2002 Hyundai Accent from North America

Summary:

This car SUCKS!!!

Faults:

I own a 2002 Accent, which I bought about 3 and a half years ago or so, used.

Right off the lot, the transmission blew. Then the acceleration problems started.

More recently, I had to get my spark plug coil package replaced due to the CEL light coming on. I had to get this done 3 times before the dealership told me I needed a new computer in my car. This is going to cost me about 1000.00, on top of the 400.00 I already put into the spark plug issues. So now I have the CEL flashing at me constantly till I get that done.

Also, after replacing all of my belts at 60,000 miles as recommended, they do nothing but whine and screech now.

My brakes have been replaced 3 times, and it still makes me uncomfortable because the pedal still goes all the way to the floor; one day I'm going to slam into the back of someone.

I still owe about 3,000 on the car (yes, I got screwed), but I'm looking to get a new one because I'm irritated and feel unsafe. Off to Honda I go.

General Comments:

I will never again buy a Hyundai.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th November, 2007

15th Sep 2009, 13:41

To the previous comment.

What exactly do you mean by that statement that," All cars with automatic transmissions are already bad."? What kind of statement is that? Just because yo might prefer a manual, don't say that automatics are all bad. I have two cars, one is an auto and one is a 4-speed. And both have their eccentricities. You might want to leave your "opinions" out and just stick to facts if you are going to post info on this site.

Oh, and you are probably right about the rest of your comment. Except that I am a Technician for a Hyundai dealer and have to agree that Accent auto transmissions have weak clutches, very weak clutches, and if you don't keep fresh fluid in them (every 30k miles) then they don't last very long.

Also if you replace one, be sure to flush the cooler lines before you run it (most people don't do that and more tranny fun ensues).

17th Sep 2009, 21:38

We generally own 3 to 5 cars at a time. We've owned lots of automatics and lots of manual transmissions. We have had far more problems with standard shift cars than with our automatics. We've now switched to all automatics and all domestics. None of our imports lasted very long regardless of what transmissions they had. Our 5-speed Honda Civic was a nightmare.

2002 Hyundai Accent GS 1.5L 4 Cylinder gas from North America

Summary:

Cheap, very cheap, transportation

Faults:

Radio replaced at 30,000km under warranty.

2 diodes in fuse box replaced when dashboard lights did not work.

Brake pads and rotors replaced at 50,000km.

Transmission clunks, sometimes refuses to shift, and burns transmission fluid - temporarily fixed by changing transmission fluid.

Several plastic trim pieces fell/broke off.

Oil filters failed a few times, causing the engine to lose lots of oil. (More a filter problem, but still.)

License plate light burned out at 60,000km.

Burns oil at a rate of about 1 liter per 2000km.

Occasional grinding and banging from suspension and CV joints.

Failed emissions test, requiring replacement of O2 sensors, motor vac, and catalytic converter.

General Comments:

The car is very cheap, and it shows it. It has a very underpowered engine, and the transmission does not seem to be particularly durable. It is quite slow, passing on the highway is a high-drama affair. It's also small and cramped, but with the rear seats folded down, there is a decent amount of cargo room. It also cannot take much weight - max weight rating is 1500kg, the car weighs about 1400kg without the driver. Also, the ride is quite rough.

Lack of ABS also makes it dangerous on wet roads - a number of times I've hit the brakes coming to an intersection, and the wheels lock up, causing the car to slide through the intersection.

However, fuel mileage is decent - I've averaged around 40mpg over 2.5 years of ownership.

Overall, it's a decent little car, great for urban commuting, but not much else. Granted, I did take it on a cross Canada road trip, and it survived.

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

Review Date: 8th November, 2007