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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Hyundai Accent

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Hyundai Accent

Overview

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2008 Hyundai Accent Review

By KBB.com Editors

Introduced in 1994, the Hyundai Accent led U.S. entry-level car sales from 2000-2005, mostly due to its value for the money and an aggressive warranty. Now that high fuel prices have this segment heating up, Hyundai's third-generation Accent will have tough new competition for 2008---Korean partner Kia's Rio, Honda's Fit, Nissan's Versa, Toyota's Yaris and Chevrolet's upgraded Aveo---but it still should continue to be up to the task.

You'll Like This Car If...

If an ultra-practical and affordable subcompact is your next vehicle purchase, you'll appreciate the 2008 Hyundai Accent's value, which includes numerous safety features, a long warranty and unusual availability of accessories. If your driving aspirations are bigger than your budget, you should also appreciate the SE three-door's sporty look and surprisingly responsive handling and cornering capability.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you want something a bit more expressive, especially in a four-door sedan, or prefer a Japanese or domestic brand, you should take a good look at the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa and the surprisingly competitive new Chevy Aveo.

What's New for 2008

All models gain a three-month free subscription to XM Satellite Radio, a tire-pressure monitor system and an auxiliary audio input jack (late availability). SE models with the manual transmission receive a sporty B&M Racing short-throw sport shifter.

Driving the Accent

Driving Impressions Hyundai's 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine generates 110 horsepower, but it's hardly a strong performer. Driving the optional four-speed automatic in our test GLS sedan, it managed zero-to-60 mph acceleration in a...

bit over 13 seconds. By today's standards, that's on the slow side. The SE three-door with the manual five-speed transmission can do it in about 11 seconds. Also, like most small engines in inexpensive cars, it's a bit noisy and thrashy at high rpm. Otherwise, our GLS rode and drove fairly well and scooted through turns with surprising response. Despite its eight manual adjustments, the driver's seat did not provide a really comfortable position for us, and its rearward adjustment was insufficient for our longish legs. The cloth-lined trunk is relatively roomy and the rear-seat pass-through is handy, but rear roominess is just par for the class.

Favorite Features

GLS Handling
We were pleasantly surprised with the steering and handling of our Premium Package-equipped test GLS on its available 15-inch tires and alloy wheels, and the sports-oriented SE three-door does even better on its 16-inch tire-and-wheel package.

Hyundai Warranty
An extra-long warranty is one thing an automaker can offer to improve buyer confidence and Hyundai's is one of the best, with five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage that's matched with impressive quality improvements.

2008 Hyundai Accent Details

Interior

The Accent's interior materials are consistent with its price: Generally inexpensive but with attractive textures and two-tone trim. Among the least-appealing items is the central swing-open bin that's shaped like an ashtray but isn't; the actual ashtray is an odd removable cup that sits atop the console. The radio is an easy-to-use unit with large knobs for volume and tuning, while the three-dial HVAC controls are attractive and have a quality feel---except for a too-stiff temperature dial.

Exterior

While the SE three-door is sporty and expressive, we think the Accent sedan is pretty plain vanilla. Its design is clean, functional and fairly aerodynamic, but hardly exciting. The best part is probably up front, with large wide-eyed headlamps, a full-width lower air intake and distinctive grilles---a body-color bar across the three-door models, a black-out pattern on the four-door. One nice touch is a body-color protective molding along each side to fend off shopping carts and help prevent door dings.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The modest GS standard-equipment list includes power steering, tilt steering column, eight-way manually-adjustable driver's seat, 60/40-split rear seat, cabin air filtration, tachometer, variable intermittent wipers and a rear spoiler. The SE adds air conditioning, power windows and locks, power mirrors, 172-watt six-speaker audio with CD, remote keyless entry with alarm and panic alert, fog lights, sport suspension, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and 16-inch alloy wheels. The GLS sedan has base GS equipment plus air conditioning and the 172-watt six-speaker audio with CD, but needs an optional Popular Equipment Package to get ABS brakes and the power items. All models boast extensive standard safety equipment, including seat-mounted side airbags and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags, in addition to advanced front airbags.

