000 miles on it, and 90% are high speed highway miles. I have had no problems with the little car at all. At 75 mph it gets 31 mpg. At 60 mph it gets 41 mpg. At 80 mph its turning 4,000 RPM. Its a 5 speed manual, and I had a cruise control added. Service these guys correctly, and they should run several hundred thousand miles.

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  Very Impressive! - 2008 Hyundai Accent
  By Grumpy - November 19 - 6:34 pm

  City driving has been between 26-29 mpg consistently with an automatic. Highway comes in at 33. Visibility, handling and power are excellent for a car of this class. The a/c and heat provides a very comfortable cabin.

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  So-so Car - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By Mef - November 19 - 2:44 am

  For a small economy car it is reasonably fun to drive. It also comes with some unexpected features such as power heated mirrors, and lumbar support. On the downside there is lots though. Lacks acceleration, too much engine noise, idles high and burns more gas than it should (a tradeoff for power). Has had two axle boots, and the rear struts replaced under warranty due to leaks/tears. AC quit, stereo quit. Both also fixed in warranty. Stereo still randomly cuts out and the AC sometimes makes a grinding noise when turned on.

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  Best car for the money - 2008 Hyundai Accent
  By Mark S - November 10 - 7:56 am

  I bought this car as a long distance commuter car. Its a GS model with the bottom options package so I could A/C. 5 speed manual. I work a week on and a week off so I drive once a week 135 miles there, and a 135 miles back. I have also driven this car all over Southern Louisiana and Eastern Texas for work as well, and once to Chicago. The comfort level of this car for long trips is good. The seats do hold on to you well in tight turns. The shifter, steering wheel, and pedals are all positioned well. I have gotten as low as 27.5 mpg and as high as 35.5 mpg. My average 31.5 mpg. I researched the Yaris and Aveo as well and this is hands down the best deal.