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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  FLAWLESS - 2001 Hyundai Accent
  By elmotiptop - April 5 - 2:00 am

  Put 73,000 miles on car in 20 months. Average 35 MPG, mostly highway. Car has been almost perfect only 1 minor problem winshield washer squirter, repaired under warranty. Handling is good & predictable, even when pushing it. Really only complaint is brakes four wheel disk would be great. My other car (91 Saab) has it and the difference is dramatic. Only other drawback is depreciation all Korean cars lose about 25% of their valus soon as you drive off from the dealer and lose another 25% after one year. So you should plan to keep it for a long time. However, this makes it a great used car buy.

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  50/50 - 2003 Hyundai Accent
  By BNom - March 29 - 2:00 am

  Love the ride has good pick up for a 4cyl. Had problems with the CD player.The color on the CD player is starting to rub off, driver side visor broke and cracked. Replaced the alternator(took two tries).Replaced brake pads at 20,000 miles mostly highway.Recurring check engine light.Overall you get what you pay for cheap car not completely reliable but generally runs great good gas mileage.***Read the fine print of the warranty statement on Hyundais website, the 10 yr 100,000 mile warranty appears to just be on the powertrain and most of the warranty expires on important parts of the car on years 1-3-5.

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  Great Car, Great Price - 2003 Hyundai Accent
  By EFlo - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought an Accent GS 2-Door Hatchback over a year go and still no problems. Paid just under $12K including tax, tag, and title, and its fully loaded. (Auto, CD player, power windows/locks, moonroof, etc.) The seats are comfortable and the arm rest is a great addition. Great everyday car with a smooth ride. Car vibration can get a shaky on the highway after 70+ mph. Engine noise a little loud, but easily drained out by the excellent sound system. Roomy for the driver and front passenger, but a little tight in the back. If you want a new car at an affrodable price, definitely take a look at this car.

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  good buy!! - 2002 Hyundai Accent
  By enna - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I like this car. Great buy for the money and a nice smooth ride. I bought it for my mother and now I am looking for Santa Fe for myself. I was surprised by the quality.

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  Very impressed - 2001 Hyundai Accent
  By n8d1 - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Well I bought this car used for a comuter car, with only 12,500 miles on it for only $6900. It has been very good on gas mileage (about 30/gal) and get about 250 mi/tank (only 8+ gal). Very peppy with the 5-speed and has lots of features I didnt expect from one of the least expensive cars on the market...even the stripped down model I bought. I am very pleased with it and will most likely keep it untill it dies, which will be 10yrs/100,000 mi. or more...

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  value for the bucks - 1997 Hyundai Accent
  By santamc - March 2 - 2:00 am

  huge upgrade from the old "econo-boxes" of the 70s & 80s. biggest difference is the ride comfortable seats, good suspendtion (sp.). no power steering is tough at times. I have over 135.000 miles on 97 and no oil consumption! good car for the money!

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  dont be fooled this car is not safe - 2000 Hyundai Accent
  By volvo.driver - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Do not buy this car for your teenage driver. The handling is poor - coupled with the small, narrow tires, this makes the car unsafe. I had the exact same accident two years in a row - lost control on a slick patch on the freeway and banged up the bottom of the car but good. Each time, I know I would not have skidded in practically any another car. The second accident totalled the car - Im fine, but it could have been really bad. This car is cute and fun, Ill give it that, but should you get this car, its probably a really good idea to get bigger, better tires and not drive too fast (i.e., not faster than 55 mph) or be fooled by the "zippy" feel.

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  Never again...!! - 2000 Hyundai Accent
  By EMurray - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Accent GL as my first brand new car. From January 31 to April 20,2000 it was in the shop 4 times for the transmission, it was slipping as it shifted. Every time they told me that they found the problem and it was done but after having the car home for less than a day the same thing was happening so I had to bring it back again with the same result every time. Also, I took the car from RI to MD (350miles)and back one weekend and when I went out to start it for work Monday morning, it wouldnt start so yet again, I had to have them put it in the shop. I wouldnt ever buy this car again!!

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  you get what you pay for - 2000 Hyundai Accent
  By josevilla - February 25 - 2:00 am

  By far the worst car I have ever owned. If it wasnt for the hatchback feature the car would be useless. Its so bad that the people at the service center not only know me on a first name basis they recognize my voice when I call to make appointments. This car is mechanically inferior and what is the point of 32 miles per gallon if you have to fill up 3 or 4 times a week because the tank is so damn small.

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  A Good Car for a Great Price - 1998 Hyundai Accent
  By yaconjo - February 24 - 2:00 am

  The Hyundai Accent is a great little car for the price. It has a secure, relatively quiet and comfortable ride, is great on gas mileage, and has a solid feel and construction. A great second car for local commuting.