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Hyundai Accent - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Hyundai Accent ranks 15 out of 29 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 50 published reviews and test drives of the Hyundai Accent, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2010 Hyundai Accent is a good choice for those looking for value in an inexpensive car. It falls well short of competitors, however, because of its Spartan cabin and few available safety features.

With a suffering economy and Americans working harder than ever to stretch their dollars, the 2010 Hyundai Accent is an attractive option due to its sub-$10,000 base price. Reviewers agree that it has a well-designed interior, decent cargo space and a stellar fuel economy (27/36 mpg city/highway) that beats out most of the other cars in its class.

Unfortunately, the Accent’s biggest plus is also the key to its biggest weakness. The Accent’s low price means serious trade-offs on the base model. Adding basic amenities like air conditioning ($1,000) will cost you a considerable amount of money. Features such as power windows and doors and an audio system aren’t even available on the base Accent, forcing you to either upgrade to a higher trim -- and spend thousands more -- or shop elsewhere. More importantly, safety features are decidedly lacking in the Accent. Though it offers six airbags, important features like anti-lock brakes are only optional even on higher trims.

There aren’t many new vehicles that are in the Accent’s ultra-low price range. Those on a budget should consider buying an older model year of either the Accent or another car you may be interested in. You may be able to get a deal as dealers make way for the new 2010s on their lots. Another good option is to consider purchasing a used car. If on the other hand, you can afford to spend a little extra, there are definitely a few cars worth a test drive.

The Nissan Versa, like the Accent, has a starting price of less than $10,000, but reviewers agree that it handles much better than the Accent and has a roomy rear seat (which is rare for the class). In addition, the Kia Forte has a starting price of about $14,300 -- which is about $4,000 more than the base Accent -- but a similarly equipped Accent would cost you well over $15,000. The Forte offers a number of luxury features as standard, including Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, and also is a more capable performer.  Finally, the Toyota Yaris costs about $2,000 more than the Accent but has more standard safety features than most of the cars in its class, receives top scores in government crash testing and offers versatile cargo space.

The 2010 Accent comes in four trims – the base Blue, GS hatchback, GLS sedan and top-of-the-line SE hatchback.

• "The blue plate special of the day." -- Motor Week
• "Accent is hardly quick, but these sedans and hatchbacks deliver solid build quality, reasonable interior space, and a variety of comfort and convenience features. Hyundai's strong warranty cements Accent as a good choice in this class." -- Consumer Guide
• "The Hyundai Accent is the best subcompact car for the money. It isn't designed to win any races. But it holds its own in creature comforts, build integrity, vehicle safety and utility, and overall value." -- Washington Post
• "The Accent is a back-to-basics economy car that's easy on the pocketbook, yet it's actually pleasant to drive, and the stereo is one of the best you'll find at this modest price point." -- Edmunds
• "If an ultra-practical and affordable subcompact is your next vehicle purchase, you'll appreciate the…Hyundai Accent's value, which includes numerous safety features, a long warranty and unusual availability of accessories." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "The enjoyable and value-packed…Hyundai Accent proves that an entry-level economy car needn't be a penalty box." -- Edmunds

Accent Performance - 6.7 (Mediocre)

The 2010 Hyundai Accent is an adequate performer when being used as a commuter car and boasts a fantastic 27/36 mpg city/highway fuel economy. Still, no one is going to mistake it for a performance car. "All models have a surprisingly solid structural feel that belies their low price and enhances impression of ride comfort," says Consumer Guide. Read More

Accent Exterior - 7.8 (Good)

Hyundai’s 2010 Accent gets mixed reviews for its exterior styling. Most reviewers think the hatchback is cute but find the sedan model to be easily forgettable. Car and Driver puts it best, saying that the Accent is "never going to get you arrested," but its "never going to get you noticed," either. Read More

Accent Interior - 7.5 (Good)

Reviewers are generally pleased with the fit and finish of the 2010 Hyundai Accent. The Washington Post sums things up well, saying, "The Accent is a subcompact with wiggle room, arguably with as much usable interior space as that offered by the more expensive Toyota Corolla. Fit and finish are as good as anything offered by Hyundai's Japanese rivals." Be aware, however, that the Accent’s low price means that even basic features will cost you extra. Read More

Accent Safety - 9.0 (Excellent)

The 2010 Accent falls short of competitors like the Toyota Yaris in both crash test scores and safety features. Read More

Accent Reliability - NA

The 2010 Hyundai Accent has a new vehicle warranty that's good for five years or 60,000 miles. Read More