1995-1999 Hyundai Accent Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Hyundai Accent. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Hyundai Accent.

1995-1999 Hyundai Accent Review

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.

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.

1995-1999 Hyundai Accent Road Test

Pros	Cons

Fuel economy	Noise

Visibility	Passing power

Optional antilock brakes	Driving position

Instruments/controls

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.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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:	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.

1995-1999 Hyundai Accent Reliability

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: Automatic transmission may flare between second and third or downshift poorly. There is a modified transmission-control module available. (1996-97)

Automatic transmission: If the transmission slips or will not go into fourth gear, the end clutch needs to be replaced. (1995-96)

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

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.

1995-1999 Hyundai Accent Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1995
Accent	$1,000-1,300	$600-800	$100

1996
Accent	$1,000-1,400	$600-800	$100

1997
Accent	$1,100-1,500	$700-900	$100-200

1998
Accent	$1,200-1,700	$700-1,000	$100-200

1999
Accent	$1,300-2,000	$800-1,300	$200

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.

1995-1999 Hyundai Accent Specs & Safety

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	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohc I4	1.5 / 91	92	96	5-speed manual: 28/37 4-speed automatic: 27/36	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: --

dohc I4	1.5 / 91	105	101	5-speed manual: 27/35 4-speed automatic: 26/34	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1999 Accent	1999 Accent

Front Impact, Driver	3	3

Front Impact, Passenger	4	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%. Side-impact 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%.

Built In: South Korea

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

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Also in the 1995-1999 Hyundai Accent Review:

Hyundai Accent

Hyundai Accent Road Test

Hyundai Accent Reliability

Hyundai Accent Prices

Hyundai Accent Specs & Safety

Hyundai Accent Photos

Hyundai Accent Full Review