The New Honda Element Dog Friendly Package is...
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2008 Hyundai Accent Quality Review

May 29, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

foot space is better than the subcompact-class norm
ConsumerGuide

a lot of car for the money
Edmunds

a bit noisy and thrashy at high rpm
Kelley Blue Book

The 2008 Hyundai Accent has a more comfortable, better-built interior than many drivers would suspect. Reviews from across the Web wrote about the Accent’s higher-quality cabin.

Car and Driver said, with the Accent, Hyundai is "successfully emulating the quality of cars a couple classes up the price ladder." Kelley Blue Book feels the 2008 Hyundai "Accent's interior materials are consistent with its price."

Cars.com notes that "up to five occupants can fit inside the Accent.” For those intent on keeping grown-up passengers comfortable too, Edmunds reminds drivers "that the Versa and Yaris hatchbacks offer more rear-seat legroom." ConsumerGuide notes that the two-door’s "sloping roofline limits headroom," but this is to be expected in most hatchbacks.

While this is adequate for many reviewers, ConsumerGuide felt that the "shallow opening" in the trunk "complicates loading bulky items."

In terms of the user-friendliness of the 2008 Accent, Hyundai receives kudos from reviews read by TheCarConnection.com. MyRide.com likes the "large, well-positioned climate control knobs" and the "eight-way adjustable" driver's seat. Kelley Blue Book offers up a few complaints, calling attention to a "too-stiff temperature dial" and the ashtray that looks like "an odd removable cup."

Quietness of the 2008 Hyundai Accent is a concern for a couple reviewers. In comparison to the competition, ConsumerGuide mentions that "wind noise is modest for the class, but coarse-surface tire thrum is fairly high."

It's not a great-looking car, but TheCarConnection.com’s editors think that the Hyundai Accent is at least efficient with its space. It packs more interior room into its stubby 159.3-inch overall length than the much larger Chevrolet Cobalt or Ford Focus coupe models. There is nothing cramped about the interior, and even the rear seating area offers plenty of leg-, head-, and shoulder room for an average adult male.

The seats are fairly comfortable. And while it's no luxury car, the 2008 Hyundai Accent's interior looks good and feels durable, though TheCarConnection.com recently tested an Accent with some ill-fitting dash trim.

Conclusion

The 2008 Hyundai Accent provides adequate comfort and quality for budget-minded drivers.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:foot space is better than the subcompact-class normConsumerGuidea lot of car for the moneyEdmundsa bit noisy and thrashy at high rpmKelley Blue Book The 2008 Hyundai Accent has a more comfortable, better-built interior than many drivers would suspect. Reviews from across the Web wrote about the Accent’s higher-quality cabin. Car and Driver said, with the Accent, Hyundai is "successfully emulating the quality of cars a couple classes up the price ladder." Kelley Blue Book feels the 2008 Hyundai "Accent's interior materials are consistent with its price." Cars.com notes that "up to five occupants can fit inside the Accent.” For those intent on keeping grown-up passengers comfortable too, Edmunds reminds drivers "that the Versa and Yaris hatchbacks offer more rear-seat legroom." ConsumerGuide notes that the two-door’s "sloping roofline limits headroom," but this is to be expected in most hatchbacks. While this is adequate for many reviewers, ConsumerGuide felt that the "shallow opening" in the trunk "complicates loading bulky items." In terms of the user-friendliness of the 2008 Accent, Hyundai receives kudos from reviews read by TheCarConnection.com. MyRide.com likes the "large, well-positioned climate control knobs" and the "eight-way adjustable" driver's seat. Kelley Blue Book offers up a few complaints, calling attention to a "too-stiff temperature dial" and the ashtray that looks like "an odd removable cup." Quietness of the 2008 Hyundai Accent is a concern for a couple reviewers. In comparison to the competition, ConsumerGuide mentions that "wind noise is modest for the class, but coarse-surface tire thrum is fairly high." It's not a great-looking car, but TheCarConnection.com’s editors think that the Hyundai Accent is at least efficient with its space. It packs more interior room into its stubby 159.3-inch overall length than the much larger Chevrolet Cobalt or Ford Focus coupe models. There is nothing cramped about the interior, and even the rear seating area offers plenty of leg-, head-, and shoulder room for an average adult male. The seats are fairly comfortable. And while it's no luxury car, the 2008 Hyundai Accent's interior looks good and feels durable, though TheCarConnection.com recently tested an Accent with some ill-fitting dash trim. ConclusionThe 2008 Hyundai Accent provides adequate comfort and quality for budget-minded drivers. 2008 HYUNDAI ACCENT STYLING | [6 out of 10] Edmunds: "the Accent's design is simple and functional" Kelley Blue Book: "hardly exciting" MyRide.com: "small, practical, but hardly Spartan" The 2008 Hyundai Accent, the Korean car company's smallest and least expensive model line, ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Kia Rio is essentially the same car as the Hyundai Accent, but it's also offered in a Rio5 wagon format where the Accent offers a three-door coupe. The Toyota Yaris has smart style and an enviable reputation behind it, as well as a choice of two- or four-door models. The Chevrolet Aveo also offers two different body styles and a frugal four-cylinder--and like the Kia and Hyundai, it's built in South Korea, where car quality has quickly matched that coming from the Japanese car companies. The Honda Fit remains the choice vehicle in this class, thanks to its flexible seating arrangement and its smooth four-cylinder engine.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Hyundai Accent

