1996 Hyundai Accent 2dr hatchback 1.4L from North America

Summary:

Great car for the price

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the car, but parts have worn out and needed replacement as is normal. Full set of brake pads, shoes and drums at 70,000 miles and again at 168,000 miles. I've had one stubborn problem at about 80,000 where the car wouldn't start and an oxygen sensor replacement fixed that. Like others, I've had a check engine light on problem, but pulling the negative lead off the battery and resetting the computer clears that, sometimes for months. No other obvious problems are associated with warning light.

General Comments:

Who can complain. The 1996 Accent which cost me $7500 is now 8 years old and pushing 200,000 miles which I am sure it will reach. The car is peppy, getting over 40 mpg consistently. Best mileage was 44.8 mpg on highway only driving. I put 4 good quality studded snow tires on the car and it goes everywhere, anytime, in the frigid landscape of Vermont. This is not a luxury car, just reasonably comfortable basic transporation for a purchase and operating price that makes ownership and operation pleasant.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th February, 2004

1996 Hyundai Accent L 1.6 from North America

Summary:

Great Performance Vehicle All Around

Faults:

Besides normal wear within the brake system nothing major has gone wrong.

Battery terminal bracket snapped.

Antenna connection is terrible.

With no power steering on this model makes it a little annoying around corners, but not a major issue.

Windows get a little harder to roll up.

General Comments:

Great car the money.

Very Snappy, Gets up and gos quickly.

Great on gas, 35mpg.

Very economical.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd October, 2003

1996 Hyundai Accent from North America

Summary:

Not the best, but not the worst

Faults:

The check engine light came on after about six months. I have to replace the oxygen sensors every year to pass inspection. I take it to a reliable mechanic, but he cannot figure out why the light keeps coming on. He told me it is something he sees a lot with Hyundais. I have replaced the oxygen sensors about four or five times.

About a year and a half ago the clutch froze up had to be adjusted. I was stuck waiting in a snow storm for a tow truck. This happened a week before Christmas, and I had to come up with about $600.00 to get it fixed. When I had the clutch fixed, the check engine light went off for about two days, then came back on again.

About three years ago the outside passenger door handle broke and wouldn't open. Now the door panel is loose on the passenger side, and the handle on the inside is falling off.

The outside mirrors are no longer black in places, they are fading out to whitish gray.

The stripping on the windows doesn't work very well. If you are driving and use your window washer fluid while the windows are down, you get dripped on.

There is a long crack in my dashboard that appeared about a year ago.

I had to replace the battery last year. Again, the check engine light went off for a few days, then came back on.

The inside dome light burned out.

General Comments:

The used car I had before this was a real lemon that I spent a lot of money on and never could get to run right, so I am not overly disappointed with my Accent.

Overall, I am pleased with my Hyundai, but there are a few things I wish were different. The check engine light issue is definitely the most frustrating thing about this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 14th August, 2003

20th Nov 2009, 11:22

"The outside mirrors are no longer black in places, they are fading out to whitish gray."

"The stripping on the windows doesn't work very well."

"There is a long crack in my dashboard that appeared about a year ago."

These must be common issues, as I have the same problems. Not a bad car, but probably won't buy another one.

5th Jan 2010, 01:23

This was my first car, I do regret buying an older Accent without knowing its history. I spent way too much fixing my car, but I would try out a newer Hyundai Accent; they are great little cars.