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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  Life is not easy! - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By joe - January 16 - 1:24 pm

  Im sorry for people that have gotten a poor quality Hyundai accent. I bouth this thing in Dec. 2001, ato commute and put almost 16000 miles a year. Now it has 81500 and still working. Just took it twice to the dealer to change the battery (at 5000) and then at 45000 miles to change the engine belts and check the front brakes, they did not do a good work on the front brakes. Im planning to take it at 90000 to change the belts again and to fix the rear brakes. The reason I do not take it to the dealer is because this thing has never given any trouble, i do not like it and Im not going to spend money on it.

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  Stylish affordable new car - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By Jerry007 - January 12 - 10:00 am

  When I was looking for a new car to replace my very first car I thought about buying another used car but one time I looked though the weekly paper and I saw a new Accent for $6999 advertised I was surprised. I heard the 2000 to present models were 20 times better then the old models I never thought about buying Hyundai due to poor quility of eariler models.But when I test drove it the build quility and ride was soild and quite then the Accent I drove in 1997.I relly liked the two door style better then the four door. The two door has a more attractive front grile and tail lights.Gas milege is great im getting about 30 mpg.

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  Great entry level car. - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By Jason McGovern - January 12 - 2:00 am

  If you talk the dealer down, you can buy a new one of these for around 11,500 with Auto Trans. WIth being a little car, this thing can get moving when it needs to. The interior is fairly basic, and compact. I am 61" and it was ok sizewise. All Hyundais come with a 5 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. If something goes wrong, you take it in. But car reliability also depends on the driver. This is no sports car, so dont drive it like one and it will last.

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  incredable car for thousands less ! - 2006 Hyundai Accent
  By mike - January 8 - 9:17 pm

  this car does everything you could ask it to, never breaks, doesent complain and cruises at 80 getting 28mpg. (I live in Utah) Its not fancy, but it comes with everything standard. It is highly recommended by me. Also my Neighbor bought one and so did his sister after driving ours, They also are very pleased. I am glad I didnt buy the Toyota or Honda. The money I saved buys me gas for a few years!

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  Piece of junk - 2001 Hyundai Accent
  By jeremy - January 6 - 1:42 am

  I have had this car for a year and a half and have at best put 5000 miles on it. I have had to replace 02, mass-air intake, and tps sensors, a lifter, and now the timing belt went out with possible valve damage or some bent rods (still yet to be determined). Ive decided to just get rid of this car and not bother fixing it anymore. It seems that the check engine light was always on. Stay away from this car, it gave me nothing but problems.

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  One Fine Machine - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By Wayne - January 4 - 6:25 pm

  This is one fine little car that does everything that I ask of it. Its not a drag racer, but it gets up to speed in a deceivingly smooth manner. It will cruise nicely on the freeways at 70+, and is agile in city traffic. Its size makes it easier to find parking a space. Hyundai packed a lot of room inside this coupe. Every instrument, knob and lever is located where the driver expects to find it. Gas mileage is excellent, as advertised. The air conditioning does its job well, and road noise is not an issue. At about $14K delivered, this car is inexpensive but it certainly is not "cheap." People can look at my little blue Hyundai coupe, but they will just have to go find their own!

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  Owned one for 5 years-Good car - 2000 Hyundai Accent
  By Stormy21856 - December 30 - 11:19 am

  I bought this car used with 18,000 miles in Jan 2002. Car now has 67,325 mi. Very reliable after the first couple times in the shop the first year I owned it. Needed Mass air flow sensor to stop pinging & some automatic transmision shifter sensor found in TSB to smooth out shifting. Great city car, great gas milage. Car has functioned extremly well no problems. Brakes and tires around 42,000 mi. Very basic low cost transportation. I have been very pleased.

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  I HATE this car - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By Jon - December 13 - 4:07 pm

  My car only has 20000 miles on it and it has spent more than 3 months in the shop in 2 years. I have had to pretty much replace every origional part. I strogly advise not to buy this car. My family owns 3 and every one of them has had major problems from replacing the transmission to the entire break system. I even had to replace a bad battery. These cars truly are junk!

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  Great drive for its money - 2006 Hyundai Accent
  By Henry David - December 12 - 3:15 pm

  I´ve had the car for five months and the pro´s are: great soft and smooth ride for a car its class, soft and no outside noise,good noise insulation and good stereo for the price, and lots of amenities. Great room for its size, good trunk space, and great handling in curves. The cons: not great gas mileage 21 to 23 miles per gallon on the city, if you don´t drive fast but if you are those of whom, like driving fast it will give you less than 20 miles per galon, but the car will respond fast enough for city needs, and its fun! On mountain roads you have to push the acelerator, but the ride is stable on fast curves,I personaly use the 2nd gear, and turn off the overdrive and it responds nice!

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  Commuting is fun again - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By William McMurtry - November 29 - 8:47 am

  I commute fifty miles per day and this car makes it an event to look forward to every day. It has a very smooth shift and makes driving in and out of roundabouts a real kick. The sound system makes it a veritable "jukebox on wheels". The ride is smooth with catlike response in the steering and handling. The intertor design gives the driver easy acess to all of the switches and knobs.