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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  Warranty is Worthless - 2000 Hyundai Accent
  By HaveToyotaNow - May 24 - 2:00 am

  The car was ok at first. When, I moved north and commuting 80 miles a day(highway)trouble started. The car lost control allot even going slow. Parts cost allot and are only avail through Hyundai. The car started running poorly once the miles started going up. Final straw was a minor repair that cost 200. Only a dealership 1 hour away would look at my car & I was w/o it for 3 days because the closer ones couldnt be bothered and normal repair shops wouldnt do the work. BTW it wasnt covered under warranty and they blamed the place I had my oil changes done till someone from there called them. You get what you pay for!

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  haundi accent 4 door Sedan - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By John B. Hill - May 20 - 2:00 am

  Found car to be nimble and easy to drive no problems in the first two months .

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  not great - 2003 Hyundai Accent
  By jsand - May 15 - 2:00 am

  this is definetly a you get what you pay for kind of car. I have found poor craftsmanship, and it costs more than its major competitors. i would recommend a toyota echo or suzuki forenza anyday to someone in the market for a cheap economy car that isnt that economical.

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  Hyundai - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By Ron Hoelzer - May 13 - 2:00 am

  Our company has a fleet of 7 Hyundai. We have owned a total of 12. Our cars are used mostly for in-town delivery and average 45,000/car/year. We have had minimal problems dispite hard driving and different drivers using the cars.

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  Nice Automobile - 2003 Hyundai Accent
  By steveg46 - May 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car in September of 2003, got a really great deal. Had one minor problem with the car, the right rear brake had a click in it, and it was fixed right the first time. If you really want more power out of the engine put in a K & N air filter, it makes a big difference in the performance.

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  Upside down in value 2 times over! - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By VIRGINIA BROWN - May 3 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle was the biggest mistake ever! Ive had nothing but mechanical problems Im constantly taking it in for warranty work. I paid $12,000 for the car, but its only worth $2,900. The biggest problem is its losing $300 - $500 per month in value. So, I owe $8,000 on a car that is worth $3,000. Im making $400/mo payments on a $200/mo note to pay it off before its value drops to nothing and Id have to PAY someone just take take it off my hands. Im upside down 2 times over in a car thats 2 years old! The Hyundai Accent is the WORST vehicle Ive ever known. DO NOT BUY ONE... THERE IS NOT ONE POSITIVE ASPECT ABOUT OWNING THIS VEHICLE.

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  A Gr8t Lil Car To Drive - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By DannyG - April 15 - 2:00 am

  I purchased an 03 Hyundai Accent just after Xmas. I now have 9k miles on it with nary a problem nor concern. Its way comfortable, has plenty of power also fun to drive. Today I had the dealer install an A/C unit. I consistently get 35 MPG om my 80 mile daily commute to work. I love this car and would NOT hesitate to buy another when trade-in times comes around...

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  eh, it was cheap at least! - 1997 Hyundai Accent
  By Hyundaiguy - April 14 - 2:00 am

  sux, period. What else can you say. We needed a car and this was the least we could spend on 4 moving wheels at the time.

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  An excellent car for the money! - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By 04accent4drGL - April 4 - 3:00 am

  this is overall a competant little automobile. it has excellent power with the 5 speed. good torque and power from the engine. excellent shifting action (especially for an economy car) and the body panel gaps have improved dramatically for a hyundai. it feels like that this car will last forever. the car doesnt squeak or rattle when you go over bumps or little road irregularities. the cabin stays pretty quiet and the engine is quiet and makes a kick ass sophisticated sounds when you shift the manual. the warranty, and the price makes this car perfect for college and new families.

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  You get what you pay for.... - 1997 Hyundai Accent
  By jbheath - April 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car close to two years ago, and I have yet to find a feature that stands out as anything special. If I were to drive only dowhill, or only in an area where the air conditioning was completely unneccesarry, I would enjoy the ride much more. Unfortunately, it sluggishly makes its way around, and it cannot take hills with the AC on. If you want to have fun on your way to work each morning, this car may not be for you.