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 Hyundai Accent

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 Hyundai Accent near you

See the Hyundai Accent in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (10 total)

  1. By FREDERICK A. BOCK #1, Posted: 6/16/2008

    review.

    I recently purchased a 2008 Accent 3 door gs model with a 5 speed and a/c. My previous car was a 2003 base Accent without a/c. The 2008 handling is vastly improved over the 2003, gas mileage is about the same 29 mpg city/mixed, power is about the same, possibly a little bit more. I purchased another Hyundai due to the fact that my 2003 was trouble free for 5 years and 85,000 miles and the new owner loves it. I was given an excellent price on the 2008 and am glad that it has a/c which works great even in 90+ degree weather, all in all it's a great car for the money and would purchase another Hyundai.

  2. By JJ. S. #2, Posted: 7/7/2008

    Go with the Hyundai

    I have had my Accent SE for 3 weeks now and am very pleased, great MPG, sporty ride, and best of all no payment. I looked at and drove the Civic, Yaris, Fit and the Accent came out on top, as for resale, if I dont need it any more I'll give it to my kid. I f your looking for a small car dont forget the Accent and get the 5 speed stick, you'll be glad you did.

  3. By Darin #3, Posted: 8/22/2008

    My new Accent

    Have only had the car less than a week and love it. I don't know where people say it does not have pick up on the highway. I think it kicks in the regard and fun to drive.

  4. By Violetta #4, Posted: 1/26/2009

    Accent 2008

    Have had problems with the Accent since the beggining.Check engine ligh is appearing every few days.Take it to the dealer and after they reset the ligt it's back in few days.so far nothing pleasant to say about it.while the car is driving nicely,the ectronic issue has me running mad.

