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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Good Overall Grocery Getter - 2000 Hyundai Accent
By Mike - December 23 - 1:25 amI bought this car new after a recommendation from a friend. Overall good quality. It was in the shop once for a mass air flow sensor. Very good gas mileage, and not too uncomfortable. Im 62 and can ride comfortably. Brakes are fantastic, 38,000 on the first front pads, and 53,000 and going on the rear shoes.
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Cheap wheels, great commuter car - 1999 Hyundai Accent
By cjkip - December 21 - 10:11 pmI needed an affordable car when I got a new job requiring 100 commuting miles per day. 100% reliable, cheap transportation. LOVE the cargo room for such a small car - you wouldnt believe what I have fit into it - my friends didnt! Only complaint before 100k miles was pretty bad paint chipping from the front bumper. After 100,000, small things began to break like a plastic holder for the cargo shield, but easily replaced. Have put a little money into it, but not much, for timing belt, oxygen sensor, exhaust pipe. Still going strong at 116k. A great little car so far and still reliable.
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The right pick! - 2005 Hyundai Accent
By bob ODwyer - December 17 - 9:39 amOnly have 300 miles on this car and so far it is great. Very happy with its performance. Just did my first fill-up and got 29.6 mpg. That sure got a big smile on my face.
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Hyundai Review - 2001 Hyundai Accent
By T.J. Kahler - December 7 - 12:26 pmIt has no power. It has like 105 horses and you also can find hardly any racing parts for it if you go to a part store.
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best bang for the money - 1998 Hyundai Accent
By trig514 - December 5 - 4:25 pmLove my accent, Great mileage and fun to drive
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GREAT VALUE ACCENT GT - 2004 Hyundai Accent
By Tom Thompson - December 4 - 1:42 pmImpressive little car for the price that is economical, has side air bags, a long warranty, excellent build quality, a good radio, great headlights at night and it is stable in the wind.
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Great transportation - 2002 Hyundai Accent
By Gren - December 3 - 5:30 pmI bought my Accent instead of renting a car when my primary car was being repaired. 2 years later I still have the Hyundai, have let several people in my family borrow the car and I have had nor heard no complaints. It has never required any repairs what-so-ever. It gets good gas mileage and is comfortable to drive even on long trips. The interior noise level is a bit high at freeway speeds and it is lacking horsepower, but I didnt buy it with any great expectations of luxury or performance. I am very pleased with the car overall. I highly recommend it for its class of vehicle - Good, Solid, Economical transportation.
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great commuter car - 2004 Hyundai Accent
By TTV - November 23 - 7:02 pmI bought my 2004 Accent (2 dr/manual) in August at a dealer in CA as an advertised special for $6880. After adding in $1500 for dealer installed AC plus tax, license, and fees, the total came out to $9200. You get a lot of car for this price. Runs great (13,000 miles in 6 months without any problems). Average 35-40 MPG depending on traffic and speed. Did research before deciding to go with Hyundai instead of a Civic or Echo. Hyundai has really improved in quality and reliability over the last few years and I am happy with my purchase. Will definitely consider Hyundai for next purchase. Hope this is useful for others.
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brand new baby - 2016 Hyundai Accent
By linda dixon - November 20 - 2:29 pm -
Take It Off The Market - 2004 Hyundai Accent
By Slinkygirl - November 4 - 1:53 amTake it off the market before someone gets hurt. It is a piece of junk and a saftey hazard. Hard to control and even harder at higher speeds. Hyundai does NOT stand behind their products. I have spent more time at the dealerhip than driving this junk.
