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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  SEE HOW IT RATES - 2004 Hyundai Accent
  By SARAH - September 21 - 2:00 am

  THE CAR IS A 2001 AND I BOUGHT IT IN 2002 AND BEOFRE MY YEAR WAS UP WHEN I BOUGHT IT THE TRANSMECHINE WENT OUT IN IT SO THE BUT ONE IN AND NOT 1 DAY THAT ONE WAS BAD SO THEY HAD TO PUT ANOTHER ONE IN. I ALSO DINT KNOW THAT I HAD SENSOR TO TELL ME THAT MY BRAKES NEEDED TO BE CHANGED. SO FOR AWHIKE I THOUGHT SOMETHING WAS WRONG BUT COME TO FIND OUT IT WAS MY FRONT BRAKES. HAD TO FIX THAT. BUT OVERALL NOT TO MANY MORE PROBLEMS.

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  2nd rate car? - 2003 Hyundai Accent
  By zoomzoomgirl - September 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is an excellent 1st car. It has a great warranty, and excellent safety features. However, this car isnt worthy if you plan on buying it, then trading it in after a few years.

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  Never Again - 1999 Hyundai Accent
  By former Vermonters - September 11 - 2:00 am

  There are only two things that are good about this car, the gas mileage and it is excellent plowing through snow. Since 25K, we have had a problem with the transmission sensor. We lose the high and low gears but I learned that if I turn the car off, I can reset the sensor. Most often, it works but if not, I start in 2nd gear and upshift to D, no highway traveling with this one. It has been replaced once already and is due for another. There is almost no headroom in this car and if we wear more than a heavy sweatshirt in the car, there is barely enough room for two people in the front.

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  A Good Metro Vehicle - 2003 Hyundai Accent
  By GrandPoohPa - September 4 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 Accent is a great buy. It appears to get above 250 per fill up. It has a 1.6 liter engine, so it won’t win you any races. The back seat is small and perfect for kids. The trunk is big and has drop down back seats to allow more room. The electric package option allows the driver control over all the windows and locks. Estimated maintenance cost (based on manufacturer’s schedule of 3750 miles or 3 months) to be about $20 per fill up. (My plan is to throw $20 into a savings account every fill up.) The tires are the smallest made, so that should cut down on replacement cost too.

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  Reason for no Haundai Lease! - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By QueryAll - September 3 - 2:00 am

  There is a reason why Hyundai does not lease their vehicles. Simple reason - Hyundai cars depreciate so fast that you can feel the money being sucked out of your pocket. Why so much depreciation? Over the last 1 1/2 years and 120000 miles of owning this car, I have brought it into the shop over 8 times for different problems. Two problems will cost me when trade-in time comes, even though the problem was fixed. The last problem will cost me over $800, because the parts are not covered under the warranty.

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  WHY SPEND .20 TO .30 DEPRECIATION PER MI - 2003 Hyundai Accent
  By GUMBALLMIKE - August 31 - 2:00 am

  I PITTED SEVERAL LOCAL DEALERSHIPS INTO AN EIGHT THOUSAND DOLLAR NEW CAR LOADED WITH OPTIONS! IF I KEEP THIS CAR THROUGH THE 100,000 MI WARRANTY IF SPENT JUST .08 PER MI IN DEPRECIATION....NOT TO MENTION THE ADJUSTMENT AFTER RESALE.....THESE NUMBERS STACK UP TO MAJOR SAVINGS OVER THE COMPETITION!!!!!

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  Well built, dirt cheap, gas sipper. - 2003 Hyundai Accent
  By NDiamante - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Needed a commmuter car for my wife. This car has almost everything. I dont mind rolling down the window myself but I should have gotten the ABS. I love the powerful air-conditioner. You dont wait for the car to cool down. I never before had a car that got BETTER than the EPA numbers but this one gets 32 on the highway. This car wont make you cool but you will feel smart.

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  I highly recommend it - 2003 Hyundai Accent
  By kiitana - August 17 - 2:00 am

  I recieved this car as a graduation present from my parents and I will be taking it to college in the fall. I had looked at a lot of options and am so glad my parents picked this one.

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  So far............so good - 2003 Hyundai Accent
  By FastJohn - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Only 300 miles on it so far, but for a $12,000 car it seems like you definately get what you pay for. Its no BMW, but for a compact has a decent ride, pretty quiet, excellent CD stereo system, and all the basic power features (windows, door locks, mirrors, AC, etc.)

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  Black Accent - 2003 Hyundai Accent
  By tkmagone - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Pleasant surprise. Engine is very smooth and car has virtually no rattles. Build quality is much better than expected.