2008 Hyundai Accent Review
Hyundai’s first model in the United States was the Accent. It is a subcompact that was introduced in 1995 to replace the Excel. Since then, 2 newer generations have debuted. The second generation appeared in 2000, and the Accent received a facelift in 2003. The most recent generation debuted in 2006 and added more power and improved the design quality. Two three-door versions, the GS and SE were added in 2007.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Hyundai Accent is a competent subcompact with a hard to beat warranty. Unfortunately, it misses on several counts. First, it’s more expensive than the virtually identical Kia Rio. Second, is its mediocre safety scores. Plus, combined with a history of transmission issues, it’s hard to recommend the Accent. We suggest spending a bit less on the Rio, or upgrading to a Versa, Fit or Yaris.
What’s New For 2008:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
J.D. Power gives the Accent 4.5 stars in mechanical quality, 3.5 stars in design quality, and 2 stars in performance. Problems with the last Accent included hard starting and transmission issues. It was recalled three times. The current Accent has issues with transmission leaks, oil leaks and transmission failures. No recalls have been issued. Expect average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for five years or 60,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Accent earned 5 stars in government frontal crash tests and 3.5 stars in side tests. In IIHS tests, the Accent earned “Acceptable” for frontal tests and “Poor” in side and rear tests. Full side airbags come standard. Anti-lock brakes are standard on the SE coupe, but optional on the GLS.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Best warranty in the business
+ Inexpensive
+ Surprisingly comfortable
Cons
– Lousy crash test scores
– Costlier than the similar Kia Rio
– Transmission issues
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Kia Rio costs about a thousand less, and is very similar, particularly since the Rio and Accent share the same platform. The Nissan Versa costs a couple thousand more, but has standard air conditioning. The Toyota Yaris costs a few hundred more, and has less interior space, but includes air conditioning.
What Others Are Saying:
“There was a time not many years ago that this class of car would be notoriously timid in traffic, uncomfortable to drive and not very durable. Not any more. The economy-minded consumer could buy this car as a daily commuter car, even for a substantial commute, and be perfectly content. That is to say, after a week living with the Accent I think it’s a great little car.” – The Auto Channel
“Unfortunately for Hyundai, the Fit, Yaris and Versa have arrived to do battle at the bottom of the barrel. Aside from the warranty and a grand or so, the Accent can’t compete with it foes’ style, performance, comfort and practicality.” – The Truth About Cars
“The Hyundai Accent is a competent subcompact car that’s big inside and sprightly underway. It includes an impressive array of standard safety features and is certainly worthy of being considered alongside more expensive models from other manufacturers. The new hatchback coupe adds a strong dose of sporty styling, plus more cargo-hauling versatility, with no significant loss of passenger space.” – The New York Times
Read more about the 2008 Hyundai Accent at the Hyundai manufacturer web site.
