2009 Hyundai Accent

March 2009. Although the 2009 Hyundai Accent sedan and three-door hatchback compete in the subcompact market segment, they are classified as compact cars by the Environmental Protection Agency thanks to their efficient packaging and roomy interiors. Many reviewers seem surprised that they found the Hyundai Accent as pleasant as they did. In reviews, editors are pleased with the car's relative spaciousness, cabin comfort and responsive handling. Acceleration from the 110-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is not quick, but it's adequate with the five-speed manual transmission, reviewers say. However, they warn that the optional four-speed automatic makes the car even slower.

The Hyundai Accent GS Base (*est. $9,970) is the lowest-priced new car in America, but it comes with few features; there's no air conditioning, stereo or power accessories. The standard GS hatchback (*est. $11,070 to $12,070) and GLS sedan (*est. $12,920 to $13,920) models are better equipped, and the Hyundai Accent SE hatchbacks (*est. $15,070 to $15,870) add an appealing package of equipment such as a sport-tuned suspension, B&M Racing sport shifter, fog lights, ABS and 16-inch alloy wheels. All Hyundai Accent models have six airbags -- a rarity in this price class. However, the Hyundai Accent performs below average in crash tests. According to the IIHS, the Accent achieved only adequate scores for front crashes, and scores of poor in both side and rear impacts.

Reviewers give strong praise to Hyundai's five-year, 60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain coverage -- among the longest warranties in the industry. They are also impressed with EPA fuel-economy ratings of 27 mpg city and 33 mpg highway with the manual and 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway with the automatic. Real-life mileage averages around 30-34 mpg, tests reveal, although one automatic-equipped vehicle only averaged 22 mpg in the city. Many reviews say the Hyundai Accent provides the most value in its price class, but add that the 2009 Nissan Versa (*est. $9,990 to $16,330) is a worthy alternative with a bigger interior. The 2009 Toyota Yaris (*est. $12,205 to $15,125) is smaller, but offers more refinement, according to reviews. Both Versa and Yaris come in five-door hatchback body styles as well. Another low-priced car suggested in reviews is the Accent's platform-sharing cousin, the 2009 Kia Rio (*est. $11,495 to $14,025), especially in the more practical Rio5 five-door hatchback body style.