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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  Fantastic Little Car - 2000 Hyundai Accent
  By Marshall - October 19 - 10:47 pm

  reliable, wonderful mileage (37 HWY, 30 CTY). puchase w/out CD, PWR windows, locks, mirrors, cruise control-minor factors. overall, great buy. good design. spacious trunk. MOON ROOF. decent acceleration. 62,000 miles, $4,200. great car for the money. i dont like the steering wheel (personal preference: i like to steer from the bottom). minimal body damage, easy oil change, good tires. bad sound system, but i bought a new one to put in. good design. ill never buy another american car. i absolutely love it. interior is a little ugly, but i can deal. i suggest you buy this car, its cheap, reliable, pretty, fuel efficient (i fill up every 10 days, and i commute 30 miles to work every day).

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  My Accent - 2006 Hyundai Accent
  By Shelby England - October 18 - 7:38 am

  I have been very satisfied with my new Hyundai. I have actually exceeded the mpg of 36.54 on highway and avg 30-34 city driving. The handling is great. I spend much time in it and feel very comfortable. Car experts Ive talked to say it can easily go 300,000 miles if taken care of properly.

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  Cheap, Great Cars! - 2003 Hyundai Accent
  By Ashley - October 17 - 11:40 pm

  Its so hard to find a foriegn car for a reasonable price. The Hyundai Accent is a reliable car for a great price. It definatley beats American made cars and are absolutely wonderful. I love mine!!

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  Wow!! Tranny?? or car?? - 2006 Hyundai Accent
  By Big Daddy - October 16 - 10:23 am

  Tranny on my Dodge truck went out at 81K miles, swap tranny for ~ $4000?? or look for another car??. Bought this 2006 Accent, great choice!!. The mileage doubled, very impressed eith entire car. Have a 2000 Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Accent puts it to shame for the same price, hands down. Give this a look, very surprized at nice quality and fun to drive, plenty of romm for an econo box, hats off to Hyundai ...American auto builders wake up !!

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  I love how my Accent feels - 2005 Hyundai Accent
  By Christine Sanchez - October 11 - 10:28 am

  One thing I really not noticed is that it takes very well to corners and when I need to accelerate quickley I can count on it to give me that edge. I have relied on the breaks several times to help me avoid sudden stopping around me and this was comforting to know how dependable the brakes were. I call her "squirt" because she is small compared to our SUV but has amazing punch and is just overall fun to drive. I dont recommend you make interior any smaller as it can feel cramped with my 6 foot tall quarterback son in the car! He feels it to be snug when he drives.

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  Best Bet for Dollars and Sense - 2006 Hyundai Accent
  By annegdavis - October 10 - 1:48 pm

  This is the best little car I ever drove. Its comfortable, roomy, tight brakes, excellent handling during turns, better than average stereo system, quiet motor, relatively low road noise, and gets reasonable gas milage. Much more comfortable and roomy than my previous Honda Civic. I feel like Im sitting higher up, which helps me "aim high in steering". And at less than $13K, its a steal. Im very happy with this vehicle and would highly recommend it!

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  Best car ever! - 2009 Hyundai Accent
  By Dan Melody - October 9 - 12:40 am

  I bought this car in 2009. With the cash for clunkers rebate and other discounts it was 7,800 out the door. I changed the required items and maintenance at 100,000 . At 200,000 I replaced the water pump, thermostat , timing belt, hoses and spark plugs. Oh yes, brakes at 150,000 and three sets of tires. This was the most basic model, stick shift and roll up windows. Best car Ive ever owned!

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  Love these cars - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By Angie Tedder - September 26 - 7:00 pm

  Bought my Accent SE on 9/23/06....almost to the day of my last Accent, a 2001 hatchback. These cars are extremely reliable. I have to get used to driving an automatic. But, have found this car pretty peppy and responsive. The SE is loaded with sunroof and CD(6). My previous Accent was very sporty and I just loved it. Talked my husband into getting the Elantra Limited. Now hes a fan! Never had a problem with my 2001. I expect the same from my 2007 Accent. I encourage everyone to check out these vehicles and test drive them before spending thousands more just because of a "name".

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  Piece of crap - 1996 Hyundai Accent
  By ptlytch07 - September 20 - 3:05 pm

  This car is a complete piece of junk. I purchased this vehicle from a private seller and it had 103,000 miles on it. It seemed to be in great shape and run good, but after only a few hundred miles its true colors began to show. The engine finally blew and I replaced it with another identical engine from a junkyard car and had the exact same problems. I was fortunate enough to sell the car while it was actually running. I have had many cars in my lifetime and this was probably the biggest piece of crap of all time! Dont even think about buying one!

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  Good little car - 2001 Hyundai Accent
  By Phil - September 16 - 1:17 pm

  I got my Accent in May 2006 as a replacement car after I wrecked my cheap (price-wise) Aveo and got about $4,000 insurance from it. I did not expect the interior quality and engine reliability to be so good for a cheap, 5 year old car with 85,000 miles on it. With the 5-speed manual, it is a fun, peppy little car to drive and it delivers exceptional gas mileage. I average from 34-38 mpg combined city and highway driving. I never have any problems with the car. The only thing I notice is the brakes are kind of lou and Ive even had them looked at, but it doesnt really bother me that much because they still stop the car well. I would recommend it over any 2001 Cavalier or the equivalent