Faults:

Check Engine light on, but no one can seem to figure out what the codes mean. Doesn't affect the performance of the car, though.

Had to replace both the clutch and transmission at 85k miles.

Driver's side front caliper seized and had to be replaced at about 55k miles.

General Comments:

I use this car as a courier, and except for the transmission issues, it's near perfect for the job.

The gas mileage is great; I tend to get between 33-45 mpg. It's super easy to park due to its minuscule size, and handling is OK. Boy, is this car noisy, though. The engine definitely makes significantly more noise than power. Hyundai clearly didn't spend any time or money on sound insulation.

I have to say that the interior has to be one of the best designed that I've ever seen, as far as layout and appearance. The layout has an almost Toyota-like cleanness to it; very logical and well-thought out. Until you touch it, that is. Cheap plastic is everywhere. You can scratch up the plastic with your fingernails, it's so cheap. Plus, as the car is getting older the plastic that started out gray is turning a particularly nasty shade of booger green. Some of the plastic in the trunk area has actually become brittle and crumbly after being exposed to the sun for so long.

I'm a little angry about the transmission. I've heard other people talk about their manual Accents and it seems that I'm lucky to have gotten 85k miles out of mine. A mechanic at one of the dealerships that I have service at said that the 2001-2003 Accents all have weak clutches and transmissions. Wish I'd have known that before I bought it. For what it's worth, the automatics seem to be pretty reliable.

The routine maintenance costs for this car are a lot to take. The 60k service costs $850 for a manual trans version, and $975 for an auto trans version. Compare that with my Oldsmobile Alero, which didn't need a major service until 100k, and that cost $700.

Given the transmission issues, I probably wouldn't buy another Accent. I wouldn't rule out Hyundai in general, though. They've come a long way.

Faults:

Since I drove the car off the dealers lot I have had not 1 problem.

The only thing is that now my brakes are beginning to squeak a little. (They are due anyways)

I have been surprised since I bought it used.

General Comments:

I personally did not like driving on 13' wheels (Too Small) they looked like tractor trailer tires.

I have since put on my old 14" Honda mags which make the car drive & Look Bigger.

I like the way it drives for a little car, it handles corners very well and keeps up on the highway.

Great on Gas!

If you keep up on the basic maintenance this car should let you run it into the ground for years to come.