MSRP: $10,775 - $15,375
Invoice: $10,540 - $14,933
MPG: 27 City / 32 Hwy
Get local dealer price quotes:

U.S.News Scores

Overall:7.5
Performance:6.5
Exterior:7.1
Interior:7.0
Safety:6.7
Reliability:6.0
Research we analyzed for this review
Pros and Cons
  • Great value as an entry-level car
  • Class leading standard safety gear, including side curtain air bags and anti-lock brakes
  • Should be a worry-free car, thanks to good quality ratings and lengthy basic and powertrain warranties
  • Noisy and "thrashy" four cylinder engine provides poor acceleration
  • Dull (but inoffensive) exterior styling
  • Back seat is cramped for two adults, let alone three

Prices

Shop around for the best deal by getting price quotes from local dealers.

Hyundai Accent - What the Auto Press Says

The Accent represents a good value for those looking for predictable, no-frills transportation. But it's placement in both small car and hatchback rankings is a reflection of less-than-stellar performance and styling. If you're in the market for a subcompact car and willing to spend a few thousand more than the Accent's MSRP, consider the Honda Civic or Honda Fit for their performance capabilities and more upscale feel.

The 2008 Hyundai Accent's low sticker price and long warranty make it a great buy for drivers seeking a hassle-free economy car. The Hyundai's slow acceleration and less-than-upscale styling are downsides, but most budget car buyers don't expect a Lexus experience. Plus it offers something most Lexus drivers can't boost about -- regular fuel at the gas pump.

According to many, Hyundai's selling point is its lengthy warranty, but while Accent buyers can expect years of worry-free driving, many say Hyundai has a ways to go before establishing the resale value of a stalwart like Honda. 

For 2008, the Hyundai Accent comes in three trims, the GS and SE, which are three-door hatchbacks, and the GLS, a four-door sedan. The 2008 Accent carries over from last year virtually unchanged, save a few interior enhancements.

  • "It's not exciting -- unless you get jazzed over supercheap stuff -- but the Accent offers a lot for a little." -- U.S. News 
  • "Put this down as the blue plate special of the day." -- Motor Week

Accent Performance - 6.5 (Mediocre)

The Accent has become a more rigid, better handling car over the years, but most test drivers are still underwhelmed with the engine. "Up to about 40 mph, the Accent feels pretty zippy," BusinessWeek writes. "Short and closely spaced gears help that happen, but the pull to highways speeds reminds you that this is an economy car, not a performance car." Read More

Accent Exterior - 7.1 (Good)

Design updates in 2006 and 2007 did little to change perceptions that the 14-year-old Accent is less than eye-catching. To U.S. News' Rick Newman, Accent buyers should "be happy it's not ugly." Read More

Accent Interior - 7.0 (Good)

Stepping inside the 2008 Hyundai Accent, drivers are impressed with front seat room and intuitive controls, but some complain about interior materials. Read More

Accent Safety - 6.7 (Mediocre)

While the Accent receives reasonably high scores in government crash tests, its insurance industry scores are somewhat low. Read More

Accent Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The 2008 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). Hyundai provides one of the longest warranties for the class, new vehicle coverage for five years or 60,000 miles. Read More

Review Last Updated: 2/17/09