Used 2007 Hyundai Accent

Introduced in 1994, Korean-maker Hyundai’s Accent led U.S. entry-level car sales from 2000-2005, mostly due to its value for the money and Hyundai’s aggressive warranty — despite a reputation for somewhat questionable quality. Now that high fuel prices have this segment heating up, Hyundai’s third-generation Accent will have tough new competition for 2007 — Korean partner Kia’s Rio, Honda’s Fit, Nissan’s Versa, Toyota’s Yaris and Chevrolet’s (also Korean-built) upgraded Aveo, but it still should be up to the task.

Hyundai’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder led its entry-level class at 110 horsepower until Nissan’s 122-horsepower Versa arrived, but it’s hardly a strong performer. Driving through 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 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.

The Accent’s interior materials, fits and gaps 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. There are handy bins, trays and cupholders between the seats and in the front doors (but no covered bin or locking glove box), a lighter and a second 12-volt outlet on the instrument panel’s vertical stack, storage bins in each rear door and pockets on the backs of both front seats. 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.

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.

GLS Handling
We were pleasantly surprised with the steering and handling of our Premium Sport 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 rolling stock.

Hyundai Warranty
An extra-long warranty is one thing quality-challenged automakers can offer to improve buyer confidence. It’s expensive if problems continue but provides a strong incentive to improve product quality as quickly as possible. Hyundai has done both in recent years, with its five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 10-year/ 100,000-mile powertrain warranties, along with impressive quality improvements.

The Accent comes in three flavors for 2007: Base GS three-door, sporty SE three-door and the GLS four-door. The modest GS standard equipment list includes power steering, tilt steering column, eight-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, 60/40-split rear seat (which reclines or folds flat), cabin air filtration, variable intermittent wipers and a rear spoiler. The SE adds air conditioning, power windows and locks and power heated outside mirrors, illuminated vanity mirrors, remote keyless entry with alarm and panic alert (but no decklid release), leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, fog lamps, sport suspension, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and P205/45VR16 tires on 16-inch alloy wheels. The GLS sedan has base GS equipment plus air conditioning and a 172-watt six-speaker audio with CD, but needs an optional Premium 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 on the SE are a power sunroof and a 220-watt premium audio system with cassette and six-disc in-dash CD player. A Premium Package for the GLS includes ABS, power windows, locks and mirrors and remote keyless entry, while an available Premium-Sport Package adds all that plus 195/55VR15 tires on 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.

Hyundai’s 1.6-liter four has twin 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 28/37 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: 32/35 (manual), 28/37 (automatic)