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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  Great small car - 2003 Hyundai Accent
  By Danielle - June 4 - 6:44 pm

  I love my little car! Its great on gas, and very peppy in traffic. It is also easy to park and very manuverable. Smooth ride, but a little loud interior, particularly on the highway.

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  Great little runabout - 2012 Hyundai Accent
  By john carrozza - May 29 - 1:33 am

  Great little car for the money, awesome for around town.

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  Great car, bad manufacturer - 2006 Hyundai Accent
  By car_em - May 29 - 12:09 am

  Even though I am aware that I should not be talking about the purchase process, I feel I must point out that I originally ordered a specific package and color (premium/d. sapphire blue) and the dealerships kept leading me on about how I was to get it within a week, until a month later it came, in which they had to order it, ranging in more of a wider area. Very aggravating and annoying (that the manufacturer chose to charge 800 extra for a/c and did not make enough cars with the premium packages available in the area. Anyway...it has been a great little car, love the exterior, interior and almost everything in it. A little road/wind noise, not many cons.

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  Accent or Scion XA - 2006 Hyundai Accent
  By Mark - May 24 - 8:51 pm

  Test drove XA and Accent, both great little cars. Accent had a tad more pep (5spd),more room for sports gear or groceries, more driver leg room. Shifted great, fun to drive and A+ on gas mpg.

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  4th Hyundai - 2006 Hyundai Accent
  By Mike - May 16 - 11:49 am

  It`s almost new, but have had two Hyundai and now we have an Elantra and an Accent. No problems with any so far.More for less money than the Toyota Yaris I looked at, Don`t know why I looked at any thing else.Tyler Texas

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  Great safe car - 2006 Hyundai Accent
  By BillnLee - May 15 - 9:03 pm

  A great little car with all the safety features. Alot of fun to drive with excellent miles per gallon! This car is fun to drive with alot of pick-up and very quiet on the road.

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  Best Car for the Money - 2006 Hyundai Accent
  By jac - May 14 - 7:02 pm

  This car is great in every way. I have had all kinds of vehicles and for the money and ride ! Rather have it then a BMW

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  Great Car! - 2006 Hyundai Accent
  By Angie - May 10 - 6:32 pm

  What can i say,this is one great car that others try to imitate but dont quite match up.Hyundai is really moving up there and this car proves it.The overall build quality puts some higher end models to shame.Best choice ive made.

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  Hyundai Knows What We Want - The Bare Minimum - 2009 Hyundai Accent
  By Jordan - May 7 - 12:09 am

  I want to send out a big public thank you to Hyundai for making the 2009 Accent the most low-tech car of the 21st century. Do yall realize how much extra car companies are charging us for unnecessary features? This was my first car, and all I wanted was a reliable car with good fuel efficiency and cheap. Yall would be surprised to know how elusive that combination is in modern automobiles. I didnt want key faubs, or Bluetooth, GPS, or side view mirror turn signal lights. Nuh-uh! Thankfully, the 09 Accent was designed without all these useless amenities. Not only that, they got rid of features I didnt even know I didnt need. No cruise control? Well, how hard is it to just keep your foot on the accelerator? With most newer cars, you can press a button to lock all the doors at once. Not so with the Accent. Youve gotta lock each door manually just like our 20th century ancestors did. Hey - If Im saving a few bucks, I can do that. I can crank the windows by hand, no problem. I will say, though, that I did want one specific feature. I really wanted my car to have an AUX port so I could listen to tunes from my phone through the speakers. And guess what? The Accent has it! This car is perfect!

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  A great buy for the money. - 2006 Hyundai Accent
  By CentervilleOH - May 4 - 8:31 am

  I test drove several compacts and found this one to be superb. It is even comparable to the Civic, but with a much more favorable price tag. I just bought this jewel and will only learn about its reliability as time passes. It is very manuverable and good on gas. I would encourage anyone to take a look at all Hyundais. Their bigger cars are extremely nice looking, as the Accent