Faults:

Electrical failures mostly. I have replaced quite a few switches that have failed. The wiring loom to the rear hatch is slowly deteriorating. Almost nothing in the rear hatch works anymore: lights, wiper, door open sensor, etc.

General Comments:

First clutch lasted 180000, still on the original rear drum brakes. On the second set of front rotors and engine belts. Normal wear and tear.

Terrible for long drives, back breaking. No cruise control.

Engine has been very reliable, haven’t had any mechanical issues.

Very glad I got the loaded trim level; power everything, sunroof, makes the car at least not totally basic.

Test drove the automatic before I bought, very different, anemic power delivery. The stick feels responsive, fun, tossable, and more than adequately powered. The automatic felt underpowered, pokey, and lazy.

Faults:

Nada, nothing, zero.

General Comments:

This Hyundai Accent GS; most basic model with 5 speed manual transmission, no A/C, so I didn't expect much.

Talk about AMAZED ~~ An absolutely surprising car. The Accent lifts off and cruises effortlessly, changes lanes like a sports car, and sips gas better than expected; averages 35 mpg/hwy and around 31 mpg/city. Much better than most Hyundai reviews ever admit. However, that said, I'm not a heavy-footed driver.

I've waited a year to write this review since buying it used, because I wanted to see how it did over time. Have had the oil changed at the Kirkland Hyundai/Ford dealership just once, and for the rest, it's the most agreeable and uncomplaining vehicle ever, and I've had most over the decades... Fords, VWs, Mercedes, Volvos, BMWs, MGs, Vanden Plas, Triumph, Suzuki, Daewoo... to name just a few. As you can see, a very full range of manufacturers and prices.

The 2009 Hyundai Accent is the biggest surprise of all, as it's a surprisingly frisky sports coupe, with huge passenger compartment, which rides better than any, as the driver/passenger seats are equi-distant from both front and rear axles, therefore cushioned in the 'soft' spot. Very quiet inside, minimal wind or road noise. The gears shift smoothly, with just a small, affirming click to acknowledge you're actually in the right place. Turning circle is superb... have only had ONE other car with such a small, tight U-turn capability, which was a 1967 Volvo wagon I bought in Sweden; it turned on itself, almost literally, as does the Hyundai Accent. Very useful is that in tight city spaces!

Thoroughly pleased with comfort, reliability, economy and stunningly styled looks; immense value at such a minuscule price...!!

Faults:

The clutch hydraulic line supposedly had some air in it, or that's what the dealer told me, and the gears were going in very poorly. Now the problem is mostly fixed, but I still think it's the quality of the transmission. 12000 KM.

Transmission has trouble going into second gear from third when I want to downshift to zip by other cars. 25000 KM.

CD player sometimes won't read my disks. First time it happened was at 7000 KM.

General Comments:

The 1.6 liter 110 hp engine is adequate when you are just driving by yourself, but it is quite sluggish with 2 or more people. I would have rather seen at least 10-20 more hp out of it, and a displacement of 1.8-2.0 L. Also I keep on thinking this car is going to be burning oil before 100000 KM, with its small displacement and the high rpms you have to go up to pass cars on the highways.

The highway noise is quite noticeable, but it is still bearable.

The sound systems is quite good for the money I paid for the car, besides the quality of the CD player.

The suspension is poor at best. When I first bought the car, I could barely hear the small bumps on the road. Now with 30000 KM, every small or big bump on the road I can feel through the seat and into my body, and you can hear the thumping sounds quite a lot more now from when it was new.

Fuel economy has been good, but should be doing better for the class that the car is in. I get around 550-610 Km per 40-42 liters of gas. Which is still good, but could be better.

The hatchback version does not have an option to open the hatch from inside the car; it can only be opened by the key, and that is a bit of an inconvenience.

The rear wiper does not come with a washer fluid sprayer, and I didn't notice that until I got home unfortunately.

All in all, the car is pretty good for what you pay for it, and like always, you get what you pay for, so I am still happy I got this car for $12300.00. So if you don't have the money, and want a decent car, then buy a product from Hyundai. If you can afford a Toyota or a Honda, Subaru, Mitsubishi... then don't waste your time at Hyundai.

Bottom line is, if you want a new car for cheap, then Hyundai is your dealer.