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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  safety in an accident - 2000 Hyundai Accent
  By sincity - July 24 - 9:33 pm

  We were in a car crash that involved a wall with three kids in the back seat, NOT A SINGLE PERSON WAS INJURED. . . they car took all the force of the collision so that we were uninjured. . . That one accident sold me on that. . . sure it could have more guts and other stuff, but you cant buy a cheap car and think how safe it truly is. . .

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  Fun to drive little car - 2005 Hyundai Accent
  By Dereck - July 24 - 12:03 pm

  My only complaints of this car are where the cup holders are and the gas milage is lower than i expected. Other than that car is a blast to drive.

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  My first new car! - 2005 Hyundai Accent
  By Aimee - July 23 - 3:52 am

  After what I have had to deal with for the past 2 years this car has been a blessing. I have no credit so I need a cheap small car. Hyundai acctualy got me credit and sold me the car I drive the GT version so the the ride is sporty. I only paid 12,700. Ive got side airbags, power everything and even aircondtion plus to top it off a great sound system with cd. The noisy engin is the only down fall, but hey its comfortable and traveling to work school I am going to keep this car for as long as I can. Great gas milage also. I find the car cute. This is deffinatly a chick car though. My boyfriend likes it but has fun pretending hes driving a go cart lol. Buy this car low price and reliable .

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  Surprised - 2003 Hyundai Accent
  By Mickey J - July 18 - 4:36 am

  Ex wife took my cadillac so I bought this small car. I did not think I would be happy but to my surprise I really like it. It has been trouble free unlike my cadillac, It has enough power and the comfort is surprising for a small car. Gas milage has been 36.5 overall which is better than the sticker. It has been a great value for the money.

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  The Perfect Economy Car - 2005 Hyundai Accent
  By mjs - July 16 - 10:35 pm

  I bought the car because I needed a small, economical vehicle that I could depend on, and that wouldnt let me down. The Accent is just that. With the price, the mileage, and the warranty, I am sure that the car is more than enough to suit my needs. Additionally, the car is extremely comfortable, tricking the buyer into thinking it would be small from the outside. In fact, the interior is large enough that you could fit four adults COMFORTABLY. It is definitely a great buy!

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  great - 2005 Hyundai Accent
  By g.jones - July 16 - 4:44 am

  we have had a great experience with our new car. we have been on a long trip and got great gas mileage

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  Not Bad - 1997 Hyundai Accent
  By pjktj5 - July 15 - 1:58 am

  This is my first Hyundai, I bought it for me because I gave my wife my honda for the trade in value on it to use for a minivan since we are expecting our 3rd child in 11/05. The car runs great no major problems. Engine light comes on occasionaly, there is nothing wrong with the car it was a bad sensor an easy fix. It has 126k on it, with gas now over 2.30 a gallon this is a perfect car. NOT a speedy thing by any means but it does ride nice and smooth.

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  Excllent Second Car - 1999 Hyundai Accent
  By SAM - July 14 - 12:49 pm

  Bought the car new in 99 as a commuter for wifes school and cant seem to let it go. Paid for all recommended service at Hyundai dealer and never had a single problem that wasnt covered buy warranty and repaired quickly. Better dealer service than my $35,000 dollar 4Runner gets!!! I have convinced 5 other people (including my Mom)to buy new Hyundais and they all still like me!!! Simply one of the most reliable and affordable cars on the road. The warranty speaks for itself. If it wasnt a decent car why would Hyundai tell you they will fix it for free for 10 years!!! If Hyundai made a minivan I would buy one tomorrow without any hesitation whatsoever. Simply an awsome car and car company!!

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  Great Car - 2003 Hyundai Accent
  By Roxanne - June 29 - 7:28 pm

  I love this car. Its dependable, it gets great gas mileage. For a little car it has some pick up and go, more so than I thought it would. My only complaint is the small tires. My next car will be a Hyundai

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  Great car with good economy - 1998 Hyundai Accent
  By Petr Bastar - June 29 - 6:42 pm

  Bought it new, runs great, never a breakdown. Still gets 30+ MPG and has no mechanical problems. The manual trasmission is great, only wish it was synchronized, sometimes hard to get into reverse. Love the rack and pinnion steering as I have a great feel for the road conditions and traction that way. A Hyundai customer for life now.