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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  5 Stars All Around - 2006 Hyundai Accent
  By Julie - June 20 - 12:09 pm

  I am very happy with my Hyundai Accent. It is my first car, and it is great. The gas milage i get is super and it is tons of fun to drive. The exterior and interior have a lot of character and detailed touches. I only have two minor complaints, it is a little loud when accelerating, however once at the right speed you could hear a pin drop. The other thing I dont like is the suspension is a little bouncy when you have people in the back seat. Other than those two things, this car is perfect. I chose the accent over the elantra, because it had more safety features and it was smaller. I looked at the Toyota Yaris, but there was a 2-4 month waiting list, so I went for the accent.

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  Nice Little Car - 2006 Hyundai Accent
  By M - June 20 - 9:25 am

  For the first 500 km, not a bad ride. Gas mileage is a little off... either need to break it in a little more or need to have the dealer take a look at it. I got the dealer to pay for cruise control and a car starter before I picked up the car.

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  Hyundai Accent 4 Door - 2006 Hyundai Accent
  By Sean ORourke - June 18 - 1:14 am

  This is my second accent and if the other car makers havent seen Hyundai coming they better watch out. The build quality is excellent and rivals a Honda or Toyota. I love this car.

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  this car is a winner - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By doug - June 17 - 7:57 pm

  i just bought this 07 gs car a week ago, the only one they had, black with black interior its an automatic....i can say becouse i have the 98 accent too (gsi), that this new 07 is 5 times the car of the 98, i would recommend this to small car buyers in a flash, and the warranty! yesssssss. they are slow getting the accent to the dealers, but worth the wait!

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  Great little car! - 2006 Hyundai Accent
  By Jeremiah Beaty - June 14 - 11:41 am

  I saw this car and fell in love. Its small but fits me quite well. I am six feet tall and I can fit into it comfortably. I have driven my car just for one day and love it! The small engine is plenty for this car, especially if driving it with a feather touch. I expect to get some decent mileage figures this way. Decent features that come standard. Plenty of airbags and ABS! CD player is standard. I loved the little car so much, that I bought two! One for me, and one for the wife.

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  Not Happy (Throw away car) - 1998 Hyundai Accent
  By Not Happy - June 11 - 11:19 am

  This car only lasted me a year. I bought this car for $2,500 on a payment plan and on my last payment the transmission went out. It went forwards but not backwards. I wasted money. When I go to car menchanics they tell me its not worth fixing because the parts are too expensive and hard to find. I got oil changes and tuneups regurlary and it still broke down on me. Its hard to try and trade this car in because the dealerships want to only give you a couples of hundred dollars for this piece of garbage.

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  bought today......wonderful !! - 2007 Hyundai Accent
  By doug - June 10 - 6:07 pm

  just bought car, they have done many refinements as i have a 98 gsi too, i can compare ,they are as different as night and day

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  great inexpensive car - 2006 Hyundai Accent
  By George - June 9 - 12:22 pm

  This car has been a lot of fun to drive. Very nimble, very quiet ride. All my passengers have raved about it and have them thinkinng about a Hyundai, yes, a Hyundai!

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  Fantastic Car! - 2006 Hyundai Accent
  By pearl15_1999 - June 7 - 5:10 pm

  The 2006 Accent sure has impressed me. I have had it for 3 months now and Im very pleased with its performance. Very good gas mileage, am averaging about 31 mpg combined. It is very quiet and drives very nice and smooth on the highway. I have not found any faults with this car yet. It does not have cruise control but I would buy another 2006 Accent in a heartbeat if something happened to this one.

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  Hyundai Lies About Its Warranties - 2000 Hyundai Accent
  By HyundaiLies - June 7 - 8:04 am

  I faithfully serviced my car at the dealer but immediately after servicing it for a problem, they left me stranded in the desert w/the same problem just after the first warranty ran out. Before the 2nd warranty expired, it burned and leaked oil like crazy. I had to fight Hyundai tooth and nail for everything. If anyone buys a Hyundai & believes their ads, theyre missing a chromosome. Spend the extra money & buy a HONDA or anything else.