1995-1999 Hyundai Accent: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1995-1999 Hyundai Accent and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Fuel economy
- Visibility
- Optional antilock brakes
- Instruments/controls
Cons
- Noise
- Passing power
- Driving position
Vehicle Highlights
Accent replaced the Excel as the South Korean company's entry-level model, to compete against the Ford Aspire, Geo Metro, Toyota Tercel, and other budget subcompacts. Initially, Accent came only as a 4-door notchback sedan, but a 2-door hatchback was added the next summer. Three models went on sale: L hatchback (the lowest-priced Accent), and base versions of both the hatchback and the sedan. Accents used Hyundai's 1.5-liter 4-cylinder. Rated at 92 horsepower. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard and 4-speed automatic optional on all models except the L hatchback. Dual airbags were standard. Antilock brakes were optional on base models, but not available on the L.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Hyundai Accent 4-door auto Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 36 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1995-1999 Hyundai Accent. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1995-1999 Hyundai Accent.
Year to Year Changes
1996 Hyundai Accent:
A sporty new GT with a more-potent, 105-horsepower, dual-overhead-cam engine arrived early in '96. Unique GT features included a firmer suspension and performance tires on 14-inch alloy wheels, a tachometer, rear spoiler, fog lamps, full cloth interior trim, and a stereo system with four speakers.
1997 Hyundai Accent:
Sedans adopted a GL designation this year, while base hatchbacks were called GS.
1998 Hyundai Accent:
Hyundai dropped the GT model and its 105-horsepower engine for '98. Other changes include revised front and rear fascias and new headlights.
1999 Hyundai Accent:
Gone were the optional antilock brakes. However, Hyundai did add an impressive new warranty and cut prices, both of which mean little to used car buyers. A redesigned Accent emerged for 2000.
Our road test for the 1995-1999 Hyundai Accent includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1995-1999 Hyundai Accent and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1995-1999 Hyundai Accent is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Acceleration from the base engine is adequate around town with either manual or automatic shift. Highway passing, on the other hand, requires a long stretch of open road. The engine also strains hard when going up even small hills. Automatic-transmission downshifts are not harsh, and only seldom abrupt at all. Although the GT's engine, with 13 extra horsepower, performs with greater spirit, it does not transform the Accent into anything approaching a mini hot rod. Gas mileage is great. We've averaged more than 30 miles per gallon. Hyundai made great strides in improving the suspension. The ride is now above average for a small automobile. The suspension absorbs most bumps well and has good stability at highway speeds. Large bumps produce a loud thump; but most smaller obstacles are taken in stride. Handling ability is adequate, but the Accent's skinny tires easily lose their grip. Interior space is good in front for adults, but the back seat is too small for anyone taller than 5-foot-10. The dashboard is neat and legible, with easy-to-read gauges and logical controls, but some drivers find the fixed-position steering wheel to be too high for comfort. Outward visibility is good on both body styles. A large glovebox and long door pockets help with interior storage.
Value for the Money
Because an Accent is also more satisfying to drive than some rivals, it can be a reasonable buy, provided that you can get beyond the interior noise problem. Reliability is also a question. All told, we recommend something larger for everyday transportation.
Because an Accent is also more satisfying to drive than some rivals, it can be a reasonable buy, provided that you can get beyond the interior noise problem. Reliability is also a question. All told, we recommend something larger for everyday transportation.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Hyundai Accent 4-door auto Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 36 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Hyundai Accent includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Hyundai Accent .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
If the transmission slips or will not go into fourth gear, the end clutch needs to be replaced. (1995-96)
Automatic transmission:
Automatic transmission may flare between second and third or downshift poorly. There is a modified transmission-control module available. (1996-97)
Check-engine light:
Check-engine light illumination on SOHC models might be caused by a problem with the transmission control module (TCM). Repair includes replacement if the TCM. (1996-98)
Hard starting:
Hard starting may be due to a cracked in-tank fuel line. (1995-97)
Poor transmission shift:
Harsh 4-3 downshifts when coming to a stop below 10 mph due to build problems with the original transmission. (1995-96)
Steering problems:
The power-steering bracket may interfere with the coolant reservoir causing a buzzing noise or possible reservoir damage. A new bracket is available. (1995-97)
Transmission problems:
If transmission sticks in 3rd, shifts poorly, or has harsh 1-2 shift, the pulse generator may need to be replaced. (1996-99)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $595 |
| Alternator | $315 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $810 |
| Brakes | $190 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $300 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $330 |
| Exhaust System | $250 |
| Radiator | $390 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $550 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $175 |
Our price chart for this generation Hyundai Accent details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1999 | |||
| Accent | $1,300-1,800 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| 1998 | |||
| Accent | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1997 | |||
| Accent | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1996 | |||
| Accent | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
| 1995 | |||
| Accent | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Hyundai Accent include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door hatchback | 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 94.5 | 94.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 161.5 | 162.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 63.8 | 63.8 |
| Overall Height, in. | 54.9 | 54.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2101 | 2105 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 16.2 | 10.7 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 11.9 | 11.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.7 | 38.7 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.6 | 42.6 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.8 | 38.0 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 32.7 | 32.7 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Produced by Hyundai, the Accent's 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine came in two forms: single-overhead-cam for regular models, making 92 horsepower; or dual-overhead-cam in the GT, rated at 105 horsepower. Any Accent might be equipped with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or optional 4-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 1.5 / 91 | 105 | 101 | 5-speed manual: 27/35 4-speed automatic: 26/34 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc I4 | 1.5 / 91 | 92 | 96 | 5-speed manual: 28/37 4-speed automatic: 27/36 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: South Korea
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Hyundai Accent include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Accent |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1995-1999 Hyundai Accent directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1995 w/manual shift:
Engine-control module wiring harness can be contacted by clutch-pedal assembly; insulation damage can cause fuse to blow and engine to stall.
1995-96 cars sold/used in Puerto Rico:
Through contact with road hazards and curbs, lower control arm can shift from original position.
1995-97 in 20 "salt belt" states:
Road salt can result in corrosion that causes pits to form on lower coil of front springs, allowing cracks to develop and possible breakage.
1996-97:
Wipers may not operate, due to contamination in contacts.
1999 w/automatic transmission:
Pressure-control solenoid valve seals can allow transmission fluid to leak, resulting in slippage.
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