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 little car - 2001 Hyundai Accent
  By sam - February 28 - 1:29 pm

  Lots of extra features I did nor expect. Get used to the road noise. Great warranty and they live up to it.

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  Dealers are rip-offs - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By KK - February 21 - 11:45 pm

  Previously, I wrote my review about the transmission braking at 69,000 miles and the dealer said they wont honor the warranty because the transmission wasnt flushed. I went to AAMC for a replacement and paid $2800. I wrote a letter to Hyundai Corp. telling them what happened. I received a call from the corp. office. After I sent all the documentation to prove I still owned the car and the receipt from AAMCO, I received a check for the full amount I paid for the transmission. I found that its not the Hyundai Manufacturer, its the DEALER that rips people off. If you have any problems, go directly to the manufacter not the dealer!

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  More than I could afford - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By BG - February 20 - 12:41 pm

  Got car used w/11k miles on it, have had nothing but problems with it.I dont know how many sensors this thing had but I think I have replaced them all.Also, transmission went at 77k mi after I brought it in several times for the same problem (over a couple of yrs), either that or the dealership got tired of trying to fix it, it was not covered by the warranty. Horrible to drive in the snow, its like rubbing crisco on the tires then driving in the snow. I spent more time getting it fixed and money on this car (seemed to be something every 3 months)than what it was worth. Traded it in w/the check engine, brake & battery lights on got $1400 for it, though I would have paid them to take it.

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  Excellent little car for money - 2001 Hyundai Accent
  By Rick Kanehl - February 15 - 3:21 pm

  I drive about 75 miles per day to work and love my accent. My only trouble is that the transmission went out at 80k.

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  Accent on Quality - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By JAMES GREINER - February 2 - 3:42 pm

  i was surprized with the ride and comfort and quiet,it beat my 2002 honda civic lx when new.i was impressed with excelleratin also.

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  A Love Affair - 1998 Hyundai Accent
  By Cherry - January 27 - 10:11 pm

  I bought my 1998 Hyundai Accent hatchback in 1999 with 11k miles on it. I wanted something compact,with good gas mileage, and above all, reliablity. If you dont care too much about bells and whistles, this is the car for you. No, you wont be impressed with highway performance or torque. No, you wont be impressed with the plasticy look of the inside. But, you will be impressed with the reliability of the car. Ive now owned it for 8 years, its at 192k miles (I use to do delivery jobs), and its become the old beat-up teddy bear that I cant seem to part from. Ive had only 2 bigger repairs on it. I waiting for it to die but it doesnt seem to want to do it any time soon. Love this car!!

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  Fun to drive, reliable if taken care of - 1998 Hyundai Accent
  By GyroVorbis - January 25 - 11:39 am

  The Accent was my first car. It has been through tons of abuses. It recently started acting up, so we took it into the dealer to find that the spark plug wires had been wrong and the transmission fluid was wrong for over a year. The car had held up pretty well for quite sometime even with all this crap wrong with it. Its pretty impressive actually. Its a small car, but it delivers plenty of power for the fuel economy. I have no problems going over 100mph in this rig. Its one of the most fun cars Ive ever driven. I just hope to god my transmission issues will get fixed.

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  great little car - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By mitch - January 22 - 11:52 am

  2 dr gt hatchback, auto. 53k on the car, only 1 minor problem covered under warranty (rear windshield wiper wouldnt turn off). gas mileage could be better, but is acceptable on the automatic. VERY versatile, i had a 7 foot christmas tree inside the car (with the trunk door closed). very comfortable, love the lumbar on the drivers seat. drives very well, corners are fun with the sport tuned suspension. turning diameter is great, about 32 ft. engine noise is pronounced, but its ok on the highway. bought it brand new (GT trim & power package) for 11,262 OTD. GREAT car, will definitely buy another hyundai.

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  Nice car, but problem with poor MPG - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By Norm - January 21 - 1:08 am

  Much better car than previous model (traded in a 2001 hatchback 5-sp that we were overall very happy with, including good MPG): it looks good, is solidly built, fun to drive, and has a very nice interior. But right from the start, with mostly highway driving, we only got a poor 23-25 MPG (U.S. gal.). Looking at website reviews, most owners get the rated 35+ MPG, but 3 reviews describe the same problem and same answer by dealerships: a “longer break-in” is needed to get good MPG. Now, at 5000 miles (and after dealer tried fixing by changing spark plugs) MPG is still the same. Seems Hyundai may have a problem with a small percentage of Accents that they havent yet figured out and/or admitted.

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  Great small car - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By heyjoe - January 20 - 5:58 pm

  Great gas mileage 36-37 mpg highway. Best vehicle Ive ever owned when it comes to reliability, only 1 small repair charge in 100,000 miles. Interior design and style much better than other cars in the size range that I considered buying. I will probably drive it for many more miles, still looks great inside and out.