2002 Hyundai Accent: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Air conditioning is standard for 2002 on higher-trim versions of Hyundai's smallest car. Accent comes in three models. The base L is a 2-dr hatchback with a 1.5-liter 4-cyl engine and comes only with manual transmission. GS hatchbacks and GL 4-dr sedans have a 1.6-liter engine and either manual or automatic transmission. Air conditioning is now standard on GS and GL, optional on L. Accent is among the few cars that isn't available with ABS. This South Korean automaker offers one of the industry's longest warranties: 5-years/60,000-mi. bumper-to-bumper, 10-years/100,000 powertrain.

COMPETITION

A perennial favorite, the Honda Civic, is as good as ever. We love the wide range of bodystyles, engines, and equipment. Civic is a solid car that has good performance, a nice ride, and a high degree of civility. We also love almost everything about the Ford Focus, but were reluctant to rank it a Best Buy because it was new from the ground up. After a year of living with a ZTS model, we can say that the reliability is good. Focus ranks a notch below Civic in some areas but costs less.

Topping the crowded Recommended list are the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. They easily could be Best Buys. However, they are among the most expensive cars in this segment. Other Recommended choices include the no-frills Toyota Echo, the sporty Nissan Sentra, and the roomy Mazda Protege.