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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  Excellent car for its money - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By edward - November 18 - 8:58 pm

  At first, the car didnt really turn my head, but after driving it for a month, WOW, its automatic and it gives me more than 30 miles per gallon, its a drive so friendly and soft, you think youre in a car of a better class. And I found out the reasons why: independent suspension on the four wheels, CVVT fuel injection. Plus nice room and cup holders for every one, pretty nice stereo, all this for a low price. Driving it through curves and hills is very easy, though not a fast thrill, but it really drives like a small premium car.

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  1999 Hyundai Accent - 1999 Hyundai Accent
  By robert rascon - November 18 - 1:13 pm

  Very good back and forth to work 120 miles per day.

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  lousey mileage - 2006 Hyundai Accent
  By junemart - November 15 - 6:09 pm

  My absolute foremost reason for buying this car was for the gas mileage. The mileage I am getting stinks, city and highway . The car is nice and quiet on the road but without cruise control and without the promised 36MPG I would rather be in my 2004 Forester that gets a solid 28MPG on the road. Other owners report good mpg. Are you driving at a steady 50 with no a/c and a brick (cruise control) on the pedal?

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  Worth the Ride - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By Ed Dwyer - November 15 - 9:31 am

  Great car that fits my needs exactly. Sporty spitfire with built in economy and relatively comfortable environment. I dont see many SEs on the road but I get a lot of compliments on it.

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  Accent Hatchback - 2016 Hyundai Accent
  By Ron Allred - November 14 - 7:56 pm

  Car seems good so far. Noticed the layout under the hood could be better especially the upper radiator hose accessibility. I do a lot of my own maintenance and accessibility to components is very important. Transmission seems to up shift a little early. Car seems to sound very solid. Only have about 2500 miles on the car and am pretty well pleased so far.

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  Mileage NOT what I expected... - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By Barb - November 13 - 9:54 am

  Weve had the car a little more than a week and since we bought it specifically for the mileage... were not impressed. We drive about 500 miles a week to/from work and was hoping for closer to 40 mpg than 30 mpg. Also, since these are mostly highway miles.. we really thought it would do better. Otherwise, we are pleased with the leg/head room, peppyness, and my husband said "It WILL do 120 mph" and handled very well while doing so... no floating. It really stayed grounded.

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  horrible engine - 2000 Hyundai Accent
  By Judie - November 9 - 2:27 pm

  At about 57,000 miles the car stopped on me and a " new" engine was replaced a t Diamond Hyundai. They had it 5 weeks as they had to get the engine from Korea. Today at 138,000 which is almost 80,000 miles on the "new" engine I find that my car has done the same thing... just stopped. Both times ,the mechanic has said that the timing belt broke and that the pistons and values were bad. What is wrong with this fraudulent engine ??? oh and the last mechanic has told me that the engine put in last time at Diamond Hyundai is not a new nor manufactured engine. They lied and did not need to ahve my car for 5 weeks as it did not obviously come from Korea. Maybe the local junk yard.

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  Nice Little Car - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By mac - November 6 - 8:01 pm

  The car ride is exceptionly fine. Gas milliage is great. Seat interior is good. The dash components are position ok, except the millage trip button needs to be postion in another location for easy access. It is short on drivers foot room from the clutch pedal. Also interior molding is poor quality it scratches real easily.

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  A car that competes with a bigger class - 2006 Hyundai Accent
  By Edward Vargas - October 30 - 5:21 pm

  Here in Mexico it´s one of the best cars for your money.Being rated one of the best new comers in its class for the following reasons:Motor:only top premium sub compact cars,like Toyota or Honda,had CVVT Continous Variable Valve Timing,plus 16 valve,plus double overhead cams,which means more power, with more fuel efficiency,(top modern technology)but at a Hyundai Price.As being automatic transmission, its not to dull,it just takes a couple of seconds but once the gear is in,watch out,you won´t notice you´ve past your speed limit.It rides like a car of a bigger class, soft & smooth, better space than Toyota Yaris and Honda Civic and it rivals with Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla etc.

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  Beware Maybe? - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By Dave - October 29 - 8:15 pm

  After three days of driving my brand new car (200 miles) I noticed a delay in my transmission when I shifted it from reverse to drive. I also noticed the gas gauge went from full to empty way too quick. Took it in to the dealer and as per Hyundais suggestion, the dealer replaced the transmission and gas tank sending unit. After 2000 miles the speedometer wont drop all the way to zero and the alignment is off. Broke my heart as this was my first new car I have bought in over twelve years. The dealer wouldnt replace the car when I took it in. Why would he he got his money? Hyundai said sorry, but that was it. Learned my lesson that Honda and Toyota are worth the premium price.