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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Accent - you get what you pay for. - 2002 Hyundai Accent
By Merrill - April 1 - 2:00 amThe clutch needs to be replaced with only 19,500 miles
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New Tires Please - 2004 Hyundai Accent
By Grapeman - March 30 - 2:00 amExcellent build quality. The only downfall is a severe handling problem with the small, soft tires. I drive a very windy road to work every day and the Accent is very spooky on some curves. The tires feel like they are going to fold under. It reminds me of the old beetle. It a shame Hyundai cant spend a little more on safer, quality tires and wheels for an otherwise solid car.
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GREAT CAR - 2004 Hyundai Accent
By Brit - March 28 - 2:00 ammy dad bought me this car for my 16th birthday, Im thrilled with its exterior design and the interior as well, its so fun to drive
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Fun Little Car - 2002 Hyundai Accent
By blondie7940 - March 28 - 2:00 amI have had my car for 2 years and love driving it. Its fun and zippy. I have a 5-speed and think its acceleration is pretty good. Its everything I expected for a $10,000 car. The backseat could be a little bigger, but other than that it suits me just fine.
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Fun Runaround - 1995 Hyundai Accent
By renfnl - March 25 - 2:00 amThis is a great car, especially in ways you would not think...like performance, very sure footed, and ample power. However a bit uncomfortable if you intend to leave town with it.
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great first car - 2002 Hyundai Accent
By idrivemeghan - March 21 - 2:00 amMy Accent GL, whcich has come to be known as "Meghan," is an excellent value. One of the few cars I could afford at 16, the fuel efficiency and reliability have proven extremely sanctuous for my wallet. The car is fun to drive, great on long trips, and does not stick out to state troopers so you can speed all you like (passed one at 20 + idiot in Hummer was distracting cop).
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hyundai is korean for - 2001 Hyundai Accent
By Jason7562004 - March 20 - 2:00 amTwo days after purchasing, the brakes started making a high-pitched squeeling sound. One week later, the clutch makes a grinding sound. A month later, the driver-side windshield wiper stopped moving. Fortunately for Hyundai, their 10 year, 100,000mi warranty only applies to the drive-train. Nothing else is covered, as the dealer politely pointed out after charging me $110 to tell me there wasnt a problem. If I bought the car from some guy selling snake oil at a freeway off-ramp, I wouldnt be surprised, but I had it inspected before buying, I did a carfax check, it only had 27,000 miles, and its only a few years old.
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the accent is eccentric! - 2004 Hyundai Accent
By Accent22 - March 20 - 2:00 ami just bought my 4-door silver accent GL with the power package and i love it! i was at the dealership from 10am till 359pm and the gas mileage is impressive! i love the way the car feels substanial and not tinny. the sound system is awesome! and i love the shifter feel. very precise and matches the engines performance. and it looks big inside and out! and i got it at an awesome price!
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I love my little Hyundai - 2004 Hyundai Accent
By Debbie of Lakeland - March 17 - 2:00 amI have to travel alot around town, it is great on the gas milage and it looks smart. I have always had large vechiles mostly vans so this was a big change, yet a good one, it is fun to drive and the get up and go is nothing like any 4 cyl. engine I have ever driven.
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Great Car - 2004 Hyundai Accent
By mikenjustine - March 16 - 2:00 amBest little car around. Fun to drive, excellent fuel mileage. This dealership is devoted to after the sale customer service, and it shows. Dont pass this one up. The Accent is a keeper.
