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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  Great Car for the Price - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By Christopher E - January 13 - 2:58 pm

  I had this car for about 4 months before it was totaled in an accident (thankfully not my fault). I drove it mainly on my commute to college, and had no problems while I drove it. I got about 30 mpg average. Im about 62", so leg room is a big deal for me, but I never felt cramped in my Accent. In my accident I a man ran a red light in front of me, tearing up the whole front of the car. But I was completely unharmed even though the car was totaled. Overall I really liked my Accent and would recommend it to anyone, if not for the gas mileage, then for the safety.

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  Save your Money - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By Unhappy - January 8 - 11:17 pm

  The car ran great when I bought it in 2003. It had a relatively smooth ride, and could accelerate pretty fast. The problems started in 2006. First the RMPs would jump up pretty high when at a complete stop. I almost hit another car the 1st time it happened. I took it to the dealership, and they said I had voided my warranty by off roading. The most my car had seen of the wild was a gravel driveway. I took the car to a mechanic after that he looked at it and tried to fix the problem. I made it about 15 miles before it started again, but this time, I started hearing a loud metal banging metal noise. I called the mechanic back and they told me to bring it back ASAP, and not to drive it, but ha

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  Best bang for your buck - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By EPowers - December 16 - 10:06 pm

  This is my second car, my first being a 1996 Saab 900SE Convert. I got the Accent because though the Saab was great in the snow and on gas, the cost to repair it was crazy so was the time it took. The Accent doesnt have these problems at all! Still good in snow and on gas! It doesnt have the turbo the saab did but it still has plenty of punch being almost 1000 lbs lighter. Best $4000 I ever spent (yep, thats right, 4K).

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  08 Accent GS AT - 2008 Hyundai Accent
  By Michael34 - December 4 - 8:52 pm

  I bought this car because it was very inexpensive. I put 4500 miles on it so far and discovered it has a large blind spot and the drivers seat is uncomfortable on long trips. I do get pretty good gas millage but other compact cars do better. The Chevy cobalt, Toyota corolla, and Ford focus all do a little better. I would not recommend buying this car unless it is a last resort.

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  Accent Rising - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By dchrist - December 3 - 9:49 am

  Great little commuter. My wife loves the way it handles!! Only problems: no cruise, needs more power.

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  04 Accent review - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By Cyril - December 1 - 7:30 pm

  Too small. Interior is cramped. Ignition key is hard to insert. Engine is great on performance for its size but is too noisy. It can handle interstate speeds without any problem. 4 speed auto transmission performs very well. Handles great and is easy to manuver. Steering is very precise.

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  love the accent - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By james hart - November 30 - 10:35 pm

  I use to be the type that only wanted domestic vehicles until I started working at the hyundai dealership and started driving the accents. I love how I can have luxury items (heated seats,heated mirrors) in a very inexpensive vehicle.

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  Not Bad For $8900 - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By Mars - November 24 - 4:52 pm

  Bout this car in august 03. It had 15000 miles on it at that point. Now (Nov 07) its at 102000, and I have had my first tranny problem. None of my service was done at the dealership. I dont trust dealers so no one touches my car other than my regular mechanic. With regular oil changes (and tranny fluid changes every 30000 or so) its run well for me. had the plugs and wires changed around 50000 and had a problem with the rear brake hardware somewhere in there. Ive actually been really pleased with this car. Its made several trips back home (1200 miles twice a year) and only just now conked out. I can accept a tranny problem at 100000, hope its not an expensive fix.

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  Great Value - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By lenrocas - November 17 - 4:55 pm

  This is my 3rd Hyundai in 6 years. I usually get a new car every 2 years. Okay, I only paid 9,000 dollars for this car brand new so my review is based on what you get for the money. This car is comfortable and easy to drive. Its very light so it jerks a little on the freeway when being passed an 18 wheeler. The get-up and go isnt very good, but sufficient for a commuter car. I have the 2 door, manual, no air. The styling is nice and theres plenty of leg room for a tall guy like myself. People have complained about the gas mileage. Ive filled up 4 times so far and Im getting 29-31 MPG. I do mostly city driving.

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  Good for Tall Folk - 2008 Hyundai Accent
  By John - November 15 - 1:36 pm

  While out shopping for price and value, I happened to get lucky with the 08 Accent GS. While the one I bought has little more than a stripped base car, its well-made, handles better than it should and is a comfortable, peppy little car. Best of all, for a guy 64" theres not only room for long legs but also I can even get in wearing a hat! Right now recording about 25-27 MPG in mixed driving, far better than the EPA estimate. But in Tampa, visit another dealer than Courtesy. And watch out for "full disclosure" financing presentations that try to run up the price, especially for unnecessary, rapacious "gap" insurance.