2010 Hyundai Accent

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
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Performance - What the Auto Press Says

While reviewers admit that the 2010 Hyundai Accent handles well enough for an affordable small car, no one would describe it has a strong performer. It will work well as a daily driver, especially given its excellent fuel economy, but there are better options available—like the Honda Fit and Nissan Versa—if performance is important to you.

• "Ride, acceleration and handling: It gets good small-car marks in all three." -- Washington Post
• "Accent's engine buzzes from 3000 rpm on up, but it's never objectionably loud. Wind noise is modest for the class, and coarse-surface tire thrum is noticeable though not excessive." -- Consumer Guide
• "While no speed demon, the 2009 Hyundai Accent is a perfectly acceptable performer. The ride is compliant on GS and GLS models, while the SE's firmer suspension tuning trades some comfort for greater road-holding capabilities." -- Edmunds
• "Hyundai's 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine generates 110 horsepower, but it's hardly a strong performer." -- Kelley Blue Book

Acceleration and Power

Most reviewers complain that acceleration in the Accent is poor, but it wasn’t designed to be a sports car. The important thing is that it can hold its own well enough in highway passing maneuvers. Accents come with only one engine choice, a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that makes 110 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission comes standard, but a four-speed automatic is available on all models but the Blue for around $800.

Fuel economy is one of the Accent’s strongest points. The EPA estimates that the Accent gets 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, which means it has one of the best fuel economies in its class.

High-performance vehicles are few and far between in the affordable small car segment, but if you’d like something with a zippier ride, the Honda Fit might be worth a look. It has a starting price of around $14,900, which may seem like a lot in comparison to the Accent. But once the Accent is similarly equipped, it costs even more than the Fit. Meanwhile, the Fit offers versatile cargo space, provides tons of standard features and is considered much more fun to drive.

• "I would've preferred a larger engine in the Accent. And here's hoping that Hyundai creates a special iteration of the Accent with, maybe, a turbocharged 1.8 liter, four-cylinder diesel. That would make getting up Mine Hill Road here a lot easier than struggling along in second gear, which is what we had to do in the gasoline-fueled four-cylinder Accent SE used on this trip…Hint: The five-speed manual costs less and offers better driving performance." -- Washington Post
• "With the automatic transmission, acceleration is weak, as evidenced by the slow 11.1-second 0-60-mph time in our test of a GLS. At least the automatic downshifts promptly and smoothly for passing. Manual-transmission versions are quicker… The manual transmission has positive, if somewhat clunky, shift action." -- Consumer Guide
• "Sluggish acceleration with automatic transmission, harsh ride over irregular surfaces." -- Edmunds

Handling and Braking

The Accent gets mixed reviews for its handling. The general consensus seems to be that while higher trims are capable performers, the base trims are a bit unsteady on their feet in tight turns because of skinnier tires. For a smoother ride, consider the Nissan Versa. It’s one of the few cars in its class that has a starting price under $10,000 and it has handling that receives praise from reviewers.

• "The steering is overboosted and lacks road feel. Fast cornering induces fair body lean. Skinny tires on the GS and GLS provide only modest grip. The SE is only slightly better; it still exhibits noticeable body lean." -- Consumer Guide
• "Safety: Brakes are ventilated front discs, rear drums - typical cost-cutting brake arrangement for small cars. We'd be more impressed with four-wheel discs at an affordable price." -- Washington Post
• "Our GLS rode and drove fairly well and scooted through turns with surprising response." -- Kelley Blue Book