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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  I love it! - 2008 Hyundai Accent
  By TerraAccent - July 22 - 8:38 pm

  I have only had my Accent (Named Terra) for less than a month and I have to say its doing me well. The acceleration and power isnt as good as my Ford Ranger but the handling is pretty decent and it has great gas mileage. I get about 27mpg, however, I havent been able to use it for a long drive or that much highway driving yet. The comfort is pretty good and I really dont care about cruise control. My Ranger has it, and I hardly ever use it. Trunk space is decent as I have been able to fit in groceries for 7 people. Fairly sporty look even with the GS version. Breaks well even without slamming it or ABS. As long as you dont abuse it, then it will love you back!

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  VERY GOOD CAR! - 2000 Hyundai Accent
  By reyesvazquez - July 21 - 1:42 pm

  I got this car brand new and after 6 years the only thing that went bad was the MAF. cant complain its a good car. I do recommend follow the maintenance so you dont had to deal with mayor repairs in a future, for me is working like a charm!

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  blind spot fix - 2008 Hyundai Accent
  By Big Mike - July 21 - 11:35 am

  Im 6ft 5in tall and have more room in this car than all others in its class. The car was purchased for my wife and she loves it. The fix for the blind spot is a small round mirror called a spot mirror which can be picked up at most auto parts stores. The mirror is appox. 2" in dia. it has an adhesive so you can stick to the corner of your factory mirror. I wouldnt drive a car with out one.

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  Good MPG? Top MPG! - 2008 Hyundai Accent
  By litesong - July 20 - 9:42 pm

  My wife bought her base 2008 Accent for her tough commute. Thru the long winter she managed 30 to 32 MPG, rising to 33MPG into the warmer spring. The clutch & 5-speed short shifter is the 2nd best combo Ive ever driven. It shifts & engages smoothly with little engine drag. As a feather footer I was hoping my wife could get better MPG, but the low gearing hurts just like the Yaris & Honda Fit. I finally got to drive Accent on 3 trips over 1400, 3000, 4000, & 5500 foot mountain passes, to 101 degree E. Washington & to Mt. Rainier. Accent turned in spectacular 41.5, 42.6 & 45.1MPG! If Accent had higher gearing I would get 50MPG on a flat highway.

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  Best car Ive ever had in my life - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By Stephen - July 19 - 1:46 pm

  I bought my accent brand new and never have had any problems with it. I have always kept up maintenance in the car myself. It has never been in a mechanic shop or dealer shop for anything. I now(07/08) have 200,000 miles on it and it is still going strong even after driving it very hard its whole life. It seems like nothing will ever make it quit running. I have a very heavy foot and it doesnt ever phase it. There are also no oil leaks or burn off and has the original plug wires. I have also hit a wild hog and run over a curb at 55mph and it only bent the wheels and didnt cause any other damage. I still to this day get around 40 mpg on the highway and 35 in town.

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  A Good Little Car - 2008 Hyundai Accent
  By Ashrat - July 18 - 9:46 pm

  My car does not have the XM radio option so I added a Sirius radio to it. I also added cruise control (for $400). In my opinion ALL vehicles should come with air conditioning, cruise and Sirius radio. With the addition of the cruise control, this little car has become our daily driver. My wife has parked her 15-16 mpg F150 and started driving the Accent. We get around 30mpg in combined driving and this car can do 90% of the tasks we need to do when driving. It definitely wont tow my car trailer or haul off a bunch of branches, but it does most everything else just fine. I have the basic white car and added a set of red racing stripes down the side (ala Mustang GT) and it looks great.

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  Fun to drive - 2008 Hyundai Accent
  By R Bishop - July 18 - 12:26 pm

  Needed a small economical car as have been driving a 4X4 PU. I wanted the stick shift as it gives a little better gas mileage. Also wanted the A/C and radio. It is a basic car with not many extras, but at the price ($11500)it is a lot of car. It has plenty of power, shifts smoothly, corners and brakes will.

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  Forget Toyota, Honda, Nissan, or Saturn - 2008 Hyundai Accent
  By John - July 17 - 1:30 pm

  This car is the absolute best value out of all cars in this category. Better acceleration and more horse power. Why it isnt getting the rave reviews for fuel savings is unjust. It is a mile or 2 off per gallon of the best econo boxes out there. Given the lower out the door price more than makes up for the 1 or 2 mile per gallon less than Yaris. I put a set of 17 inch aluminum rims and the car handles like a Cooper for a third of the price. Yet is has the same horse power and a warranty that the others cant claim (except Kia which Hyundai owns). This is my 5th Hyundai. I left Mazda and Toyota a long time ago and there is no looking back.

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  could be better... - 2008 Hyundai Accent
  By a3406cat - July 14 - 9:13 am

  I got my accent about seven months ago, the drivers side window rattles when opened from just a crack to about half way down, same thing on the other side just not as bad. It gets very good gas mileage but could use a little more power. I do like the leg and head room. The paint is very cheap. Mine has spots blistering already.

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  On 2nd thought..... - 2008 Hyundai Accent
  By mrmll37 - July 1 - 11:52 am

  I rated this car first of all after being very frustrated. The rattle is not fixed yet, but after having to take a 2600 mile trip, thank goodness for XM. The gas mileage was awesome, I, at one point, got over 400 miles on one tank, of course, filled to the brim. Comfort was awesome, even without cruise, but it hung with the big boys on the highway and in the mountains. I retract my first review.