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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  We Are Satisified - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By Ed & Pat - October 11 - 9:24 pm

  My husband and I purchased our Hyudai Accent GLS 4 door sedan right after the Labor Day Holiday. We have now had it for about six weeks and put about 1300 miles on it. Although we have not taken it out of the city yet, we have done both city driving and interstate driving. The Accent handles well is a bit slow does ride almost like a small car but not bad. It takes curves well and parks easily The sound system is nice and there are neat features which surprising are normally found on higher end cars like lighted mirrors, trunk, glove box tilt wheel. The only interior design we do not like is the placement of the cup holders. They should be more up front We are plaesed with our Accent

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  best for the bucks - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By best for the bucks - October 6 - 3:46 pm

  I am very pleased with the Hyundai Accent SE. After comparing it to the Fit, and the Yaris. The Accent SE had all the features I was looking for. Anti-lock brake, front and side air bags and all power. In California you cant buy a Yaris with anti-lock or side curtian. the Fit had all the feature I was looking for, but dealers were asking $3000 over sicker with very little lead way. 18,000. I got the Accent for $13,500 and a $500rebate. I was suprised how will the Accent handled on the road much smoother than I expected. I dose lack some power,but with 110hp what do you expect. Interior is roomy for its size and I like the body stlyeing. For a car in this class its the best buy.

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  Great Car for the money - 1999 Hyundai Accent
  By Hector - September 25 - 3:24 am

  I bought this car on Dec 2006. It only has 9300 miles on it because its a rebuilt car and was sitting on the dealer for more than 5 years. So I bought it, set everything back up and put it back on the road. It had only 2749 mi when I bought it. I live in Las Vegas and took a three-week trip to visit my friends in Guadalajara, Mexico (three-day drive) in this amazing car and cant complain about anything. My girlfriend, two friends and I were on the car down to Mexico, the AC was on the whole trip and the car was just amazing, just did oil change down in Guadalajara. The best thing was cruising at 80mph on the highway with the car fully loaded.

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  Very nice little ride. - 2008 Hyundai Accent
  By spanky628 - September 6 - 9:33 am

  I had researched till I was blue in the face trying to find a car with great gas mileage, style, killer warranty, and fun to drive. I have found it with the 2008 Hyundai Accent GS in the new color for this year Mellow Yellow. This car is so fun to drive. It takes alittle getting used to the engine rev, but it will run fair for a 1.6L 110 horsepower pony of a gas slipper. Cant wait get some accessories. This is gonna make a nice little tuner car project.

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  I hate this car - 2005 Hyundai Accent
  By TRNJ - August 29 - 8:24 pm

  1st off, within the first 12,000 miles, I had to go to the dealership 3xs b/c of my spark plugs -- then after about 10,000 more miles, I had to get them replaced again -- of course they didnt fix it right the first time... and second off, still having problems, just fixed my transmission and whatnot 500 buck -- of course only covered in the extended warranty--and its still not fixed... it likes to accelerate and drop speed between 60-75, of course per my claim to the dealership -- they have NOO idea what I am talkin about, gotta bring it back in... my friend has the same car, he driver door doesnt lock anymore and her boyfriend has a 2Door accent (all 05) and his interior lights dont work

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  Great Car - 2006 Hyundai Accent
  By Sherry - August 28 - 12:43 am

  This is a great car. Fun to drive and great gas milage. Mine is an automatic and it gets up and goes. I get around 38mpg on the road and around 34 in town. Im not afraid to go anywhere in my car. Read other reviews, not getting good gas milage. Dont understand why.

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  Not a Bad Little Car - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By EricD - August 27 - 11:25 pm

  Ive owned it for 5 years now and for a 10,600 price tag out the door I cant complain. The only problem has been a recurring censor problem that causes the engine to putt and not shift, followed by check engine light that stays on for about 2 days. When the problem occurs I restart the engine and the car is fine. A little over 72,000 miles on the car and its been happening sporatically since about 50,000. Only changed the battery, tires, timing belt, water pump, brakes obviously and fluids. Up until now preventive maintenance is all. Air conditioning and heat work well and the gas mileage is good on the automatic although I did expect better, much better on gas on highway.

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  Liked it at first...but not anymore - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By AL - August 21 - 10:12 pm

  First car Ive owned, bought new. For the first few years it ran fine, only minor problems with the "check engine" light, which seemed to come on repeatedly. It was usually due to a "sensor" of some type. Only once did this affect performance. However, since the end of the 5-year warranty last fall, Ive had nothing but problems. It seems like everything has broken all at once! First it was the instrument panel (light flickers dealer unable to fix even after replacing it), then the engine light again (dealer "fixed" THREE TIMES - and charged me for each - in 2 weeks). Now the window is stuck down and will cost $400 to fix. I cant wait to get rid of this car! Dont buy a Hyundai.

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  Loving it!!! - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By bluegirl1712 - August 16 - 7:16 pm

  When I finished College i was looking for a fun car that had good MPG. The Accent has it all. It a solid drive as well as comfortable one. The stereo works exceptionally well. The only thing that I would say that it has poor excelleration into fast traffic. The A/C works well as that was a big deciding point. The trunk is also a lot bigger than it looks from the exterior and you can fit a lot of stuff into it.

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  Great little car - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By jerryq - August 11 - 6:17 pm

  For what is basically a "throw away car" this is a tremendous vehicle. Solid as any of the Hondas I have owned (5). Hard to beat for the money and warrantee. I get 34 mpg in combined driving and 31 in hard, city driving. Plenty of room for two plus a bike in the boot. Gotta love it.