Optional Equipment

Optional on the SE are a power sunroof and ground effects kit. A Popular Equipment Package for the GLS includes ABS, power windows, locks and mirrors and remote keyless entry, while an available Premium Package adds all that plus 15-inch alloy wheels. A four-speed automatic transmission is available on all three models, and there's a long list of (mostly sports-oriented) port- and dealer-installed accessories.

Under the Hood

Hyundai's 1.6-liter four has dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and CVVT (continuously Variable Valve Timing) on the intake side. It generates 110 horsepower and provides a very respectable 24/33 EPA miles per gallon when teamed with the optional automatic in the GLS sedan.

1.6-liter in-line 4
110 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
106 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/32 (manual), 24/33 (automatic)

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2008 Hyundai Accent Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.1

Out of 10

Based on 254 Ratings for the 2006 - 2011 models.

Review this car

Value

8.6/10

Quality

8.3/10
Reliability

8.8/10

Performance

8.1/10
Comfort

8.0/10

Styling

8.2/10

Great little economic vehicle

By sv (WA) on Saturday, April 20, 2013

I owned and sold this car
Reason: it was totalled - My approximate mileage is 60,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I had a 2008 Accent and the only reason I don't have it now is that it was rear-ended and totalled. It was hit by a big Buick which was going about 30. Although it was totalled, my dogs and I were relatively unhurt. Injuries were caused by the whiplash movement, not the car folding in on me. The seat belt bruised my chest bone. It could've been much worse. This car got excellent mpg, drove long distances w/o trouble. Only reg. maintenance. New tires last year. It was little--not a comfortable fit for a 6' person, but I'm only 5'2". The fold-down back seats opened up a big cargo area which my dogs loved. Kept their fur off the back seats that way, too."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Easy to manuver, great mileage 32to 34 mpg

By al (MD) on Wednesday, April 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 73,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "The price is 6500, hope some one can enjoy ."

Cons: "Seat belt a little difficult to reach."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I am moving retired and have 3 more vehicles to drive. I traveled over 100 miles per day, highway miles and enjoyed the economy and comfort of driving."

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Great vehicle. Great Buy.

By Sarah (CO) on Tuesday, April 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 78,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned my own hyundai accent for about 3 years now and have never had any problems with it. I get about 29mpg which is great. Front wheel drive helps a lot in the snow. Trunk space is great. This is overall a great car. ...Not good if you have children whom are still in carseats. The back seat is hard to get to."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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This is my 2nd Accent

By Lulu on Sunday, April 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 23,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "split rear seat adds cargo space"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is my second Hyundai Accent and I still own the first. It is excellent transportation for those who need economical cost of ownership. If you can do without all the "extras" that so many vehicles come with today and make most of your trips solo or as a couple, you will enjoy reliable and comfortable driving."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Awesome tiny car!

By joeygerms (IN) on Saturday, February 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 76,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 7/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I love my tiny car! I have asked a lot of it as volunteer fireman in the country. It has delivered every time! Bad on tires (could be my driving style). Replaced the tires three times, a battery, and fluids."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Horrible quality, not worth the price.

By mgar (MA) on Sunday, December 30, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 36,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 5/10
Quality: 2/10
Performance: 4/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "good gas mileage"

Cons: "everything but gas mileage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Clutch went after 30000 miles, not god considering a 2006 Ford focus I had has original clutch after 111000 miles and I'd still going good.Windows rattle when rolled up or down. Burning smell through the vents. States that it gets 36 mpg on highway but that's at low speed 55, who realistically droves at that speed. Gets 32 between 60-75 mph because of the high rpm(3200). It is very noisy on the road, wind and in the rain. Overall the car, even for its cheaper price was not worth it, because of this I will never buy a Hyundai again."

5 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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See all 254 reviews