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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  Hyundai warranty is a joke!! - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By KK - September 16 - 5:43 am

  At 69,000 miles, the transmission broke. They wouldnt pay for it, because, changing the fluid twice was not enough. Since I didnt also have it flushed, they wont pay for the repair! AAMCO repaired it for $2600 and assured me it had nothing to do with flushing. It was a part that went bad and he see it all the time because its the kind of transmission they use. Also,I had the dealer check my brakes a couple of time and they said theyre ok. Then a few months later tell me the whole cylinders were broke and they wont pay for it because its neglect!! Hyundai does not honor their warranty! Ill never buy a Hyundai again!

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  Sweet ride - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By erikgsi - September 10 - 12:33 am

  This car blows my mind for the money. Handles outstanding even in gs trim. Looks beautiful. quick too.

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  Good Car - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By Frank Muscarella - September 7 - 10:46 pm

  Very easy to drive,park and maintain. Nice big hatchback. like it so much I am going to purchase a 2007 2door hatchback.

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  Should be Called Accident - 2000 Hyundai Accent
  By ACCENTSUCKS - September 6 - 10:14 am

  Oooh the pain of owning an accent. Oil seems to magically disappear in this car. Standard transmission pops out of gear all the time. Master cylander replaced twice, brakes twice, oil constantly, rusting already cant wait to get rid of it. Warranty useless, product useless avoid this car like the plague that it is!

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  Major Accent Upgrade - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By Rhett - September 1 - 10:52 am

  Previous 2004 Accent owner, my 2007 SE model a major improvement in features, driving comfort, economy, and looks. With the larger tires and sport suspension this car handles beautifully. Makes a perfect around town vehicle. Hyundai did a great job with this model. Also interior features well made.

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  Watch out Toyota/Honda - 2006 Hyundai Accent
  By squireman - August 28 - 3:29 pm

  A great little car! Decent acceleration and handling and amazing safety features for an econobox price. Great gas mileage too! Get the 5 speed and sport package and you wont be disappointed. I am glad I couldnt find a Yaris or a Fit and bought this baby instead. $1000 over sticker for a Fit? Get the Accent instead!

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  good college car for single girls - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By tx - August 26 - 11:42 pm

  very small and cute. good for the price. i got one with ac @ 12200 OTD price. it runs well. smooth and quiet. roomy.

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  Good Daily Driver - 2005 Hyundai Accent
  By rsm535 - August 21 - 5:07 pm

  Daily driver and use to deliver pizza. Mileage in city without air running is about 27mpg, with air running is about 25mpg. Definatly less than advertised but cant complain with gas prices. Interior quality is average. The seatbelt receiver cover came apart a month or so after purchase, epoxy to the rescue. Lights went out behind the A/C in the dash and behind the automatic transmission panel but no big deal. The driver seat is starting to wear on the door side, but I get in and out of my car several hundred times a week so I have accelerated wear. A little low on power with the air on but overall it is a good, safe, economical little car.

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  What a hoot! - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By Mark - August 16 - 3:53 pm

  Bought the SE with sun and sound pkg for my daughter. Cute as a button and pretty darn fun to drive for a little roller skate. Reminds me favorably of the 1983 GTI I had in my youth. Whats not to like? ABS, a gazillion airbags, superb visibility, practical space in a tiny package, great tunes, fun, cute, inexpensive and sips petrol.

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  none - 2006 Hyundai Accent
  By AndyKorson - August 15 - 9:25 am

  My real only issue at this time is the low mileage I am receiving. Its all considered city, but it is only 20-23 miles per gallon which is so much lower than that average number listed on the sticker display.