30th Mar 2003, 20:02

I totally understand your problems with the Accent; I have a 2001 GL with automatic transmission. I bought the car new because it had a great warranty and I THOUGHT a new car was better than a used one too. My transmission has been replaced twice now and I was also stranded in another state in the middle of the road. I was stuck for eight hours because my car was towed to the dealer and no one would rent me a car because I am not 25. This will be my last Hyundai EVER!!!

27th May 2003, 20:16

I myself driver a 97 Hyundai Accent GT. I myself find this car to drive like a dream. Never broken down on me at all. It runs clean and smooth and has a very high performance in my opinion. I bought the car used at 68,000 miles and have put another 5,000 miles on it since then and it never failed me. I find this car to be more of a racing vehicle then a passenger vehicle. Can jump this car to 60 in like 8 seconds and cruise it to 80+ without even feeling a change in the ride of the car. I would recommend this vehicle highly to any teen that wants to have a car that looks and runs sporty and will last them a good while.

8th Jul 2003, 11:46

This car's electrical system is terrible. Have broken down SIX times --- each time, I've had to have the battery and alternator replaced. This stupid car is like a computer with a very small amount of memory: It runs fine if you are not operating the headlights, A/C or CD player. Otherwise, the car just can't handle it and shorts out, causing me to completely lose power. I'm tired of it. Selling it immediately.

30th Aug 2004, 09:21

I own a 1997 Accent GT and I LOVE it. I bought it in 1999 with 14,000 miles on it and have only taken it in once for a tune up. I get the oil changed regularly and keep the tires rotated and aligned. I have never had an electrical problem. The only problem I have had was a gas tank that had a crack, and it ended up that the car was recalled for this, but they put in a new tank for free in an hour and I haven't had problems since. The car is a little speed demon and it handles great. Sorry for the people who have had problems, but perhaps it's the driver and the lack of car maintenance, or skilled mechanics, not the car itself.

26th Oct 2005, 12:31

Had my 1997 Accent for about four years now, it has 245500 miles now although a forth of them are tow miles (I'm an RV'er). So far I have had problems with a noisy front wheel bearing. After the second replacement I replaced the axle & hub with a used assembly and have not had problems since. The rear struts have been replaced twice. Its ready for a tuneup, first one was at 200K, so its showing ware. It's been a good car for the price.

27th Oct 2005, 09:40

Bought a 97 Accent GL Hatchback, Brand New in 96, we now have 200,000 km's on it and it's still kicking without ANY major issues. Unfortunately there is no resale value and we'll probably drive it till it's scrap, but everyone in the house uses and abuses it. Best car for the money. I'll buy used next time. Remember, this 1.5l engine is the same as the bullet proof Honda Civic's of the late 80s to early 90s.

7th Jul 2007, 19:35

OK I want to bring you back to comment "30th Mar 2003, 20:02" that talks about his 2001 Accent. I totally hear what you are saying! The new ones are, with the lack of a better word CRAP, but you can't say the 1997's are the same! They are not at all!

I have one with 200,000kms on it, which is 125000 miles at 10 years old. Only complaints are that it is light on the highways (as expected), long throws in the shifter, and the body does rust and dent easy. For the price, I got my money out quite a few years back.

My wife bought a new Accent GSI, thinking it would be like mine, WRONG!

Wish they would make em like they used to! Sorry to hear about your bad luck guys! If you want a cheap old thing to beat up, go Hyundai!!!

6th May 2009, 14:15

I have 99 Accent GSi, which is pretty much the same as the 97, and I have about 217000 miles, and the car still runs to full potential if you know how to take care of it. You can find the same problems you have had in a brand new Mercedes, so don't judge too quickly.

4th Jul 2010, 06:51

I've owned 4 Hyundai Accents - 1996 1.5, 1997 1.5 (2 of) and a 1998 1.3.

The 1996 got no mercy from me, and 86 000kms later and a bearing knock, I traded it for a 1997 model. Two years later and 50 000kms on the clock (and going very well), I traded it for a 1997 Mazda MX6 (reason why is I did a lot of long distance travelling then, and needed a bigger car) and we also bought my wife a 1998 1.3 Accent.

In 2002 we bought my wife a 1997 Accent (with 62 000kms on the clock). It now has 170 000kms, electric door locks that play up and a somewhat noisy and smoking engine (I must admit that in the last 6 years no service, no new cambelt, only oil top up and a new battery) but still starts at the first turn of the key. My wife uses it to work every day.

We are now reluctantly shopping around for a new car - perhaps a Hyundai GETZ, but I don't know if they are as reliable as our previous Accents. So overall a good little car in my opinion.