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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  My first Hydai - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By Yolanda - September 11 - 2:00 am

  So far its been good

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  I love my Hyundai - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By Danielle1221 - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I just wanted to say that this is a wonderful car and I would recommened it to everyone

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  I love my car - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By patmcallister - August 31 - 2:00 am

  I drive a very steep mountain grade daily and still average 32MPG! I love that the car has added safty features for both the passenger and driver in the dual airbags and steel reinforced doors

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  Performance in accident - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By jillboaz - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Hyundai. My first Hyundai was totalled in an accident when a woman ran a stop sign and hit me on the drivers side. I was able to walk away from the accident. I did not have side airbags. I think she hit me at about 30-45 mph. I am very happy with the warranty and performance of my hyundai.

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  Its A Funday In Your Hyundai - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By MoMichael - August 24 - 2:00 am

  My Hyundai has been fun and relieble. The gas milage is terrific. (35 mpg) After I put some good snow tires on the car it clawed through some really deep snow. The car really reminds me of the earlier year Honda Civics. I am 61" and the car fits me comfortably. For the money this car is the best bargain out there. I plan on driving it until the wheels fall off. For commuting it is fun and nimble and the warranty is terrific. My car is pretty basic but it does the job and does it well. If you are looking for a good sub-compact car it should definitely be a consideration.

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  got all i paid for - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By idwi2000 - August 22 - 2:00 am

  i,ve had this vehicle for 1 year now and i,ve not had to return to the dealer for any warranty work. i will make an appointment for on buzzing speaker in the rt frt area of the stereo. aside from that, i feel i got a very good vehicle for a very good price. i bought the 2003 accent gt with 5spd manual trans and i,m satisfied with all aspects of the car. i will look into another hyundai when i,m ready to trade or upgrade. thanks hyundai for a fine product.

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  got a mechanic???? - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By JennFarrug - August 17 - 2:00 am

  Keep taking it in for transmission problems, will shift hard into gear and out of gear, now accelerator sticking. Dealer cant find problem till it shows up on their computer. Hasnt shown up yet, but still major problems. They ever hear of driving it or looking under the hood? How about a old fashioned mechanic who actually looks for the problem instead of relying on a computer to tell them whats wrong?

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  Lot of Car for the money - 1999 Hyundai Accent
  By akasurf - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Since purchasing my Accent in 1999, it has served me well! I replaced a Toyota that was 17 years old. I was a bit nervous about purchasing the Accent at first. But since owning this car I am sold on them! This car is every bit as good as my Toyota. It use to take me 60 miles to work and home again. Never skipping a beat, never letting me down! I offen recommand a Hyundai to my friends, and several have purchase them.

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  Accent you really win - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By raceordie - August 9 - 2:00 am

  for the performace it is great 106hp and weighing only 2200lbs this little car gets up.Comfort is awesome the seat hugs me and fell like im driving sports car. the car dose great on gas, and i love starting the car up every day. the desingn on the car interior, exterior has great looks and turns heads the quilty and reliablity is just as good as any honda or toyota i personally put tons of miles on my accent and drive it like hell and all i ever have to do is chang the oil. you get alot more for alot less then its rivials.. so if your looking for a fun car to drive that looks cool with 10year 100k warrenty go for the accent.

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  read up first - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By summertime - August 5 - 2:00 am

  in just the first year i had the car. i had to bring it in the shop about 10 times. that in all says alot. i have had to bring my car in to the shop for problem such has fusese blowing, trasmmion problems, car stalling, speakers keep blowing and the car not excepting the right gas. PLEASE do not even think of buying this car. u will regret it in the end.