  5. By Rose LaBarge #5, Posted: 2/22/2009

    Suckered Again

    I have an Accent hatchback with AC and an automatic transmission. We also own a 2007 Entourage. The Entourage barely gets 18 miles to the gallon with a six cylinder engine even tho we were told to expect 22 to 26. The Accent is averaging 24 to 28 with a four cylinder not the 35 mph we were told to expect. Approximately 95 % of the miles these cars are driven is at speeds of 45 to 65 miles per hour. We live in a rural area not in the city and are senior citizens not lead-footed teenagers! Both cars have the very annoying TPMS that almost constantly says we need air in the tires which when checked are within 1 pound of being correct. The Entourage needed to have a part of the power steering replaced which required several trips to the dealer before they decided there really was "something" wrong and the grinding noise we heard wasn't a figment of our imaginations. Within the first month I had to replace all four tires on the Accent due to a dangerous bulge on the passenger side front tire. The manufacturer refused to replace the tires under warranty so I spent $500 to put good tires on the car. The main reason we bought these vehicles was price and 5 star safety ratings and warranty. We have grandchildren that we transport frequently and are very concerned with their safety. This is why I refused to just replace one tire on the Accent, especially after I saw how thin the side walls of the tire was after it was removed from the rim.The last fill-up of the Accent was 228 miles and took 9.46 gallons. This is about 24 miles to the gallon. The handling of the cars is good and the ride is fairly comfortable but with the price of gas starting to rise again we will soon be back to driving only when absolutely necessary. The trade in offered on the Entourage was $7000 less than we owed so we decided to keep it.I know we are stuck with these cars unless we are willing to take a huge loss on them which we can not afford to do.Would I reccomend a Hyundai to anyone else, absolutely not.

  6. By Hako #6, Posted: 3/17/2009

    Exceeded my expectations

    I absolutely love this car. I had modest expectations for fit and finish, performance and cabin noise. It scored much better in each of those catagories. You really should read the car manual though, it gives a lot of helpful information. The tire pressure monitoring system is a GOOD thing, it's meant to help, so I don't know why anyone would complain about it. It can activate in cold temperatures, because cold air is dense and the tires may shrink and lose some pressure. Usually driving the car, and warming up the tires causes the air inside to heat and expand, which solves the problem. It is a beautiful little car, and like ALL new cars, will get better gas mileage as the engine is broken in
    and driven. Some people just look for things to complain about.

  7. By Hako #7, Posted: 3/17/2009

    Exceeded my expectations

    I absolutely love this car. I had modest expectations for fit and finish, performance and cabin noise. It scored much better in each of those catagories. You really should read the car manual though, it gives a lot of helpful information. The tire pressure monitoring system is a GOOD thing, it's meant to help, so I don't know why anyone would complain about it. It can activate in cold temperatures, because cold air is dense and the tires may shrink and lose some pressure. Usually driving the car, and warming up the tires causes the air inside to heat and expand, which solves the problem. It is a beautiful little car, and like ALL new cars, will get better gas mileage as the engine is broken in
    and driven. Some people just look for things to complain about.

  8. By Kevin #8, Posted: 6/14/2009

    I have a 2008 accent gs and love the car. It averages 26 to 30 mpg and we are heavy foot drivers. When pushed to the floor there is great response for a 1.6 liter. We have not had for a year yet and already out over 18000 miles on it. No problems just in for oil changes and tire rotations. Have not needed new tires for ours, keep away from pot holes or curbs and the bulge on the side of your tire will not appear. Looking to buy an Hyundai suv of some kind to replace our 1990 Honda Accord with 311000 on it. Go Foreign auto makers! Money well spent with quality!

  9. By Garth #9, Posted: 6/15/2009

    I bought an Accent as a second car about 2 months or 4K kms (2485 mi) ago. So far so good. First car after 17 new ones in my lifetime that has had no "initial defects" needing correction after a couple of months. No power or comfort at all but then my other car is a Mustang and I expected what I got. Fit and finish is also better than almost all my previous American cars. Haven't bothered checking gas milage but it seems good.

  10. By Jennifer #10, Posted: 10/10/2009

    Rose,
    I also bought a 2008 Hyundai Accent. I had to buy brand new tires as well. My husband was told to bring the tires to the dealer and they would look at the tires so, he did. What a waste of time. They told him that the only way the insurance would replace the tires was if WE sent the tires to the closest company, which would cost us a lot to do, and they would inspect them and decide to replace them or not. They had the bulging bubbles ALL OVER THEM.. I only had the car for about 6 months at the time. We bought the car with 28 miles on it. This is rediculous. Why even give out insurance? Sounds a little shady to me...

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy