The 2009 Hyundai Accent ranks 22 out of 33 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 45 published reviews and test drives of the Hyundai Accent, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Accent pleases reviewers with its undeniably good value and generous interior space for such a small car. Those same reviewers say the Accent would make a better showing among affordable small cars if it abandoned its blah styling and had more pep on the road.
Your old beat-around-town commuter car is crumbling at the same rate as the economy. You can't hold off on buying a new vehicle. If this is you, the '09 Hyundai Accent might be one of your smartest options. Reviewers predict that practical shoppers will like the Accent's lengthy warranty, low MSRP, high gas mileage and expansive cabin. However, other writers point out the Accent's slow acceleration, overly soft ride and drab exterior.
If the Accent's low points stand out more in your mind than its high ones, you might find the Mazda3 is more what you're looking for. The 3 definitely isn't as expensive as it looks -- and its performance is one of the sportiest of the class.
But if you're impressed with what the Accent has to offer and willing to overlook a few shortcomings, you should note the Accent now offers a variety of trims -- the GS and SE three-door hatchbacks and the GLS four-door sedan. Cruise control is now offered for 2009.
* "The blue plate special of the day." -- Motor Week
* "It's roomy, fun to drive, economical, and has a long warranty -- and that's just what we need." -- About.com
* "The enjoyable and value-packed 2009 Hyundai Accent proves that an entry-level economy car needn't be a penalty box." -- Edmunds
* "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." -- New Car Test Drive
* "The 2009 Hyundai Accent holds up very well against the competition in this class. As a stylish sedan with excellent quality and durability, the 2009 Hyundai Accent is a good purchase for any consumer searching for a reasonably priced model. With superior engineering, the 2009 Hyundai Accent is certain to hold its resale value for years to come." -- Associated Content
Accent Performance - 6.8 (Mediocre)
The 2009 Hyundai Accent's driving experience is a toss up. Car and Driver notes, "Rides nice but gets a bit oingy boingy on the twisties." Meanwhile, New Car Test Drive finds, "Nobody buying a Hyundai Accent will expect sizzling performance, yet the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is surprisingly snappy, even with the automatic transmission." Even so, the Accent's gas tank holds onto fuel better than other small cars. The EPA rates the 2009 Accent at 27/33 mpg city/highway with the five-speed manual transmission, and 26/35 mpg city/highway with a four-speed automatic. continue
Accent Exterior - 7.6 (Good)
Car and Driver says the Accent is "never going to get you arrested," but by sporting a Hyundai badge on its nose, it's "never going to get you noticed," either. Other auto writers are equally unimpressed with the '09 Accent's appearance. The car is available in three-door hatchback or four-door sedan trims. continue
Accent Interior - 7.6 (Good)
As a whole, reviewers are surprised by the Accent's cabin. The layout and material quality of the dashboard and gauges are better than expected, just as the comfort and space for up to five passengers is greater than anticipated. Even cargo room for the sedan or three-door hatchback is up to the standards of the class. continue
Accent Safety - 6.3 (Mediocre)
The 2009 Accent's federal government crash test scores are somewhat high, but similar tests by the insurance industry are low, with the Accent receiving a "Poor" rating in side impact tests. continue
Accent Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2009 Hyundai Accent reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2009 Hyundai Accent has a new vehicle warranty that's good for five years or 60,000 miles. Hyundai's powertrain warranty covers the first 10 years or 100,000 miles, and there's five years of 24-hour roadside assistance offered for new Accents
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