Best economy car, hatchback 2011 Honda Fit *Est. $15100
Best economy car, sedan 2011 Hyundai Elantra *Est. $14830
Best sporty compact car 2011 Volkswagen GTI *Est. $23695
Best nonhybrid fuel economy 2011 Volkswagen Golf TDI *Est. $23225
Best cheap compact car 2011 Nissan Versa *Est. $9990

See All Economy Cars

2008 Hyundai Accent

*Est. $10,775 to $15,595

Pros

Low base price
10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
Six air bags standard
Smooth ride

Cons

Bothersome engine noise at higher speeds
Marginal or worse crash-test ratings
Uncomfortable seats
Low resale value

Our Analysis

The best comparative reviews we found for the 2008 Hyundai Accent come from such perennially reliable sources as Consumer Reports magazine, where editors combine extensive road evaluations with owner-reported data to estimate qualities such as safety, long-term reliability and owner satisfaction. ConsumerGuide.com engages in similar road testing of most vehicles, although results are reported in a more quantitative chart-based form. A head-to-head review of the Hyundai Accent actually covers the 2006 model, but because Accent sedans have seen only minor changes since then, Car and Driver's comparison of the Accent with six other subcompact cars is still valid for the 2008 model year. Edmunds.com, NewCarTestDrive.com and CarCritic.com all provide very good standalone coverage of the 2008 Hyundai Accent.

Reviews say that if price is your primary consideration, the 2008 Hyundai Accent is a sensible choice. Although the base model doesn't provide many standard convenience features (no radio, power locks, power windows or an anti-lock braking system), it does come with dual front air bags, front side-impact air bags and curtain-side air bags. A 60/40-split folding rear seat is standard on all models as well. The 2008 Hyundai Accent can be purchased in both sedan and hatchback variants, but reviews say performance of either version is nothing exceptional. Engine noise can be a problem at highway speeds, and acceleration with automatic transmission-equipped models is weak, even compared with other subcompacts like the Toyota Yaris (*est. $11,350 to $14,450) or the class-leading Honda Fit (*est. $13,950 to $16,070).

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2008 Hyundai Accent

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Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

The Hyundai Accent is included in Consumer Reports' comprehensive testing of 2008 vehicles. This review includes documentation on predicted reliability, based on past-model-year reader-survey data. The analysis also considers ride quality, handling and safety.

Review: 2008 Hyundai Accent, Editors of Consumer Reports

2. ConsumerGuide.com

ConsumerGuide.com road-tests the 2008 Hyundai Accent, then gives performance ratings that can be compared with other subcompact cars'. Maneuverability, fuel economy, build quality and value are high points. Acceleration and steering are less-impressive.

Review: 2008 Hyundai Accent, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Sept. 4, 2008

3. Edmunds.com

According to editors at Edmunds.com, Hyundai has been quietly improving over the years. Although editors say its performance is nothing exceptional, they add that the 2008 Hyundai Accent is inexpensive, capable and offers a long warranty.

Review: 2008 Hyundai Accent Review, Editors of Edmunds.com

4. New Car Test Drive

This detailed single-vehicle overview provides reviews of the Accent's exterior styling, interior features, and driving experience, along with information on the model's specifications. Rettie is mostly complimentary.

Review: 2008 Hyundai Accent Review, John Rettie

5. Car and Driver Details/Subscribe

Holstein notes a few minor drawbacks to the 2008 Hyundai Accent, but he notes that buyers won't "extract more grins from any other new car that costs $11,425".

Review: Penny Pinchers: The Ten Least Expensive Cars Sold in the U.S., Jared Holstein, Apr. 2008

6. CarCritic.comDetails/Subscribe

This brief, critical review calls the 2008 Hyundai Accent "a genuinely sensible choice" in its class, adding that it's larger and roomier than past years' models, with an economical price tag and excellent warranty coverage.

Review: 2008 Hyundai Accent, Don Vorderman

7. Car and Driver Details/Subscribe

In this comparative review, the 2006 Hyundai Accent is criticized for "sloppy" shifting and soft suspension. Still, Phillips writes, the Accent is a quiet car with a smooth highway ride and a low price tag.

Review: $15,000 Cheap Skates, John Phillips, May 2006

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