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 Value - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By Bill - July 29 - 6:02 pm

  I just purchased a 2007 Accent auto SE Hatchback. I looked at the FIT but the dealers sell at msrp. Bought the Accent because it has more features than the FIT is was over $1,000 less. Cant beat the warranty. This is the 6th Hyundai my family has owned. Hyundai has come a long way and anyone considering Toyota or Honda should give Hyundai a look. Make sure you go through the internet for your pricing!!!!!

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  great little car - 2006 Hyundai Accent
  By Lisa - July 28 - 1:18 pm

  This is a great little car. It is very roomy and comfortable inside. You cant tell by looking at it from the outside but it has alot of trunk space. It handles really well and the ride is so smooth. Because of this, you do have to keep an eye on the speedometer. You tend to speed without realizing it.

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  riding an accent - 1998 Hyundai Accent
  By dumzhit - July 25 - 4:37 pm

  This is the second time I have hyundai, and basically they are worth its value, specially this one. still there are some flaws like in every car. I liked it. its not a powerful car, its more like for a smooth ride, going to the shopping center, or somewhere where you will not be in a rush. it does has space in there, I fitted a lot of things by just pulling the back seat down. the lights are good looking. my point is that the car is worth the money I spent.

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  07 accent... twice the car - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By doug - July 15 - 5:41 am

  I have a 98 gsi and the new 07 3 door accent, what a difference they have done a lot to make this car a well behaved machine

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  sweet little car - 2006 Hyundai Accent
  By aeon - July 11 - 4:58 pm

  going from a full size to a compact was a little tough at first, but ive been very pleased with the accent. very good on gas. been averaging 36mpg. comfy on my 40min drive to work. handles well on back roads and highway. roomy trunk for a compact. like the interior, except the carpeting is chintzy. exterior is nice also, liked it much better in person than in pics online. had it a month with no problems. plenty of standard features. price was better than toyota or scion.

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  New Transmission at 22K - 2003 Hyundai Accent
  By Eileen - July 9 - 1:04 pm

  At 18K miles, it started to ride sluggishly so we had the transmission looked at. At 22K it needed a new tranmission - fortunately, it was still under warranty although we bought it used...with 12K on it.

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  Great little car - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By HMCIDC - July 8 - 2:07 pm

  Any car that gets 35+ MPG is not going to be a crotch rocket and this car is no exception to that rule however it is a well made, fun to drive car that looks, feels and drives like anything but an entry level econo-box. It is surprisingly roomy and very comfortable. Its exterior styling is sporty rather than the usual vanilla bargain basement look of other cars in this price range. The interior design is well thought-out and the materials and craftsmanship far exceeded my expectations. It accelerates to highway speeds effortlessly even with the automatic transmission however while accelerating hard the little 4 cylinder does sound a bit “busy”however All in all it is a great little car!

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  So far ,so good - 2006 Hyundai Accent
  By Mark M - July 4 - 4:05 pm

  So far, so good. The Mileage is better than I expected. EPA rates the manual @ 32/35. I have been getting 35.79 average mpg after the first 2500 miles. This is with a 30city/70hwy commute. This is driving 65/70 on the hwy. Purchased this vehicle for a daily 130 mile round trip commute. I could only afford to spent a set amount. I asked my mechanic about choosing a vehicle. Asked him about a brand new Accent, or a one year old Corolla. He said buy the Hyundai. This came as a shock initially. But he has family memebers with Hyundai vehicles with similar commutes. Frankly I really expected to be led to the Corolla, having reservations about Hyundais reputation from the past.

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  The little car that could - 2001 Hyundai Accent
  By Okie PhD - June 28 - 11:40 pm

  I bought this car in 02 from original owner at 25k miles, now has 70k miles. I have only done regular maintenance, no problems. Gets around 35mpg, good drive to work car. Everything is manual, but that is why it is so inexpensive. Very dependable so far. I bought the car to help out a friend and to replace my 125k fix/repair daily 89 Honda Civic (!) now I will seriously consider Hyundai with other dependable cars on my next purchase.

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  My First Import - 2005 Hyundai Accent
  By Nathaniel Haslage - June 25 - 12:31 pm

  My 2005 Accent is the first import I have ever bought, and because of its price and quality it will not be the last Hyundai I buy. I love the excellent gas mileage (Im getting 40mpg), the agility, and the build quality. My last car was a brand new Cavalier that fell apart in about a year. My Accent takes anything I throw at it with a smile. The only downside that I have noticed is the tires. They are weak, and any tiny little piece of debris from feathers to cigarette butts may cause a puncture. Other than that an Accent is a smart choice for budget- conscious commuter.