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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  Love my Hyundai - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By marion - August 1 - 2:00 am

  I love my car.....this car looks sporty and the price is right....I love my sun roof, and some of the other features. Im also glad its a basic model, no electric windows to worry about....I hate ABS...so this is a great car for me. It handles really well...drives pretty smooth, and I find it a lot of trunk space....and room for friends in the back. My friends are surprised by how spacious its in the back. Very economical to drive. ")

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  I love my car - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By happy hyundai owner - July 26 - 2:00 am

  This car has been my favorite car. I used to own a volkswagon jetta that cost nearly twice as much and gave me twice as many problems. i have never had a mechanical problem with my accent and it is easy to park, easy on gas, accelerates great, and is very sporty!

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  Fun Economy - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By Texworkmom - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I drive a lot of interstate hwys. and in town. The pick-up of the engine is good with the 5-speed transmission and I average 36 mi. per gallon of gas. I like hatchback style, but a scoop might jazz it up?!.

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  Worth Buying a Accent GT - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By hyundaiman - July 20 - 2:00 am

  The best car that I have bought the quality is A+. The GT model is hard to find.

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  2002 Accent - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By Bron - July 12 - 2:00 am

  I love my Accent! It is fun to drive, great on gas and nice to look at. Its peppy and I highly recommend purchasing one.

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  Much more than youd expect for the $ - 2001 Hyundai Accent
  By mcmfb - July 11 - 2:00 am

  The car has been great. The only headache Ive had with it was caused by a service tech error. I got 90m on it now. It had a small oil leak about 10m ago but it was covered under the warranty. Suggestion to future Hyundai buyers. Dont get the EXTENDED bumper to bumper warranty. Use that $ instead to do the scheduled maintenance.

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  Accent beats all - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By Sueson - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I have nothing but praises for my Accent. Weve owned several new cars of all price ranges and this is by far my favorite. The seating is very comfortable, car accelerates quick, smooth driving, controls convienent and styling is up there with the compact, exlusive models. My only complaint (as with most cars, too) is the seat belt. It rides too high across my chest and neck. Only one warranty situation. My rear brakes needed replacing within the first 2000 miles - were making a scraping noise. Dealer knew right away what it was and were replaced at no charge. Excellent and polite service. Had no problems since then. I get 32 mpg.

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  Fun to Drive - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By mmccabe - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had this car foe 4 weeks now but really like it. Not fancy but comfortable. Easy to drive, easy to manuever. Can make sharp turns, no problem. Fun to drive. Yhe only thing I dont like is the positioning of the cup holder in relation to the ashtray.

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  You get what you pay for - 2000 Hyundai Accent
  By Spend More - July 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for 3 years and had to replace the brakes and roters twice already. Ive never had a car go through brakes this fast. I just found out that have have to replace the harmonic balancer.(not cheap and no longer under warrenty). I have had other work done on it while it was under warrenty. It seems like an awful lot is going wrong with this car for its age. I have to replace the flex pipe as well. I guess you get what you pay for. In the future I will spend more initially to have a fewer problems and hassles later.

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  fun car - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By MAson - July 2 - 2:00 am

  i love this car got it for my 16th in feb. and i dissagree with the review on handling i love it i moved out of my parents and in with my brother and its like an hour drive and all hills and curves i push 80 or 85 the whole way up there on 2 lane streets and never slow down so i get there in bout 35 mins. and my sis-in-law has 1 a 2002 and she loves her.