2007 Hyundai Accent Review

What reviews like:
With a starting price of just over $10,000, the main asset of the 2007 Hyundai Accent is its low price. The basic 5-year/60,000-mile warranty is another highlight. While you don’t get many convenience features on the base models, both hatchback and sedan versions of the 2007 Hyundai Accent come with six standard airbags. Performance isn't exceptional in reviews. Still, the ride is said to be smooth, and many experts say this car performs much better than past versions of the Hyundai Accent, belying the low starting price.

What reviews don't like:

According to reviews, performance of the 2007 Hyundai Accent just can't keep up with the competition. Engine noise on the highway is an issue in reviews, especially at speeds over 70 mph. Some reviews say the seats aren't as comfortable as they could be, and resale value is typically low. In crash tests at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Accent gets scores of "poor" for side and rear impacts and only a score of "marginal" for front impacts.

EPA fuel economy estimate: 28 to 32 mpg/city, 35 to 37 mpg/highway, depending on engine

2007 Hyundai Accent review highlights

Reviews say the Hyundai Accent makes the most sense if price matters to you above all else. Although at the base price you don't get many convenience features (no radio, no power locks or windows, no ABS), it does come with dual front airbags, front side airbags and curtain side airbags standard. And even the base model has a 60/40-split folding rear seat. The 2007 Hyundai Accent comes in both sedan and hatchback variations. According to reviews, performance is nothing exceptional. Engine noise on the highway is a problem, and acceleration just can't compete with a better-rated subcompact like the Toyota Yaris (*est. $11,050 to $14,150) or the even better Honda Fit (*est. $13,850 to $15,170).

The best comparative review we found for the 2007 Hyundai Accent is actually a review for the 2006 model, but since the 2007 Accent sedans are relatively unchanged for the 2007 model year, Car and Driver's comparison of the Accent with six other subcompact cars is still valid. The hatchback variation of the Hyundai Accent is new for 2007, and we found good, but divergent, coverage at Automobile.com and Business Week magazine. A review from Road and Travel is also helpful. Aside from the Car and Driver review, only Business Week's review compares the Hyundai Accent to its primary competition.

Also see full report: Economy Cars

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Car and Driver
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$15,000 Cheap Skates
John Phillips and Aaron Kiley
May 2006

This comparison review covers seven subcompact cars, including the Hyundai Accent. Though it’s actually the 2006 Accent that’s covered here, the 2007 Hyundai Accent sedans are relatively unchanged for the 2007 model year, so Car and Driver's comparison is still valid. Overall, the Hyundai Accent finishes fifth. Shifting is called "sloppy," and suspension was too springy on hills. Still, editors say the Accent is worth a look if you want a quiet car with a smooth ride and low price tag. (The Honda Fit ultimately wins this roundup.)

2. Automobile.com
Hatch of the Day
Justin Couture
June 2006

Automobile.com delivers a thorough review of the hatchback version of the 2007 Hyundai Accent. Reviewer Justin Couture didn't expect to like the Hyundai Accent as much as he did. He notes improvements in fit and finish, interior comfort and both handling and steering. While Couture doesn't compare the Accent to other cars, he says it's a real competitor among subcompact hatchbacks.

3. Road and Travel.com
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Hyundai goes hip with the new gen of economy Accent
Jeff Voth

This review of the 2007 Hyundai Accent focuses mainly on features, along with comparisons to prior model-year Accent sedans. Overall, Jeff Voth says the Accent is a surprisingly nice car. However, he does note that the seats could be a bit more supportive and says there's some road noise. "While not groundbreaking by any stretch of imagination, the new Accent offers more features and good looks than previous generation models." concludes Voth.

4. Edmunds.com
2007 Hyundai Accent review
Editors of Edmunds.com

According to editors at Edmunds.com, Hyundai has been quietly improving over the years, and the Accent is one of the better choices at the low end of the price scale. Although editors say performance is nothing exceptional, especially compared to some of the new 2007 subcompacts, the Hyundai is inexpensive and offers a long warranty. Resale value is typically low.

5. CarCritic.com
2007 Hyundai Accent review
Don Vorderman

CarCritic.com doesn't review cars in depth. Instead, editors offer a quick assessment that tries to get to the point. In the case of the Hyundai Accents, editors call it "a genuinely sensible choice." Acceleration isn't too bad, and the whole car is larger and roomier than past models. The Hyundai Accent isn't directly compared to other cars. Reading reviews on this site will cost you $1 each.

6. Business Week
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2007 Hyundai Accent SE
Thane Peterson
Nov. 17, 2006

Business Week reviewer Thane Peterson says the 2007 Hyundai Accent SE hatchback is a better bet on paper than behind the wheel. Its price and features compare well, but it falls short of the competing Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa and Chevrolet Aveo hatchback. Acceleration is slow, and at speeds over 70, engine noise was such a problem that Peterson thought there was something wrong with the car. Rear seats are cramped. Suspension, improved steering and the smooth ride are noted as positives. While the price is low, Peterson says the Yaris is a better bet for the same money.

7. Consumer Guide.com
2007 Hyundai Accent Road Test
Editors of ConsumerGuide.com

Consumer Guide doesn't generally do narrative reviews. Rather, road tests are broken down into sets of performance ratings with some brief notes. The 2007 Hyundai Accent is noted as being a "best buy" in its class. Maneuverability, fuel economy and build quality are all indicated to be high points, along with value. Acceleration and steering are less impressive, especially when equipped with an automatic transmission.

8. Consumer Reports
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2007 Hyundai Accent review
Editors of Consumer Reports

Editors at Consumer Reports generally review most cars on the market, but at the time of our visit (March 2007), editors hadn't yet tested the 2007 Hyundai Accent. Editors have tested previous models, however.

Also see full report: Economy Cars

2007 Hyundai Accent Review