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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  99 Accent - 1999 Hyundai Accent
  By Allison - August 15 - 8:31 am

  I bought the car with 10300 kms on it for $4400 in Canada. The hub caps rusted very easily and needed to be replaced almost right away. The car is small and comfy, but if youre a tall person I dont recommend this car.

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  Fun economical car!!! - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By Dagalorn - August 12 - 8:23 pm

  This car has what you need and nothing that you dont! If you are looking for an high quality, well made economical, fun to drive vehicle...the Accent is what you want. I love it!!

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  GREAT CAR - 2005 Hyundai Accent
  By LEWIS - August 10 - 1:44 pm

  i have owned this car for 18 months and it is exceptional.. consistently gets 34-35 mpg with a/c running all the time... hard on bumps and slow take-off but thats the trade off for great milage..have not had one thing wrong that required me take the car back to the dealer...

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  PAINT CHIPS VERY FAST - 2006 Hyundai Accent
  By b f - August 10 - 5:39 am

  This is my very first car. I love it except the paint is already chiping and I have it only 5 weeks. was told to buy touch up paint and get a sealant. As per gas it is great.

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  Reliable and Cheap - 1996 Hyundai Accent
  By Richars2 - August 9 - 11:09 am

  Simple car, no frills, few options. This was before the 10 year 10k power train warranty. Ive had no problems with it until it hit its 11th birthday - then the trans began to slip. Overall its been a good purchase and has been quite reliable. Cheap car, cheap to drive. Trans was always a little rough in shifting. Seats are average at best.

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  Cute, but Costly - 2001 Hyundai Accent
  By Josie - August 8 - 8:16 am

  I really liked this car, but ever since i got it i had to do repairs! first things that was replaces was the trans! after 104000 the trans went. then now the converter is falling off. which sounds like somethings draggin if i go over 20 mph. i like this car cuz its cute and easy to drive but wayyyyy to costly

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  Excellent value - 2005 Hyundai Accent
  By Connecticut Yankee - August 7 - 3:29 pm

  Escellent on gas (30 mpg with automatic transmission), but not a "flashy car." Inside in basic, synthetic materials. Stereo is pretty good, however. Plenty of leg and head room for front seat drivers (Im 6 feet, 190lbs). Overall, a great value. OH- and dont think this car is slow! If you want to do 85 on the highway, this car will satisfy the speedy traveller.

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  Wish I would have saved my money - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By Candy - August 7 - 1:01 am

  This was my first car and Im not happy with it. 1st year was okay but after that all down hill. Check engine light keeps coming on after car has been worked on. Back seat is cramped. Warranty would be good but the only dealership that is close to me does horrible work if any at all. Gas mileage is great when car doesnt over rev before I even shift it out of park. Handling is okay as long as the road is not wet. Car tends to fishtail on any road with more than a few drops of water on it. The breaks squeak like crazy when it rains and after it rains. And forget about decent pick up. Also for some reason the performance of the car plummets when AC is on.

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  My first Hyundai. - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By Cutter - August 4 - 12:52 pm

  This is my first Hyundai and it certainly will not be my last. For a smaller car it relly has pich-up when up need. and fuel the economy is wonderful. It has been quite awhile since ive owned a compact and my experence wasnt very good to say the least. This car has everything I want in a car ie...(ice cold air, power windows,locks,keyless entry).It also is very comfortable to drive.Thanks for renewing my faith in small cars and making such a wonderful car

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  accent - 2001 Hyundai Accent
  By kim - July 30 - 4:34 pm

  Good handling, not alot of road noise like in alot of small 4 cylinders. Drove by 6foot 250lb husband for 4 years in confort. Passed to son in 2005. Very few repairs only regular maint. Safety, safety, safety. Was back into by a cement truck once with very little damage. Also, total when my 18 year old son T-boned a ford explorer driven by a 15yr old who ran a stop sign. There were 3 people in the accent, all with only minor scrathes or bumps. My son had back injuries, but nothing the accent could have prevented. The car with stood the impact unbelievablily. The dash, stirring column, glove box, nothing came in on them. This was a 45 mph impact and the car proved capible to with stand.