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 car! - 1995 Hyundai Accent
  By micqn - February 1 - 7:31 pm

  I used to make fun of my little Accent but not any more! This car has been the most reliable car I have owned and it doesnt cost a lot to maintain. The engine had to be replaced but I did that myself, the paint is still in excellent shape, the car overall is a great little car. I am able to get about 325 MPGmiles on a full tank of gas around town and nearly 375 MPG on the freeway cruising at 65 MPH. This equates to filling the car up every two weeks. The tires are very inexpensive when needed, oil changes are a cinch, basic maintenance is nearly obsolete. The car takes very good care of me hence I take very good care of it.

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  Real Bargain - 2005 Hyundai Accent
  By Rich - January 26 - 7:34 am

  Bought in May of 2004 and it has been a real nice car. Even on long trips, loaded down, taking daughter to college in midwest (2,600 miles roundtrip), it performed admirably, even in the mountains.

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  Reliable, safe - 2001 Hyundai Accent
  By Survivor - January 25 - 10:15 pm

  I bought the car new and kept up with maintenance religiously. The car has never not started and I live in a place where it gets REALLLLY COLD! Gas mileage is good, ranging from 30-36 depending upon the brand of gas. The body dents easily and the interior is ugly. Enough room for things like cups, napkins, etc, but no room for cell phone on dash/console. Car handles well in the snow with four studded snow tires. With the all-season tires, it slides easily. I was involved in a roll over accident in this car and walked away with only a small scratch. The windshield was all shattered, but didnt cave in at all. The accident was not due to the car, it had to do with the weather.

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  Falling apart, but still only costs $10 to fill up - 2005 Hyundai Accent
  By Karen june - January 23 - 12:49 am

  I bought this car just under a year ago, and since Ive had it theres always been something wrong with it. Tranny slips, all interior lights are out, a/c went out, and burns oil. Just always something wrong. If it wasnt for the gas mileage I would give it away. Paid a good price, but wasnt told how much was wrong with it. Driving it was a lot of fun before the tranny really started to slip. And a/c blew snowflakes before it went out. I hate stock radios so I have my own radio and 6x9s in it.

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  My Passion - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By bigrog6395 - January 20 - 3:51 pm

  I am the proud owner of a Hyundai Accent GL that I named Passion (its Red). Its a wonderful car she survived a 14-hour to and from trip from New Jersey to Georgia and other than usual oil changes and tune-ups, I would recommend it to any young driver in need of a car.

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  My Passion - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By bigrog6395 - January 20 - 3:51 pm

  I am the proud owner of a Hyundai Accent GL that I named Passion (its Red). Its a wonderful car, she survived a 14-hour to and from trip from New Jersey to Georgia and other than natural oil changes and tune-ups, I would recommend it to any young driver in need of a car.

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  A Wonderful, Affordable Vehicle - 2005 Hyundai Accent
  By Anne Martin - January 15 - 3:01 pm

  This car is great - everything promised and Im very pleased with the mileage and performance. The warranty cant be beat!

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  Good car for the money - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By chrisclocher - January 11 - 11:09 am

  I would recommend this car to anyone looking for cheap transportation. I have not had any trouble with this car since the day I bought it. I would like to see Hyundai add more insulation though because the ride can get a little noisy without the radio on.

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  Economical - 2000 Hyundai Accent
  By I bought it used - January 1 - 12:56 pm

  I bought this car because I needed a cheap, reliable, high fuel economy car. In the 21 months I had this car, I took it to the dealership two times for check engine light, once for flex hose on exhaust, strut leak and brake line leak and replaced the front brake pads twice. Needless to say, it fails in the reliability catagory. Considering the price, I should have suspected as much.

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  Smart buy! - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By Millercupl - December 29 - 11:22 pm

  Bought my Hyundai for $3800, valued it between $5,200 and $7,200. Id never buy a new car, they lose value from the get go! Anyhow, I went looking for a used Hyundai because other family members swear by theirs. Zippy car, 5-speed, roomy, and reliable! I keep looking for problems because I practically stole this vehicle, but truthfully its a dream!