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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Great cheap car - 2001 Hyundai Accent
By beman - April 15 - 2:00 amI have now driven this car more than 35,000 miles and nothing has required a trip to the shop. My Neon had been in the shop 5 times by then. I bought this car for the warranty and have never regretted my decision. It has performed so flawlessly that I think my next trip to Hyundai will be to purchase my next Accent when this one uses up the warranty.
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2000 Hyundai Accent - 2000 Hyundai Accent
By Owner1 - April 14 - 2:00 amReliable basic transportation.
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not to bad - 2001 Hyundai Accent
By tom434 - April 5 - 2:00 amgreat gas milage the rides not bad for a small car and the price was great considering toyota,honda and such wanted much more for basically the same thing.The engine performs well it has alot of zip manuvers well doesnt strain a bit even in the mountains.
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Hyundai is great buy! - 1997 Hyundai Accent
By coolpop - April 1 - 2:00 amI was very lucky with my Hyundai Accent that I bought in 1997. Never had a single problem, only regular oil changes and maintenance. Now I am selling it for $3000, I think its very reasonable. It has 60,000 miles on it. Gets great mileage, inexpensive tires, etc. Very reliable.
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Hyundai Accent 1997 GT - 1997 Hyundai Accent
By James from Boston - March 15 - 3:16 pmThis is my third Accent(first was a 1997 hatch GS with 54,000 miles on it and no issues which later involved in an accident and totaled, second Accent owned a Hatch L purchased in 1999 with 40,000 miles on it...NO PROBLEMS AT ALL....still have it with 96,000mi), since then I have purchased a 1997 Accent GT. I owned a Grand Am in 86 & 92(when they redesigned it), and both cars had issues starting in the winter BRAND NEW...NEVER BUY ONE AGAIN.
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A solid little car - 1996 Hyundai Accent
By Toro - March 13 - 10:26 amLove my Hyundai. Bought this car from the dealer with 7K miles on it and havent had any major problems. drivers side window mechanisim broke 33 bucks to fix, less than an oil change. Also broke a bolt in the front pass suspension $8 dollar fix. Though its light in the horsepower still a fun little car to drive.
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Hyundai is a big mistake - 1997 Hyundai Accent
By redsphinx - March 11 - 5:07 pmI made the mistake of buying a Hyundai Accent brand new with a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty. At 40,000 miles, the entire car just fell apart.I spent over $2,000 repairing the car in six months.A go-cart is more powerful and reliable than any Hyundai. Plus the resale value of this car makes it a horrible investment. I recently purchased a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am and am very satisfied.I feel sorry for anyone that just bought a Hyundai.
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Good 2nd car - 1998 Hyundai Accent
By indycolts - March 1 - 4:43 pmI bought this car for my wife 2 years ago. Ive had nothing but good luck with this auto. The car averages over 28 mpg in town, the only complant I have is that I didnt buy one for her earler. Thanks, Ed
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Great commuter! - 1995 Hyundai Accent
By Valorie - February 26 - 2:01 pmThis car has been a great commuter car. great gas mileage, has some pep to it. Fun and dependable little car.
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The penalty box - 2009 Hyundai Accent
By Robin - January 25 - 10:22 amThis car has been used and abused to no end.Driven high and wide through sleet ,snow ,chicken poop,low on fluids in below zero and hundred degree stop and go Boston traffic.And still she gives me no gripes.I even put her in first at the light and leave em in the dust for fun.The poor thing hardly ever even gets an oil change and only a top up of half a quart now and then when i check the others.I have done the timing belt twice with one new water pump,two ball joints from pot holes,and new belts all aroud.The heat blows hot,ac cool,seats as hard and uncomfortable as ever.i dont know why she treats me so well.I love her for it.I should be nicer.Bought her new,8 years ago.
